Americas Society and Council of the Americas (AS/COA) unite opinion leaders to exchange ideas and create solutions to the challenges of the Americas today. Americas Society is the premier forum dedicated to education, debate and dialogue in the Americas. Its mission is to foster an understanding of the contemporary political, social and economic issues confronting the Americas, and to increase public awareness and appreciation of the diverse cultural heritage of the Americas and the importance of the inter-American relationship. Council of the Americas is the premier international business organization whose members share a common commitment to economic and social development, open markets, the rule of law, and democracy throughout the Western Hemisphere.

Asia Society is the leading educational organization dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among peoples, leaders and institutions of Asia and the United States in a global context. Across the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, the Society provides insight, generates ideas, and promotes collaboration to address present challenges and create a shared future.

Founded in 1956 by John D. Rockefeller 3rd, Asia Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit institution with headquarters in New York, centers in Hong Kong and Houston, and affiliated offices in Los Angeles, Manila, Sydney, Mumbai, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, and Washington, DC.

The symbol of the Asia Society is the leogryph.

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Mission and History
• Meet our Co-Chairs

The Asian American Bar Association of New York was formed in 1989 as a not-for-profit corporation to represent the interests of New York Asian-American attorneys, judges, law professors, legal professionals, legal assistants or paralegals and law students. The mission of AABANY is to improve the study and practice of law, and the fair administration of justice for all by ensuring the meaningful participation of Asian-Americans in the legal profession. Join us at www.aabany.org.

Asian American Business Development Center was established in New York City in 1994 with a mission to assist Asian American businesses strengthen their capacities to compete in the mainstream marketplace, to expand business opportunities and to promote greater recognition of Asian American businesses’ contributions to the general economy.

Over the years, AABDC has created a significant presence within the Asian American business community in the U.S., and following the global economy, has established a credible position as a middleman introducing business opportunities between China and New York.

Asian Business Association - America is an organization with chapters based throughout the United States and has been constantly growing. ABA helps members expand their business network by organizing the best networking events. Specifically, we aim to:

• Link ABA members with professionals who conduct business in Asia, as well as those that conduct business domestically but deal heavily with Asia in their day-to-day business operations.
• Facilitate networking between ABA members who share similar interest in Asian business.
• Educate ABA members on the rapidly growing Asian economies through the use of guest speakers who have experience in dealing with Asia in addition to ABA hosted business conferences; with the purpose of helping members to better capitalize on Asia’s massive growth.

The Asian Business Association of San Diego provides a strong voice on business, cultural and political issues of interest of San Diego's Asian and Pacific Islander community. ABA was founded in 1990, and has grown to its current membership of nearly 500 members. A non-profit 501 (c)6 organization, ABA is funded by membership dues, corporate sponsorships, and the City and County of San Diego. ABA facilitates the growth and development of member businesses through ongoing entrepreneurial education, communication and business networking programs. One of our major goals is to enable members to participate fully in San Diego's economic development, without regard to race, color, creed or national origin.

Asian Financial Society (AFS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1984 in New York by a group of Wall Street professionals envisioning the strategic needs to build an Asian finance cooperative alliance. After almost thirty years, AFS reached 3800+ members of diverse credentials across Asia and U.S. and nurtured 20 specialized business groups that enable our members to exchange ideas, mutual support, and drive for outstanding deliverable results. AFS members’ expertise depth and width have been well recognized and is our most valuable asset in helping like-minded professionals from all nationalities to excel in their respectable business and career development.

Founded in 1995, Asian Women In Business (AWIB) is the only non-profit, tax-exempt organization in the country with the primary mission of assisting Asian women entrepreneurs. Over the years, AWIB, a dynamic organization, has expanded its mission to address issues affecting Asian Americans on the corporate level; and has established a scholarhips program for undergraduates which promotes and rewards demonstrated leadership. AWIB also serves on various tasks forces and boards to promote the inclusion of minority and women owned businesses and professionals.

ABiCC is the cooperative association, or "umbrella" organization, for the bi-national chambers of commerce in Florida.

ABiCC has approximately 40 member organizations, with a total membership of approximately 8,000 international business members located in Florida, constituting a major part of the international business community.

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants with 154,000 members and 432,000 students in 170 countries worldwide. We aim to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management. We work through a network of over 80 offices and centres and more than 8,400 Approved Employers worldwide, who provide high standards of employee learning and development.

ACCA USA, the US arm of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

The California Centers for International Trade Development (CITD) are funded by the Chancellor’s Office of the State of California to promote the state’s international trade and competitiveness, assist exporters and importers, and advance economic and job growth.

Our mission is to invest in California's economic growth and global competitiveness through industry-specific education, training and services that contribute to a highly skilled and productive workforce. California CITDs provides a full range of trade assistance services to companies and individuals throughout the state of California.

To increase the value and promote the integrity of the CPA profession, contribute to the success of our members, and strengthen client, employer, public and government trust in CalCPA member advice, work products and opinions.

The Caltech Entrepreneurs Forum a joint venture of Caltech's Industrial Relations Center, Caltech’s Office of Technology Transfer, and the Caltech Alumni Association. Our mission is to encourage the growth and success of technology-based entrepreneurial ventures in Southern California. Through its monthly programs, the Forum provides advice, support, education and networking opportunities to technology-based ventures in the Southern California area. Programs address a range of key entrepreneurial issues from financing, marketing and business planning to executive leadership and staffing. Case presentations feature companies in emerging technology areas reviewing their business plans with expert panelists. Special sessions examine new entrepreneurial opportunities, in such areas as life sciences, medical technologies, energy, software, communications and entertainment technologies.

China General Chamber of Commerce – USA is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that represents Chinese companies throughout the United States. Founded on September 14, 2005, in New York City, CGCC is headquartered in Washington D.C. and has six regional chapters across the US and six industry-specific subcommittees. CGCC’s mission is to serve the overall interests of Chinese companies doing business in America and to bridge the gap between the business communities of China and the US through communication and networking, thus strengthening the economic and trade ties between the two countries.

Murrieta, California USA is a young, affluent community strategically located in the center of the Southern California Mega-Region at the junction of two major national highways: I-15 and I-215. The community is conveniently located close to Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. Murrieta is in the path of growth of both Los Angeles and San Diego and affords businesses the opportunity to serve the 22 million people who make Southern California their home. With a population of nearly 105,000 people within the City and 1.8 million within a 50 kilometer radius, Murrieta is the safest city in Riverside and San Diego counties and the 7th safest larger city in the United States. The City focuses on international trade and encourages investment from throughout the Pacific Rim, including EB-5 investors. Developers of technology parks and technology companies are welcome to grow in our pro-business community.

CleanTECH San Diego is a private, non-profit member organization formed in 2007. As one of the nation's premier cleantech cluster organizations, its mission is to position the region as a global leader in the cleantech economy. CleanTECH San Diego serves as a catalyst for a diverse group of stakeholders to advance a common agenda.

Our mission is to stimulate innovation and advance the adoption of clean technologies and sustainable industry practices for the economic, environmental and social benefit of the greater San Diego region. We accomplish this through a series of programs including education and outreach, policy advocacy and leadership opportunities. Our membership includes business and financial leaders, academic and research institutes, and government and non-profit organizations.

Columbia Business School Asian Alumni Club of NY (CBSAAC) is a New York State non-profit organization that hosts business panel discussions two to three times a year with the objectives of promoting business between Asia and the US, plus the brand of Columbia Business School.  The proceeds that it makes in each event will be given back to the Columbia and the Asian communities.

Since its establishment in 1949, Columbia University's East Asian Institute (renamed the Weatherhead East Asian Institute in 2003) has been a major center for research, teaching, and publishing on modern and contemporary Asia Pacific activities, covering China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Korean peninsula, Tibet, Inner Asia, and the countries of Southeast Asia. The Institute's mission is to train new generations of Asian experts in the humanities, social sciences, and the professions and to enhance understanding of East Asia in the wider community. Through its many programs, conferences, seminars, and publications, the Institute creates an international forum for discussion about cultural, economic, historical, and political issues involving the Asia Pacific region.

The Committee of 100 is a leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans in business, government, academia, and the arts. The Committee seeks to strengthen collaboration between the United States and China and further Chinese American contributions in the U.S. through educational exchange, public diplomacy, and leadership development. For over 20 years, the Committee has served as a substantive bridge in the U.S.-China dialogue by fostering regular exchanges with the leadership of Beijing, Taipei, and Washington. Members of the Committee of 100 are leading U.S. citizens of Chinese descent who leverage their collective influence, resources and experiences to address important topics shaping U.S.-China relations as well as issues affecting the Chinese American community.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc, (CFDA) is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 1962 that leads industry-wide initiatives and whose membership consists of more than 400 of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessory designers. In addition to hosting the annual CFDA Fashion Awards, which recognize the top creative talent in the industry, the organization offers programs which support professional development and scholarships, including the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, the Geoffrey Beene Design Scholar Award, the Liz Claiborne Scholarship Award, the CFDA/Teen Vogue Scholarship, and the Gilt All Star Scholarship. Member support is provided through the Business Services Network, a high-profile group of companies offering designers strategic opportunities. The CFDA Foundation, Inc. is a separate, not-for-profit organized to mobilize the membership to raise funds for charitable causes. Through the Foundation, the CFDA created and manages Fashion Targets Breast Cancer; raises funds for HIV/AIDS organizations with 7th on Sale; addresses the issue of model health with The CFDA Health Initiative; and is a key participant in other programs such as the annual Fashion’s Night Out.

For more information, please visit www.CFDA.com, facebook.com/cfda, twitter.com/cfda, cfda.tumblr.com, and youtube.com/cfdatv

The Department of International Trade and Marketing's mission is to prepare students for management positions in international trade and global fashion companies.

Students develop a global perspective as well as professionalism and sharpen their skills in communication, critical thinking and decision making, problem solving, project management, team building, and ethical business practices.

Its graduates become coordinators, specialists, managers, and directors of global marketing, management, logistics, sourcing, compliance, customs, licensing, and others.

The program hosts the Talking Trade @ FIT and Emerging Markets guest lecture series, field trips, mentoring programs, and scholarship events to bridge industry experience with classroom instruction.

Our Mission- We continue to assume the leadership role in legislative issues and the establishment of internationally recognized, sensible standards for the jewelry and accessories industries on behalf of our members.

The Foreign Trade Commissioners Association in New York (FTCA) is an alliance of the NY-based trade and investment organizations of over 110 foreign countries and regions. Trade and investment professionals play an essential role in informing and consulting commercial constituents from their respective countries, and in facilitating trade and investment opportunities with the United States. FTCA was founded in 2007 to foster interaction between its members and US-based companies, organizations, and government entities; to educate its members on issues and laws regarding business in North America; and to serve as a platform for building relationships among the foreign trade and investment professionals in New York.

The Hong Kong Association of Florida, Inc (HKAFL) is a non-profit organization established in July 2012 to promote trade, business and investment between Hong Kong, China, Florida and Latin America. Hong Kong and South Florida have a lot in common; Hong Kong is the gateway to Mainland China and South Florida is the gateway to Latin America. Both are centers for logistics, finance, tourism, trading and professional services in their respective regions. With increasing trade and business activities between China and Latin America, the establishment of HKAFL in Miami is very timely.

HKAFL offers opportunities to its members to network, strengthen business contacts and gain market information by organizing events such as receptions, luncheons, workshops and seminars. From time to time, HKAFL will invite distinguished business leaders and senior government officials to speak at its events, updating members on major topics relating to Hong Kong, China, US and Latin America.

Our Mission is to promote cross-border exchanges of trade, business and investment between the two regions; as well as to offer unique networking opportunities for the region’s business communities.

The mission of the Hong Kong Association of Massachusetts (HKAMA) is to promote and sponsor cross-border exchanges of trade, business and investment in leading industries; as well as access to distinctive art and historical programs through unique networking opportunities for the Hong Kong and Massachusetts business and cultural communities.

While our primary mission focuses on ties between Massachusetts and Hong Kong, we are members of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide. We also have a strong relationship with the Hong Kong Trade and Economic Office, a Hong Kong Government body that has offices worldwide.

Hong Kong Association of New York (HKANY) is a 501(c) 6 non-profit business association. Established in 1987, HKANY’s membership comprises of business executives, professionals, and government representatives. HKANY’s programs facilitate exchanges between our members, distinguished business people, senior government officials, and opinion leaders from both Hong Kong and the U.S. on timely issues related to Hong Kong, China and the global community. For more information, please visit our website at www.hkany.org or contact us at contact@hkany.org.

Established in 1997, the Hong Kong Association of Northern Texas is currently serving 200 members in the greater Dallas area with business interest in Hong Kong and China. The Association is also a founding Member Organization of the National US Hong Kong Business Association and a Member Association of Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide.

As the US gateway to the Pacific, Southern California is the definitive position from which businesses can capitalize on these abundant overseas opportunities. And as numerous establishments can positively attest, membership in the Hong Kong Association of Southern California (HKASC) provides not only an opening to local networking channels, but also a competitive edge in the business world.

The main objectives of the Hong Kong Association are the facilitation and strengthening of business and economic relationship between Hong Kong and Southern California.

The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) studies and promotes the best practices of the world's Intelligent Communities as they adapt to the demands and seize the opportunities presented by information and communications technology (ICT). To help communities build prosperous economies, solve social problems and enrich local cultures, ICF conducts research, hosts events, publishes newsletters and produces its high-profile international awards program. Over more than a decade, ICF has become an international movement that attracts the attention of global leaders, thinkers, and media observers. The ICF Foundation consists of 120 cities and regions that have been designated as Intelligent Communities by ICF and which participate in an ongoing global dialogue to strengthen local economies. For more information, go to www.intelligentcommunity.org

The International Capital Market Alliance (ICMA) is a non-profit financial organization headquartered in New York, with offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and other areas. ICMA is aimed to provide professionals in the international capital market with a networking platform, organize international capital market seminars, and promote the communication and understanding between participants in the international capital transactions, and improve the business atmosphere for the international capital transactions.

In the past decades, more and more companies are getting involved in the international financing and investment, including going public in oversea capital markets and cross-border mergers and acquisitions. The professionals in this industry, including company directors and officers, fund managers, investment bankers, lawyers, accountants, business and financial advisors, desires continuing update and education in this field and a networking platform, in which they can help promote the communication and understanding between participants in the international business transactions, and improve the business atmosphere for the international capital transactions. The ICMA is formed in response to such need and to accomplish the goals stated above.

A. Objectives
The ICMA is proposed as a non-profit organization to achieve the following objectives:

1. Provide professionals in the international capital market industry a networking platform;
2. Organize seminars or events in the field of international capital market; and
3. Promote the communication and understanding between participants in the international capital transactions and improve the business atmosphere for the international capital transactions.

B. Serving Community
ICMA is dedicated to serving a broad community (individuals and entities) including:

1. Professionals in the international capital market, including company officers, fund managers, investment bankers, lawyers, accountants, business and financial advisors; and
2. Participants in the international capital transactions, including companies, funds, banks, accounting firms, law firms, business and financial consulting firms.

C. Events and Programs
Happy Hour Networking Party (monthly)
International Capital Market Forum (yearly)
International Capital Market Expert Lecture
Sunshine Seminar Series
Career and Culture Talk

Contact Us:
Email: icma.nyc@gmail.com

The International Intellectual Property Institute (IIPI) is a non-profit development organization and research institute that promotes the use of intellectual property rights to create jobs and improve competitiveness in developing countries. Bruce Lehman, former Commissioner of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, founded the institute in 1998 and continues to serve as its Chairman and President. Jorge Amigo Castañeda, former Director General of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, is the institute’s Vice Chairman. The Institute is based in Washington, DC.

Founded in 1985, the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) is the primary trade organization for the worldwide licensing industry. LIMA’s mission is to bring together all segments of the industry for the advancement of professionalism in licensing through research, national and international seminars, trade events and publications. With members in 35 countries, offices in New York, London, Munich, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and representatives in Australia, Iberia, India, Italy, Korea, and Turkey, members enjoy access to a wide variety of activities, resources and benefits. For more information on LIMA sponsored trade shows, educational programming, networking opportunities and more, please visit www.licensing.org.

Members are devoted to trade and development worldwide. We provide access to experienced professionals representing global businesses that provide services & products to various industries. We provide a forum to stay abreast of current trends, for educating and resolving trade issues. The ITAB is based in Carlsbad, CA.

Working since 1980 to increase international understanding and communication, IVCLA arranges personal exchanges between emerging international leaders and the citizens of the Los Angeles region. IVCLA programs benefit from the direct involvement of Citizen Diplomats who recognize its value to themselves, their families, and their communities. IVCLA Citizen Diplomats open their offices or sit at their dining tables making friends with people who could become future world leaders. All of which provide the visitors with insight on how we live and work, and our Citizen Diplomats with a better understanding about the rest of the world.

The Irvine Chamber of Commerce is one of the most influential Chambers in Orange County representing hundreds of local businesses. Its mission is to promote an economic climate that strengthens the competitiveness of local businesses while offering members a wide range of benefits, services, programs and information.

New Jersey Chinese-American Chamber of Commerce (NJCACC) is a not-for-profit and nonpolitical organization, dedicated to promote business between members, help Chinese-American businesses enter mainstream American economy and facilitate US-China trade.

Membership is open to businesses and business people of all ethnic background and English is our official language. Throughout the year, NJCACC hosts numerous events to promote networking between members, and seminars/ workshops that are helpful for business. NJCACC also hosts an annual awards banquet honoring Chinese-American businesses, professionals and community leaders for their outstanding achievements.

For more information, please visit www.njcacc.org, or contact Josephine Ho, Executive Director, at (732) 507-7348 or jho@appliedinfo.com

The New Jersey Technology Council (NJTC) provides business support, networking opportunities, information, advocacy, and recognition of technology companies and their leaders. Founded in 1996, NJTC's member companies work together to support their own enterprises while advancing New Jersey's status as a leading technology center in the United States.

The NJTC offers its member companies access to networking, financing resources, expertise and more. A private, not-for-profit membership organization, the NJTC fosters and grows a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and nurtures a community where great ideas take flight.

Although New Jersey has transformed from an industrial society to a technological one, the State Chamber’s goal has always remained the same – to represent the varying interests of our members and to help them clear burdensome regulatory hurdles that stifle growth. Our membership has always been broad-based, ranging from solo proprietors to Fortune 500 companies. Throughout the chamber's rich history, the organization's talented leaders have always provided the guidance necessary to develop proactive solutions to the important and tough issues of the day.

In addition to lobbying, the Chamber provides members with networking events, educational programs and money-saving discounts.

The New York Biotechnology Association is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to the development and growth of New York State based biotechnology related industries and institutions, and to strengthening the competitiveness of New York State as a premier global location for biotechnology/biomedical research, education and industry. Through our membership of 250 bioscience companies, world class research institutes and related professional services; biotechnology professionals are able to access the information, resources and assistance they need to make their ventures a success.

The District Export Councils (DECs) are volunteer business groups located in every state whose main purpose is to support the export of U.S. goods and services by small and mid-size companies. The DECs are affiliated with the U.S. Department of Commerce, with members appointed by the Secretary of Commerce. Specifically, the New York District Export Council (NYDEC) is made up of 30 members from the local business community who work with the U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACs) around the state to facilitate exporting. The DECs are a major supporter of the President’s National Export Initiative (NEI).

The New York Technology Council (NYTECH) is a New York City-based association dedicated to the furtherance of the technology industry in New York.

Our mission is to help our members by providing the resources and tools they need to grow and thrive. We produce frequent events at which we present speakers and panel discussions, we provide networking opportunities, we bring together various organizations in the technology community, and we advocate for our members at the international, Federal, state and local levels.

We are a non-profit organization funded by our members and sponsors and governed by a board of directors.

NEXCO is a nonprofit association serving the international business community since 1963. NEXCO specializes in high quality affordable seminars that take the mystery out of trade. Its educational seminars, webinars, and networking events attract individuals and employees of companies involved in international trade. Online educational courses are available through podcasts. NEXCO’s Board of Directors is comprised of international business leaders from the New York City area. Its membership includes individual, corporate and sponsor level categories from importers, exporters and service-oriented companies engaged in global trade.

For more than 25 years, the Pittsburgh Technology Council has helped our region’s technology companies succeed through a proven platform of Business Development, Talent Retention, Government Relations and Visibility Services.

The PTC’s products and services can help technology companies at all stages of growth from emerging startups to established heavy hitters in the marketplace. The PTC connects members to new business opportunities, financing, health/business insurance, provides media exposure and advocates for a pro-business climate at the local, state and federal levels. For more information, click on our web-site www.pghtech.org

The mission of the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) is to create and retain jobs through programming that grows our neighborhoods, assists small businesses and promotes tourism and business development. QEDC is Queens leading nonprofit community based economic development and business services organization, and since 1977, the QEDC has worked with scores of neighborhoods to revitalize their commercial districts and thousands of clients seeking to grow their small businesses. Our programs include the Entrepreneur Assistance Program, Entrepreneur Space Incubator for Food and Businesses, Women’s Business Center, Home Improvement Contractor Training program, and the Queens Tourism Council.

Renaissance Economic Development Corporation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial and technical assistance to minority- and women-owned business enterprises in immigrant and/or low- to moderate-income communities throughout New York City where the barriers of language, culture, and conventional loan underwriting have stymied the growth of micro and small businesses. As a US Department of Treasury-certified community development financial institution (CDFI) and a designated US Small Business Administration (SBA) Microlender, Renaissance offers direct short-and intermediate-term loans to entrepreneurs who need financing to grow or launch new businesses. Renaissance also provides financial literacy services and comprehensive technical assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs via individual counseling and classroom/group training sessions.

In a global economy, economic sustainability extends beyond city and county boundaries. Increasingly, the cities and businesses within North San Diego County have recognized that well thought out and coordinated development of the region as a whole will benefit individual communities and the businesses located there. The San Diego North Economic Development Council is the region's leading advocate for coordinated and strategic economic development as well as a unifying vision for North County's economic future.

The Society of Entrepreneurs, Professionals, and Executives (SEPE) is a membership-based, non-profit business organization whose primary mission is to foster and strengthen the business interest and business opportunities for our members, to utilize and share diverse expertise, knowledge, information and experience, and to promote and co-ordinate business and educational activities that may benefit our members. To this end our goals are:

• To maximize networking opportunities globally for our members across communities, industries and countries through communications, co-operation and partnership.
• To offer programs of diverse interests and value to our members and partners to enhance knowledge and understanding of the changing market trends, economic trends and technology trends that may benefit our members personally or professionally.
• To provide a clearinghouse for information on global trade and investment opportunities, particularly on any emerging markets.
• To represent our members as a collective body in promoting and advocating SEPE's mission to other business organizations, community organizations, and government entities and to promote a close alliance with other interest groups.

In 1990, twelve independent show organizers met to discuss how they could meet with some frequency to discuss industry trends, opportunities and the differences between for profit and not for profit issues that affected the way they could improve their companies’ ability to succeed. It was at this first meeting that The Society of Independent Show Organizers was formed and has been dedicated to meeting the needs of the for profit show organizer through networking, the exchange of ideas and experiences, and the ability to learn from each other in a non-competitive and candid environment. SISO members include companies, corporations and other for-profit entities that own, produce or provide full service management of “face to face” trade shows, consumer shows, expositions, conferences and /or similar events as a substantial part of their business. SISO membership is a combination of large corporations and small entrepreneurial enterprises that do business primarily in North America, as well as in Europe, Asia, Africa, India, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. SISO’s more than 140 members produce over 2,700 events, creating an overall $122B impact on the global economy.

SISO’s Mission, is to meet the common needs of our members, by providing peer networking opportunities, education, industry information, streamlined business processes and best practices in the industry.

The United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (USMCOC), incorporated in 1973 as a non-profit corporation, is a chartered bi-national organization that promotes trade and investment among the two American nations. The Chamber represents more than 1,000 businesses in the United States and Mexico, and maintains offices in Washington, DC, Los Angeles, San Diego, Oakland, Dallas, New York, Denver, Chicago, Seattle, Detroit, Cleveland, Miami, Monterrey, Mexico City, Guadalajara and Aguascalientes.

The California Regional Chapter, with headquarters in Los Angeles sponsors a busy agenda of seminars, conferences and presentations by distinguished leaders in business, government and industry. Presentation topics range from import and export tactics, industrial challenges in Mexico, advances in technology affecting trade, economic updates, banking and taxes, sales techniques, and more. All of the chapter’s activities are designed to improve communication, cooperation, and understanding among the businesses and governments in the United States and Mexico.

The California Regional Chapter, opened in 1980, was the first regional office after the creation of national offices in Washington, DC, and Mexico City.

The U.S. Chamber’s mission is to preserve, protect, and advance America’s free enterprise system, which gives life and reality to the American Dream.

The Chamber represents the doers and dreamers who live and breathe free enterprise everyday—entrepreneurs, inventors, and businesses large and small. Directly or indirectly, it represents three million companies—from the largest corporations in the world to the smallest mom-and-pop operations.

The Chamber fights for the interests of business and free enterprise before Congress, the White House, regulatory agencies, courts, the court of public opinion, and governments around the world. Its staff of 450 lobbyists, communicators, lawyers, and domestic and international policy experts advance free enterprise and free market solutions on a wide range of issues, including health care, taxes, trade, regulations, capital markets, and energy.

The Chamber aggressively advances a competitiveness agenda that includes doubling U.S. exports in five years, strengthening capital markets, forging a national energy strategy, reforming health care and education, and protecting intellectual property rights. The Chamber is a major political force, educating the public about the business records of congressional candidates and generating voter enthusiasm through the Chamber’s powerful grassroots program.

In 2012, the Chamber celebrated 100 years of standing up for free enterprise.

US-China Entrepreneurs Association, Inc is a not-for-profit organization registered with the State of New York and headquartered in New York City. Its mission is to promote entrepreneurship both in the United States and China; promote exchanges and co-operations between American and Chinese entrepreneurs; promote the best practices and experiences in encouraging and growing entrepreneurship in the United States and China. For more information, please visit www.uschinaea.org

US-China Guangdong Chamber of Commerce (USCGCC) was registered in US on 8th July, 2008. It is a non-profit, non-governmental civil organization comprising of Guangdong industrial and commercial enterprises in US and American companies who would like to do business with China and especially Guangdong Province with goodwill. The main tenets are as follows: Acting as the friendship bridge and communication platform. between China and US; Uniting businessmen and friends from all circles within two countries; Promoting the mutual understanding and friendly exchange among US, Guangdong Province and other places in China; Developing two-way trade, enhancing economic and technological cooperation, advancing the exchange in culture and education; Achieving the win-win goal of “Develop US-China market, Prosper US-China economy”.

The U.S. Commercial Service (CS) is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. CS connects U.S. companies with international buyers through a worldwide network of trade professionals located in more than 100 U.S. cities and American embassies and consulates in more than 75 countries. The value of CS assistance is tailoring its services to the needs of a particular company, no matter what its size. Services include export counseling, customized market research, business matchmaking, international contacts and trade leads, advocacy, overseas trade shows, and the International Buyer Program, which brings foreign buyers to major U.S. trade shows. For export assistance, visit the CS at www.export.gov.

Founded in 1984, USPAACC is the single unified voice for equal opportunity for Asian American businesses. We promote and propel economic growth by opening doors to business, educational and professional opportunities for Asian Americans and their business partners in corporate America, government at the federal, state and local levels, and the small and minority business community. For 27 years, USPAACC has served and will continue to serve as the gateway to large corporate and government contracts, top-caliber Asian American and small and minority suppliers, key information about Asian Americans and business opportunities in the dynamic Asia-Pacific market.

The Valley International Trade Association (VITA) is a membership driven non-profit located in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California. VITA features bi-monthly Networking Breakfasts with special guest speakers that address timely international trade issues such as, import, export, trade policy and legislation. These events offer valuable up-to-date information on the global marketplace and networking opportunities for VITA Members. The mission of VITA is to promote the San Fernando Valley as a leader in international trade and to help local businesses compete in the global economy.

For more information contact Darcy Winters, Strategic Programs Manager, The Valley International Trade Association. Phone: 818-379-7000, or e-mail, dwinters@economicalliance.org

The Westchester County Association (www.westchester.org) is the preeminent business membership organization in Westchester County. The Association is committed to business advocacy, economic vitality and to providing a strong and clear voice for the interests of businesses on the regional, national and international levels. Its key objectives are promoting positive economic development in the region; fostering business development; and providing its members with access and interaction with key public and private sector individuals, agencies and organizations.

The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) provides a world-class portfolio of international trade services and key global connections to help companies in the Greater Philadelphia region succeed in global markets, expanding the economic growth of the region as a whole. The WTCGP is a licensed and certified member of the World Trade Centers Association and provides international trade services to businesses in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. These services include international trade counseling, education and training, trade missions and shows, market intelligence, peer networking, export finance assistance, inbound delegation support, and access to global networks.

World Trade Center San Diego provides comprehensive international trade services and key global contacts to facilitate and expand trade for regional and worldwide clients. Leveraging its global network of World Trade Centers and affiliate partners, WORLD TRADE CENTER San Diego is the proven forum for international information, communications and connections.