Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ): Challenges & Opportunities Amid Tariff Shifts

Description

This training equips companies operating—or considering operating—in a Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) with the knowledge to reduce risks and unlock growth opportunities, even amid shifting tariff policies. Participants will learn the ins and outs of the FTZ application and approval process, best practices for security and product compliance, and how to demonstrate accountability to regulators. The session will also cover strategies for managing personnel and HR within an FTZ, business development and marketing approaches to expand your zone (with a special focus on opportunities for 3PLs), and how to conduct pre-emptive audits to ensure readiness for a CBP visit. 

Topics will include: 

• FTZ's: Mitigating the challenges & maximizing the opportunity, especially in the face of changing tariff policy
• The application & approval process - how to's
• Security, Product Compliance, demonstrating Accountability
• Personnel & HR management
• Business Development & Marketing - how to grow your zone (especially for 3PL's)
• Pre-emptive audits - be ready for CBP's visit!

Instructor:
Thomas Cook, Blue Tiger International                                             
Tom is Managing Director of Blue Tiger International, (bluetigerintl.com) a premier international business consulting company on supply chain management, trade compliance, purchasing, global trade and logistics. Tom was former CEO of American River International in NY and Apex Global Logistics Supply Chain Operation in LA. Tom has over 30 years’ experience in assisting companies all over the world manage their import and export operations.  He is a member of the NY District Export Council, sits on the board of numerous corporations and is considered a leader in the business verticals he works in.
He has now authored over 19 books on Global Trade and is in the middle of an 8 Book Series, titled … The Global Warrior … Advancing on the Necessary Skill Sets to Compete Effectively in Global Trade. Tom is also the Director of the National Institute of world trade (niwt.org) a 30-year-old educational and training organization, based here on Long Island.
Tom is an Honorably Discharged United States Naval Officer, and Merchant Marine Deck Officer.