8 de diciembre de 2008

ACTUALIZACIÓN DE ADUANAS DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS

La Comisión para la Seguridad de Productos de Consumo de los Estados Unidos-CPSC- emite la Regla Final que aclara los requisitos de certificación para los productos de consumo locales e importados fabricados a partir y después del 12 de noviembre del 2008.

La regla final de la CPSC simplifica los requisitos de certificación y motiva al staff de CPSC a enfocarse en la conformidad con los estándares de seguridad más que con los requisitos de certificación

La ley de Mejora de la seguridad de productos para el consumidor del 2008 (CPSIA, por sus siglas en inglés) aprobada el 14 de agosto del 2008, requiere que los fabricantes e importadores de los Estados Unidos extiendan un “certificado de conformidad” asegurando que todos los productos de consumo sujetos a reglas, prohibiciones, estándares o regulaciones requeridas por la Comisión para la Seguridad de Productos de Consumo de los Estados Unidos –CPSC- se cumplan.

La CPSIA amplía el espectro a productos de consumo que son actualmente sujeto de estándares de seguridad, como: joyería, juguetes productos deportivos, materiales peligrosos, telas, ropa y accesorios, productos para niños, refrigeradores, pinturas, fármacos, muebles, entre otros.

CPSC está conciente que hay un período muy corto para el cumplimiento con el nuevo certificado requerido para estos productos, por ello, el 10 de noviembre del presente año la CPSC acordó la regla final, dirigiéndose a tres temas sustanciales
Relacionadas a los requisitos del Certificado de Conformidad:

1) ¿Quién debe emitir el certificado?

Originalmente, la CPSIA establecía que en caso de productos importados tanto el fabricante como el importador debían de certificar en conformidad con las reglas de CPSC, a menos que la CPSC por regla específicamente se le libere de responsabilidad a cualquiera de los dos.

Adicionalmente, si el producto tiene una marca privada, el dueño o responsable de ésta también debe de certificar (en adición a los certificados emitidos por el fabricante y por el importador).

La regla final simplifica el proceso de certificación al limitar el número de partes que deben emitir dicho certificado, al menos que los estándares preexistentes lo requieran de otra forma.

CPSC determinó que para los productos importados, solo el importador necesita emitir el certificado de conformidad.

Los fabricantes extranjeros y los fabricantes de marcas privadas de productos privados (private labelers) no necesitan emitir los certificados.

Para los productos manufacturados en los Estados Unidos, solo el fabricante local deberá emitir el certificado. Los fabricantes locales de marcas privadas, tampoco necesitan del certificado y no necesitan ser considerados como parte en el certificado.

2) ¿Como puede ser completado el certificado?

CPSIA establece que cada certificado debe acompañar al producto o al envío del producto cubierto por el mismo certificado.

La ley requiere que una copia del certificado sea enviada a los minoristas o distribuidor del producto en los Estados Unidos.

La regla final indica que medios electrónicos pueden ser utilizados para cumplir con los requerimientos de certificación de la CPSIA y que los certificados de conformidad pueden acompañar al producto y ser enviados a los distribuidores y minoristas a través de varios medios electrónicos.

Tomar nota que la CPSC ha indicado que el certificado es necesario que acompañe los envíos destinados para zonas de comercio extranjero ya sea o no para consumo en los Estados Unidos.

3) CPSC Enforcement of General Certification

Bajo la CPSIA, los importadores que no emitan el certificado de conformidad serán penalizados con multas desde $100,000 por violación (hasta $15 millones) y los oficiales podrán imponer penalizaciones criminales.

Además, a los productos importados que no estén acompañados por el certificado requerido podrán denegársele la entrada o incluso ser destruidos. Mientras la CPSC espera que todas las empresas hagan sus mejores esfuerzos para cumplir debidamente con los requisitos del nuevo certificado, CPSC aparenta estar enfocado sus esfuerzos iniciales de cumplimiento sobre la conformidad con los requerimientos de seguridad de CPSC, más que sobre el certificado en sí.

Al mismo tiempo, el énfasis en las fases previas de implementación no se paralizarán envíos por el único propósito de confirmar que estos envíos están acompañados del Certificado de Conformidad.

No obstante si el Departamento de Seguridad y Fronteras –CBP-, la agencia que hace cumplir los requisitos de certificación para productos importados, detiene y examina por cualquier razón un envío que debería tener el certificado, y no lo tiene ni información de cómo obtener el certificado electrónicamente, CBP puede tomar medidas incluyendo la negación a la entrada, confiscación o destrucción de la mercancía bajo costo del dueño. Tomar en cuenta que la mercadería no puede ser reexportada.

Eventualmente, los examinadores del específico objetivo de asegurarse que el certificado acompañe al producto probablemente se incluirán, aunque no se han anunciado.

4 de julio de 2008

DOING BUSINESS WITH CHICAGO

Doing Business in Chicago

The world’s largest illuminated fountain, the credit for production of the first pinball machine, the 47,330 fire hydrants that line the sidewalks; this is not all that the city of Chicago boasts. As the country’s core for transportation and manufacturing, and as one of the leaders in the financial world, the business community of Chicago has strength in its diversity. The opportunities in each of the city’s business sectors make Chicago the ideal location for doing business.

Chicago is the largest city in the state of Illinois, the largest in the Midwest, and, with a population of nearly 3 million people located almost entirely in Cook County (a portion of the city's O'Hare International Airport overlaps into DuPage County), is the third-most populous city in the United States. The Chicago metropolitan area (commonly referred to as Chicagoland) has a population of over 9.7 million people in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana, making it also the third largest metropolitan area in the U.S. Adjacent to Lake Michigan, it is the largest city located on the Great Lakes and among the world's twenty-five largest urban areas by population. Chicago has been classified as an alpha world city for its worldwide economic and cultural influence.

Demographics

According to the census of 2005, the population of Chicago is 2,701,926, 48.1% of which are men, 51.9% women. Of the population, 778,234 (28.8%) are Hispanic, an increase of 2.8% from the year 2000 census. Hispanics make up the third largest ethnicity in Chicago; the remainder of the population includes Caucasian, African American, Asian, and Native American ethnicities, in descending order.

Almost half of the population (44.7%) falls between the ages of 25 and 54; according to the Federal Workforce Overview of 2004, approximately 77% of all people in the workforce fell within this age bracket. These statistics shine light on the advantages of being a business man or woman in Chicago, and more importantly, the growing business opportunities for Hispanics in this region.

Economy

Chicago has the third largest gross metropolitan product in the nation — approximately $442 billion according to 2007. The city has also been rated as having the most balanced economy in the United States, due to its high level of diversification. Additionally, the Chicago metropolitan area recorded the greatest number of new or expanded corporate facilities in the United States for six of the past seven years. In 2006, Chicago placed 10th on the UBS list of the world's richest cities.

Chicago is a major financial center with the second largest central business district in the U.S. The city is the headquarters of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (the Seventh District of the Federal Reserve). The city is also home to three major financial and futures exchanges, including the Chicago Stock Exchange, the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (the "Merc"), which includes the former Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT).

Manufacturing, printing, publishing, and food processing also play major roles in the city's economy. Several medical products and services companies are headquartered in the Chicago area, including Baxter International, Abbott Laboratories, and the Healthcare Financial Services division of General Electric. Moreover, the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, which helped move goods from the Great Lakes south on the Mississippi River, and of the railroads in the 19th century made the city a major transportation center in the United States.

Chicago is also a major convention destination. The city's main convention center is McCormick Place. With its four interconnected buildings, it is the third largest convention center in the world. Chicago also ranks third in the U.S. (behind Las Vegas and Orlando) in number of conventions hosted annually. In addition, Chicago is home to eleven Fortune 500 companies, while the metropolitan area hosts an additional 21 Fortune 500 companies. The state of Illinois is home to 66 Fortune 1000 companies. Chicago also hosts 12 Fortune Global 500 companies and 17 Financial Times 500 companies. The city claims one Dow 30 company as well: aerospace giant Boeing, which moved its headquarters from Seattle to the Chicago Loop in 2001.

Exports and International Trade

Illinois’s exports include a variety of industries, each of which is greatly contributed to by the business environment of Chicago. In 2006, the machinery industry (not including electrical machinery) was responsible for $11.79 billion in exports, computers and electronics $8.3 billion, chemicals $5.83 billion, transportation equipment $4.71 billion, and agriculture, food and kindred products $2.65 billion. Great exporting opportunities lie in these industries.

Chicago’s central, Midwest location allows exports to be equally split between Asia and Europe. To help both local firms and companies overseas facilitate international trade, many trade missions and expos are held in Chicago. The city’s numerous hotels and exhibition facilities hold some of the nation’s largest trade shows and conventions, earning Chicago the title of the Convention Capital. These trade shows exhibit products, raw materials and customers to better present business opportunities to overseas companies.

Business and Living Costs

Chicago is ranked number seven of the ten most expensive metropolitan areas of which to do business in the United States; the cost of doing business includes the cost of labor, taxes, energy, and office space. An index of $108.7 is slightly higher than the US average of $100. New York comes in at number one with an index of $135.7.

The relative price levels for consumer goods and services are measured by the cost of living index, and Chicago the seventh most expensive metropolitan area according to these standards. Chicago’s index of $110.5 is above the US average of 100. New York tops this list as well, with an index of $175.5.

Third on the list, only to New York and Los Angeles, for most business establishments in a city, Chicago has a total of $354,751 and is growing yearly. These businesses, whether old or new, give way to a multitude of opportunities in the area.

Transportation

Chicago is a major transportation hub in the United States. It is an important component in global distribution, as it is the third largest inter-modal port in the world after Hong Kong and Singapore. Additionally, it is the only city in North America in which six Class I railroads meet. Chicago is served by Midway International Airport on the south side and O'Hare International Airport, one of the world's busiest airports, on the far northwest side

These is just a glance of what you can find out in this great state.

Please find more information at:
www.wikipedia.com

City of Chicago Website
http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalDeptCategoryAction.do?deptCategoryOID=536900094&contentType=COC_EDITORIAL&topChannelName=Dept&entityName=Planning+And+Development&deptMainCategoryOID=-536886126

Changing Hispanic demographics: Opportunities and constraints in the financial market
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3631/is_200308/ai_n9265008

22 de mayo de 2008

VISITA ESTUDIANTES UNIVERSIDAD DE WISCONSIN


El día martes 20 de mayo, AmCham recibió la visita de un grupo de estudiantes de la Universidad de Wisconsin, quienes desean afianzar lazos comerciales con nuestro país y la región.

De acuerdo con Wendy Brooke, profesora de negocios de dicha universidad, uno de los factores más importantes para determinar dónde establecer negocios en los Estados Unidos es su ubicación. Ubicado en la región de los grandes lagos, Wisconsin se encuentra estratégicamente ubicado cerca de la frontera con Canadá.

Esta ubicación estratégica le permite a Wisconsin atender tanto el mercado estadounidense como el canadiense. Wisconsin cuenta con una población de 5.6 millones de habitantes y está a 500 millas de:

  • 31% de todas las operaciones de manufactura de los Estados Unidos.
  • 46% de todas las operaciones de manufactura de Canadá.
  • 33% de la población total de los Estados Unidos
  • 22% de la población total de Canadá.

Wisconsin es un gran Estado para hacer negocios. Un estudio reciente del Milken Institute indica que el costo de hacer negocios es 4.6% más bajo en Wisconsin que el promedio nacional de los Estados Unidos; adicionalmente, también los impuestos comerciales son más bajos que en otros 35 Estados.

Esto, aunado con una gran fuerza laboral, leal y dispuesta a trabajar, son algunas de las razones para emprender nuevos negocios en esta Estado.

A pesar de haber sido un importante productor de hierro y plomo, a fines del siglo XX la única producción mineral significativa de Wisconsin era piedra triturada, arena y grava, todas ellas para uso en la construcción.

La industrialización comenzó a fines del siglo XIX en el sudeste del estado, siendo Milwaukee su centro más importante, y extendiéndose principalmente por el sudeste del estado, a lo largo de la orilla del lago Míchigan, desde Illinois hasta Green Bay. Destacan las industrias alimentarias (Oscar Mayer, Kraft Foods, Miller Brewing Company), de maquinaria y equipo de transporte (Harley-Davidson, Johnson Controls, Oshkosh Truck), papelera (Kimberly-Clark, de instrumentos médicos y editorial (Krause Publications).

En las últimas décadas las actividades del sector servicios, especialmente las de medicina y educación, han crecido en importancia.

En Wisconsin existen seis clusters en las siguientes industrias: lácteos, alimentos procesados, papel, plásticos, imprenta y turismo. Adicionalmente, están emergiendo algunas más: biotecnología, tecnología de la información y aparatos médicos.

25 de abril de 2008

DOING BUSINESS WITH DENVER


The State of Colorado is a state located in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States of America. Colorado may also be considered to be a part of the Western and Southwestern regions of the United States. The United States Census Bureau estimates that the state population was 4,861,515 in 2007, a 13.03% increase since the U.S. Census 2000. Denver is the capital as well as the most populous city of Colorado.

Central Location

Located 346 miles west of the geographic center of the continental United States, Colorado is an excellent location for doing business with the entire nation. The state is located in the Mountain Time Zone, allowing communications with both coasts, and with Europe, South America, and the Far East in the same business day. Colorado also boasts 'one-bounce' satellite uplinks that provide real-time connections to six of seven continents in one business day.

Economy

The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that the total state product in 2006 was $230 billion ranking 8th among the country and above California. Per capita personal income was $41,798, putting Colorado seventh in the nation. The state's economy broadened from its mid-19th century roots in mining when irrigated agriculture developed, and by the late 19th century, raising livestock had become important. Early industry was based on the extraction and processing of minerals and agricultural products. Current agricultural products are cattle, wheat, dairy products, corn, and hay.

The federal government is also a major economic force in the state with many important federal facilities including NORAD, United States Air Force Academy and Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs; NOAA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder; U.S. Geological Survey and other government agencies at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood; the Denver Mint, Buckley Air Force Base, and 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver; and a federal Supermax Prison and other federal prisons near Cañon City. In addition to these and other federal agencies, Colorado has abundant National Forest land and four National Parks that contribute to federal ownership of 24,615,788 acres (99,617 km²) of land in Colorado, or 37% of the total area of the state.[20] In the second half of the 20th century, the industrial and service sectors have expanded greatly. The state's economy is diversified and is notable for its concentration of scientific research and high-technology industries. Other industries include food processing, transportation equipment, machinery, chemical products, minerals such as gold and molybdenum, and tourism. Colorado also produces the largest amount of beer of any state.[21] Denver is an important financial center.

Colorado has a flat 4.63% income tax, regardless of income level. Unlike most states, which calculate taxes based on federal adjusted gross income, Colorado taxes are based on taxable income - income after federal exemptions and federal itemized (or standard) deductions. Colorado's state sales tax is 2.9% on retail sales. When state revenues exceed state constitutional limits, full-year Colorado residents can claim a sales tax refund on their individual state income tax return. Many counties and cities charge their own rates in addition to the base state rate. There are also certain county and special district taxes that may apply.

Real estate and personal business property are taxable in Colorado. The state's senior property tax exemption was temporarily suspended by the Colorado Legislature in 2003. The tax break is scheduled to return for assessment year 2006, payable in 2007.

Demographics

Colorado has one of the highest proportions of Hispanic citizens of any U.S. state; only five states have a higher percentage. Denver and some other areas have significant Mexican populations, while southern Colorado has a large number of Hispanos, the descendants of early New Mexican settlers of colonial Spanish origin. The 2000 U.S. Census reports that 10.52% of people aged 5 and over in Colorado speak Spanish at home. Colorado, like New Mexico, is very rich in archaic Spanish idioms.

According to the 2000 Census, the largest ancestry groups in Colorado are German (22%), Irish (12.2%), and English (12%). Persons reporting German ancestry are the largest group in the state and are especially strong in the Front Range and eastern Plains. People of British extraction are the largest group in the western Rocky Mountains.

The state's most populous city, and capital, is Denver. The Denver-Aurora-Boulder Combined Statistical Area, home to 2,927,911 people, contains more than two-thirds of the state's population. As of 2007, Colorado has an estimated population of 4,861,515, which is an increase of 13% since the year 2000.

The center of population of Colorado is located just north of the town of Critchell in Jefferson County Colorado has what your business needs to succeed and grow, like low business costs, extensive infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and an exceptional quality of life.

Proven Performance

Colorado consistently ranks among the top states as a place to live and to succeed in business. Colorado received the highest grades for business vitality, financial resources, innovation assets, entrepreneurship and business competitiveness from the Corporation for Enterprise Development.

Business-Friendly Environment

Low taxes, a fair and accessible regulatory environment, and low business costs foster Colorado's favorable business climate. Colorado provides a competitive business tax structure that rewards investment and innovation, and property taxes are low.

A most livable State

A unique combination of spectacular scenery, recreational opportunities, moderate climate, excellent facilities for arts and culture, and world-class health care and public school systems make Colorado an ideal place to call home. A reasonable cost of living, low crime rates, and a wide selection of communities to suit every lifestyle contribute to what is widely recognized as an exceptional quality of life. Colorado is home to 40 state and four national parks and is a leader in recycling and renewable energy.

Sources:

http://www.colorado.gov

http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/08000.html

http://www.ers.usda.gov/statefacts/co.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado

Impuestos: http://www.revenue.state.co.us

Turismo: http://www.colorado.com/

Cámaras de Comercio: http://www.colorado.gov/colorado-government/chambers_commerceAD.html

15 de abril de 2008

Recommendations for preparing your supply chain for the U.S. government's latest import security initiative

By Susan Pomerantz

New York — March 21, 2008 — U.S. importers are talking about "10+2". No, it's not 12. It's another security initiative launched by the U.S. government to mitigate the risk of terrorism occurring on U.S. soil.

Joining the ranks of other alphabet soup security programs, "10+2" is a tactical program requiring 10 data elements from the importer and 2 data elements from the carrier (hence "10+2") be electronically filed 24 hours prior to loading cargo onto a shipping vessel ultimately bound for the United States.

The overarching goal of the program is to target high-risk cargo by identifying actual cargo movements, improve the accuracy of cargo descriptions and flag low-risk cargo earlier in the supply chain, thereby speeding its movement.

The "10+2" program is ruffling the feathers of the global trade community. It's estimated that this program will cost importers $390 million to $690 million annually due to filing fees instituted by the government and surcharges levied by cargo agents for generating the required information. In addition, importers may have problems gathering the information in advance, thereby causing global cargo departure delays and disrupting timely shipments around the world.

Background

In response to the terrorist events of 2001, the U.S. government enacted the 2006 SAFE Port Act (Security and Accountability for Every Port Act) which aims to increase the security of U.S. ports of entry. A key component of SAFE is the Secure Freight Initiative, which is a comprehensive model for global supply chain security and which complements the use of scanning technology and optical character recognition systems in foreign ports to inspect cargo bound for the United States.

The Secure Freight Initiative is designed to help reduce the risk of terrorism by leveraging trade data, trade partnerships, host country governments and the latest technology to validate the security of goods in maritime shipping containers. Via a more detailed Security Filing, or what is being called "10+2", U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) aims to:

  • target high-risk cargo through the identification of actual cargo movements;
  • improve the accuracy of cargo descriptions; and,
  • speed lawful international trade by recognizing low-risk shipments much earlier in the supply chain.

Currently, CBP relies primarily on carrier manifest information to perform advance targeting prior to vessel loading. The Security Filing component of the Secure Freight Initiative will involve the electronic filing of additional data elements by both importers and carriers for shipments loaded on a vessel bound for a U.S. port. When fully implemented, the importer will be required to submit 10 data elements through an Import Security Filing 24 hours prior to loading shipments on board the vessel. These elements are:

  1. Manufacturer or supplier name and address
  2. Seller name and address
  3. Buyer name and address
  4. Ship to name and address (place where the seal is broken and container is unloaded)
  5. Container stuffing locations (name and address of the physical location where the goods were stuffed into the container)
  6. Consolidator (stuffer) name and address
  7. Importer of record number or Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) applicant identification number
  8. Consignee number
  9. Country of origin
  10. Commodity HTSUS number at the 6 to 10 digit level

The importer's carrier also will be required to provide 2 additional data elements:

  1. Vessel stowage plans.
  2. Container status messages detailing container movement and status changes (e.g., empty or full).

In addition, there are some special rules for reporting these data elements that must be followed by both the importer and carrier:

  • Master Bill of Lading (BOM) must be reported in addition to the above 12 items;
  • Data elements must be reported by the tariff number at the lowest bill of lading level;
  • Manufacturer (or supplier) name and address, country of origin and commodity HTSUS (harmonized tariff) number must be linked to one another at the line item level.

Details on the format for reporting this information are still pending, but importers should expect implementation of these requirements to roll in phases over the next 12 months.

Impact to the U.S. Importer

Most of the 10 data elements required to be reported prior to shipment are already being provided to Customs for clearance and entry into the United States via the CBP Form 7501. As it has traditionally been the importer's responsibility to ensure the accuracy of these elements, there has been little effort to coordinate this detail between an importer's suppliers, forwarders and carriers.

The potential impact or change to an importer's international supply chain will be:

  • Anticipated transactional costs — CBP estimates incremental supply chain costs of $24-$38 per import transaction and that filing costs will average $10-$50 per transaction.
  • Potential liquidated damages — Importers could be charged fines equal to the value of the shipment if they fail to file. Importers also face potential charges of $5,000 per transaction for inaccurate or missing data.
  • Supply chain delays — Anticipate an increased volume of airfreight due to delays in shipment of containerized cargo and failure to meet customer delivery dates due to delays in shipment.
  • Need for improved collaboration with suppliers — Suppliers, freight forwarders and carriers will need to develop, document and implement better procedures to handle the additional filing requirements. Importers now will be required to manage supplier exports for compliance to ensure the accuracy of the data being filed and transmitted via the Import Security Filing. Shipment pre-alerts or pre-advice will no longer be optional. Bill of Lading detail must be obtained by the importer or its agent prior to container arrival at the foreign port.
  • More stringent product classification — Identify and implement a procedure for advance determination of the commodity's HTSUS classification. The main objective should be consistency down to the six-digit level for export formalities, various filings for entry including "10+2", Automated Manifest System (AMS), free trade agreements, OGA (other government agencies) and Advanced Trade Data Initiative (ATDI). More stringent product classification will force a change in process for many importers as they will no longer be able to declare a single HTSUS at origin and no longer be able to group parts under an "other, other" classification.
  • Adjustment to internal systems — Implement or improve upon procedures for complete and accurate country of origin determination with an emphasis on proper reporting of origin of manufacture. This may require revisions to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems that default on purchase orders and shipping documents for "place of shipment" as origin.
  • Additional reporting requirements — Document and implement a procedure to accommodate additional reporting requirements associated with Carnet shipments and shipments purchased under the INCOTERM DDP, or Deliver Duty Paid. These transactions did not previously require an electronic submission of data or classification of a product by the importer.
  • Potential revisions to customs bond — Revisions to an Importer's Customs Bond may result from failure to timely or accurately file the "10+2" information and pay liquidated damages.

Recommendations

The "10+2" program will have cascading impacts to global trade. U.S. Importers and any organization exporting to the United States should heed the following advice:

  • Analyze your current processes and procedures to ensure that you are prepared to handle the additional filing requirements of "10+2".
  • Focus on how "10+2" affects your supply chain in terms of costs and sourcing. Do changes need to be made to your current supply chain practices? Will new sourcing strategies need to be implemented? Will contracts or service level agreements need to be revised with your forwarders, brokers or carriers?
  • If the filing requirements of "10+2" seem too cumbersome to manage, consider outsourcing to a trade expert.

More information at:
www.jpmorgan.com/trade

http://www.sdcexec.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=15&id=10320&pageNum=1

DOING BUSINESS WITH NEW YORK


New York State is the Pro-Business, Pro-Growth State

With the world’s sixteenth largest economy, New York State is headquarters for scores of companies and a place where businesses of all sizes can tap a diversely talented and experienced workforce along with other resources available in many communities.
New York State’s pro-business environment and highly competitive economic incentives make it the ideal location for your business.

In New York, you will find a wealth of opportunity and an ideal business climate in which companies of all types, including new and emerging businesses, can thrive.
As of 2006, New York was the third largest state in population after California and Texas, with an estimated population of 19,306,183. New York City has 8,143,197, more than 40% of the state’s population.

ECONOMY

New York's gross state product in 2006 was $1.02 trillion, ranking third in size behind the larger states of California and Texas. If New York were an independent nation, it would rank as the 16th largest economy in the world behind South Korea. New York has the forth highest per capita real GDP of $ 46,617. This is 24 percent above the national average.

New York State has several Industry Clusters. The most relevant for our exports are:
-Computer Hardware & Electronics
-Bio Medical
-Business Services
-Communication & Media Services
-Fashion & Apparel
-Software Industries
-Food Processing
-Distribution
The heart of the fashion industry is unquestionably in New York. The world’s most recognizable brands originate from New York based headquarter offices and design studios. New York is also a major producer of apparel products. New York has unique access to competitive production facilities, specialized NYC niche manufacturers, innovative young designers and the world’s foremost retail market. Over 8,000 apparel & fashion companies employ over 98,000 people in New York State incluiding: Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole, Liz Claiborne, Ann Taylor, Nautica and Tommy Hilfiger. New York is also home to many of the most respected foreign apparel firms’ US operations including: Prada, LVMH, Chanel and Christian Dior-
Agribusiness is New York's second largest industry. The State boasts The New York State Agricultural Experiment Station at Geneva. Its goal is to improve the competitiveness and profitability of growers and processors of fruit and vegetable crops while safeguarding the environment and ensuring consumers access to wholesome, high quality and economical foods produced in New York. Together with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University, they function as one unit to facilitate a strong research program.
New York State's unparalleled market proximity and host of resources and incentives specifically designed for distribution centers gives New York-based businesses a distinct edge over the competition, making New York the premier location to build and locate your distribution center. New York State is therefore home to major distribution centers, such as: Wal-Mart, Target, Staples, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and Papa John's Pizza. The state's distribution-friendly infrastructure offers a host of pro-business resources and incentives to keep costs down and boost profits:
-Strategic location and market proximity.
-Easy access to east coast markets.
-Excellent highways and transportation services.
-Suitable sites and buildings at a competitive price.
-Numerous prime, pre-approved, permitted, ready-to-occupy distribution center sites
-Availability of skilled workers.
-Workforce training and development.
-NO inventory tax.
-NO taxes for third party distribution centers.

New York's aggressive Build Now-NY program offers pre-approved sites that will be fast-tracked for development. We can get your new distribution center built on time, which means you can start saving transportation dollars sooner while reaching profit-rich markets faster.

Empire Zones Program: New York's Empire Zones offer a host of financial. incentives and significant tax credits and benefits for businesses located in one of the State's 72 Empire Zones. Your business could qualify to become tax-free if it locates or expands in one of these zones.

New York State leads the Northeast Region as the largest and most diverse population center. A superior transportation infrastructure, with highway access to the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Canada, includes 1,500 interstate highway miles; 112,000 roadway miles; 150 cities served by non-stop flights worldwide from New York City; 500 airports located throughout the state; and a 4,000 mile rail network.

Food processors can expedite the delivery of non-perishable products throughout the Northeast and ship large/bulky items packaged or bottled from here at a cost savings compared to more distant locations.

We invite you to explore the many opportunities that New York has to offer your company.

For more information please visit:
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/corp/corpwww.html
http://www.empire.state.ny.us/default.asp
http://www.nycedc.com/Web/NYCBusinessClimate/NYCBusinessClimate.htm
http://www.ibo.nyc.ny.us/iboreports/IncDistJune00.pdf
http://www.nypl.org/research/sibl/smallbiz/sbrc/Pages/index.cfm http://www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/nycbiz/html/starting/importing.shtml

DOING BUSINESS WITH PENNSYLVANIA


Pennsylvania's businesses find success here -- and the statistics prove it. The Keystone State has amazing market access along with a first-class transportation system. As a technology leader, Pennsylvania’s workforce is highly skilled, with access to some of the best colleges and universities in the world. Considering all these factors, it's no wonder that companies like Merck, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Olympus America and Comcast Corporation have decided to locate or expand in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania's strategic location in the northeastern United States has made it a hub of major investments by international companies establishing locations overseas. Our extensive rail and road systems, three major ports and six international airports make moving your goods to domestic and international markets a smooth and streamlined process.

According to the World Bank, Pennsylvania is the 17th largest economy in the world with $450 billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Great companies are built in Pennsylvania. The governor has cut business taxes by $1 billion since 2003 and was recognized by the Tax Foundation and Council on State Taxes for his business-friendly tax code. Pennsylvania was also ranked as one of the lowest states for business taxes.

Facts

Within this radius lies access to vital markets that encompass:

  • 40% of the U.S. population and purchasing power.
  • More than 60% of Canada's population.
  • 45% of U.S. manufacturers.
  • 41% of the nation's domestic trade and service industries.
    Pennsylvania's work force numbers 6,299,000, and 82% have earned at least a high school degree.
  • Pennsylvania ranks 3rd in the northeastern U.S. (after New York and New Jersey) and 9th out of the 50 U.S. states in total number of foreign-owned firms.
  • Key Industries: biosciences, technology, advanced manufacturing, and business services - just a few of the diverse industries thriving within the borders of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania is a stable, prosperous market that has the wherewithal to support new development and innovative business ideas. The Commonwealth is split between male and female residents, and nearly 10% of households routinely speak a language other than English. Some other interesting facts:

  • Population: more than 12 million people.
  • The median household income is more than $40,000 a year.
  • 71% own their own homes.
  • 632,469 people own their own businesses in Pennsylvania.
  • 226,814 (26.4%) are women-owned businesses.
  • The largest ethnic groups are: White (85%), African American (10%), Hispanic (3%) and Asian (2%).
  • 25% of the Commonwealth’s population is of German ancestry; 16% is Irish, and 11% is Italian.

Transportation: Pennsylvania offers every means to move your products, via ground, air and water.
Ground: 120,000-mile highway system and 69 railroads with more than 5,100 miles of railways (ranks 5th in the U.S. according to the Association of American Railroads)
Air: 134 public-use airports (6 international) and almost 800 airports and landing facilities
Water: access to the World via the Port of Philadelphia and access to Canada and the Great Lakes via the Port of Erie.

The Port of Pittsburgh is the 2nd largest inland port in the U.S., with access to the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic, as well as the Pacific through the Panama Canal.

In order to register a business, you will need to file with the Corporation Bureau. Under Pennsylvania law, every proceeding for the organization of corporations, both for-profit and nonprofit, and every ancillary transaction relating to such corporations is required to be filed with the department's Corporation Bureau.

So, take a look at this great State and start doing business with Pennsylvania!

Sources:
Corporation Bureau of Pennsylvania’s Department of State:
http://www.dos.state.pa.us/corps/site/default.asp
Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
http://www.newpa.com
Read about some success stories at http://www.newpa.com/default.aspx?id=7
For tourism information go to: http://www.visitpa.com
For more information on how to do business in Pennsylvania please got to: http://www.paopenforbusiness.state.pa.us/paofb/site/default.asp

Programa de Consultorías Gratuitas - PROCON

Como parte de las estrategias de AmCham para este año 2008, el Trade Center lanza el Programa de Consultoría Gratuita – PROCON en el mes de febrero con gran demanda.

Desde el mes de febrero, este programa ha transcendido nuestras fronteras a través de diversos medios de comunicación regionales, lo cual nos llena de entusiasmo para continuar atendiendo la gran cantidad de solicitudes que se reciben semanalmente.

A la fecha se han recibido más de 50 solicitudes de PYMES interesadas en recibir la asesoría gratuita personalizada y profesional que facilitan los socios de AmCham participantes de PROCON.

El giro de negocio de estas empresas es amplio, pero destacan los siguientes: productores agrícolas, comerciantes diversos, bienes raíces, contabilidad y auditoría, organización de eventos, software, y salud.

Entre las ramas más demandadas destacan: mercadeo y publicidad, desarrollo empresarial, análisis financiero y gestión de crédito.

Las áreas que cubren nuestros socios consultores son: desarrollo empresarial, RRHH, relaciones públicas, contabilidad y auditoría, mercadeo, finanzas, bienes raíces, y logística, entre otros.

Únicamente los socios de AmCham pueden ser consultores de PROCON, ya que el objetivo del programa es facilitar asesoría a PYMES de manera responsable y confiable, lo cual solamente podemos garantizar en el caso de nuestros socios. Asimismo, a través de PROCON fomentamos la práctica de la responsabilidad social empresarial entre nuestros miembros.

Si usted es socio de AmCham y desea ser parte de PROCON simplemente contáctenos y gustosamente le enviaremos la información.

¿QUIÉNES SOMOS?


La Cámara de Comercio Guatemalteco Americana - AmCham, es una asociación apolítica, privada, no lucrativa, integrada por personas de negocios interesadas en servir a la comunidad, y en la inversión y el comercio de los Estados Unidos y Guatemala. AmCham opera en unión con las empresas y el gobierno a través de un amplio espectro de actividades.
  • El Trade Center de AmCham es el departamento especializado en comercio exterior.
    Nuestro objetivo es ser facilitadores de oportunidades de negocio entre los Estados Unidos y Guatemala.
  • Somos además un centro de información comercial proactivo y dinámico que puede ayudarle a encontrar nuevos socios comerciales.
  • Nos especializamos en temas relacionados con comercio con los Estados Unidos con énfasis en el DR-CAFTA en Guatemala.
    Facilitamos información comercial a nuestros socios y no socios a través de nuestro catálogo de servicios.
  • Ofrecemos capacitación a empresarios a través de conferencias y asesoría personalizada.