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• Tapping Into Trade: Goods, Goals and Global Business

  • When
    Tuesday, November 18, 2025
  •  
    10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Union Station, 30 W Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO- Stillwell Room

  
  

  Register Here

  Register for GEW- then choose the ITC Session

  
  

  Join us for an Overview of ITC's newest learning Series:

  Tapping into Trade

  Goods, Goals and Global Business
  

  Tapping Into Trade Seminar Series

  Elevate your business by mastering the complexities of international commerce with our focused, professional seminar series. For GEW- you will get an overview of the three-part series. A more in-depth coverage will launch in 2026!

  International Market Research

  An overview on how to unlock global opportunities by identifying the most viable markets for your products or services. This session begins with an essential review of Schedule B or Harmonized Tariff System numbers—the universal product identifiers—and then dives deep into strategic research.

  The core of the seminar features a hands-on demonstration of quantitative and qualitative research tools to help you make informed, data-driven decisions. We look beyond simple demand to include critical factors such as:

  • Geographical scope 
  • Trade barriers 
  • Cultural considerations 
  • International pricing strategies 

  Walk away with the knowledge to pinpoint the best markets worldwide for your specific goods or services.

  In depth market research event will be held in January. 

  International Trade Logistics

  Once you know where to sell, this essential seminar focuses on how to execute your strategy seamlessly.

  We will introduce you to the powerful resources of the U.S. Commercial Service, which maintains a global network of offices that can facilitate vetted introductions to agents, distributors, and companies qualified to carry your products.

  Key topics include:

  • A discussion of Incoterms—11 standardized terms that clearly define the responsibilities of the buyer and seller regarding shipping, insurance, and more.
  • The critical role of freight forwarders, experts who can manage every aspect of logistics in getting your goods to foreign markets. This includes domestic transport to the optimal ports, international shipping coordination, customs compliance, and final delivery.

  Master the mechanics of global shipping to ensure efficient, compliant delivery by attending the full Trade Logistics Event in February.

  International Trade Banking

  An introduction to address the foremost concerns of any exporter: maintaining cash flow and ensuring payment. This seminar provides practical solutions for financial security and expansion.

  Learn how key government resources can mitigate risk and support growth:

  • ExIm Bank (Export-Import Bank) can guarantee payment on your overseas invoices, offer working capital or expansion loans, and even facilitate credit terms for your international buyers.
  • The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers its own guarantees for export working capital and expansion loans.

  The full event in April will share an in-depth review of the sophisticated tools international banks use to ensure secure payment, such as letters of credit, and practical methods for managing sales in foreign currencies.

  The GEW session concludes with an overview of what the International Trade Council is.  We are now in our 80th year of providing the local greater Kansas City international trade community with impactful networking opportunities and rich educational resources.

  
  

  November 18th

  10:15-11:30 PM

  Union Station- Stillwell Room

  30 W. Pershing Road, Suite 301

  Kansas City, MO

  
  

  Panelists:

  
  

  John Addessi is a Business Advisor with Johnson County Community College's Kansas Small Business Development Center, assisting Kansas entrepreneurs in Johnson, Miami and Wyandotte counties start and grow their businesses. He has consulted with over 2000 Kansas businesses and individuals as a KSBDC Consultant with both Washburn University and Johnson County Community College. John's focus is on job creation, access to capital and international trade - with a love of marketing, as well!
  
  Prior to joining the KSBDC, John spent 15 years in management in the public and private sectors. He received his B.A. in Russian and his M.B.A. in general management from the University of Rhode Island. Today, John teaches area entrepreneurs and students and provides free, confidential, one-to-one consultation to current or prospective business owners on topics such as financing, business planning/strategy, marketing, e-commerce, international trade and more. John has owned his own small business and thus is no stranger to the challenges facing entrepreneurs in a competitive market.

  
  

  

  Jay Devers is a graduate of the Northwest Missouri State University, with BS in International Business.   He is President and Managing Partner of Bestway International, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri.   

   

  Devers is a past director and executive committee member of the International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City, board member of World Trade Center Kansas City, and is active with the World Trade Council of Wichita, Kansas, and the Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council.  He is the 2019 Legacy of Service Award Honoree of the International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City.  In 2024, Devers was appointed by the US Department of Commerce to the Mid-America District Export Council (MADEC) to represent the Kansas and Western Missouri international trade community for a 4-year term ending in December 2028. 

   

  Founded in 1988, Bestway is a US Customs broker and international freight forwarder, based in Kansas City, Missouri.    In 2017, Bestway International was presented the President’s “E-Award” for Export Service, the highest recognition any U.S. company can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

  

  Angelina Grado Juarez, Vice President and International Banking Manager for Enterprise Bank & Trust is a 40+ year veteran of International Trade operations administration. Angelina maintains a CDCS professional certification (Certified Documentary Credit Specialist) from the International Chamber of Commerce and enjoys sharing her comprehensive knowledge in the application of international rules which govern various trade finance payment products.  Currently, Angelina manages International Banking Products for Enterprise Bank & Trust and provides meaningful guidance to support clients involved in the business of importing and exporting.  She most enjoys providing support of standby letter of credit needs, working with both with clients and other industry experts.  Angelina is a current board member of the International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City and has been a featured speaker for Bankers’ Association for Finance and Trade (BAFT) as well as events for the World Trade Center St. Louis.

  

  Keith Hustings has a lifetime of work experience in international trade and logistics and retired as Export Compliance Supervisor for Staples Promotional Products, exporting regularly to over 100 countries.    He served in management positions with major global freight forwarders in the UK, Switzerland and the United States, completed an assignment in the Netherlands, worked overseas with a global cargo airline, and was responsible for import/export compliance with a large local manufacturer.

  He was involved in numerous, mostly export-related seminar presentations throughout Kansas and Missouri, working with trade groups as well as state and federal government agencies.    He has been active in the International Trade Council for many years, serving as president, corporate secretary and director.    He currently serves as a coordinator and presenter of the group’s Global TradeWins© international business simulation program.

  
  

  
  

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• GEW- Happy Hour: Networking

  • When
    Thursday, November 20, 2025
  •  
    4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Location
    River Bluff Brewery, 201 Main St, Ste 101, Kansas City, MO

  Register

  Register Today!

  
  

  Join us:
  

  Date: November 20th, 2025
  Time: 4:30-6:30

  
  

  Location: River Bluff Brewing

  201 Main Street, Ste 101

  Kansas City, MO 64105

  Join us for an exciting evening of networking!

  Snacks, Networking, and Cash Bar 

  Connect with global leaders, innovators, and influencers in international trade.

  Expand your network, explore new business opportunities, and engage with professionals, entrepreneurs, and experts who share your passion for growth and global connections.

  Don’t miss this exclusive evening of meaningful conversations, exciting prospects, and inspiration that will shape the future of trade.

  Sponsors:

  

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• ITC's Member Appreciation 2025 Holiday Happy Hour

  • When
    Thursday, December 04, 2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Design Resources, Inc. 7007 College Blvd, 5th floor, Overland Park, KS 66211

  Register

  
  

  Mix, Mingle, and Make Connections 

  at ITC's Annual 

  Member Appreciation Holiday Happy Hour 

  We'll supply the drinks and appetizers - just bring yourself and a guest. Enjoy re-connecting with international trade professionals from across the metro. 

  
  

  When: Thursday, December 4th

  Time: 5:30-7:00 PM

  Where: Design Resources, Inc

  7007 College Blvd, 5th Floor

  Overland Park, KS 

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• Tapping Into Trade-International Market Research

  • When
    Thursday, January 15, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Location
    Hallmark, 2501 McGee St, Kansas City, MO 64106

  Register

  
  

  International Market Research – Part  1: The “What” and “Where”

  Unlock global opportunities by identifying the most viable markets for your products or services. This session begins with an essential review of Schedule B or Harmonized Tariff System numbers—the universal product identifiers—and then dives deep into strategic market research.

  The core of the seminar features a demonstration of quantitative and qualitative research tools to help you make informed, data-driven decisions. In this fast-paced session we’ll demonstrate:

  • International Trade Centre’s Trade Map to determine demand around the world
  • International Trade Administration’s Market Diversification Tool to discover new markets
  • Census’ Global market Finder to find buyers of US goods and services
  •  Michigan State University’s Global Edge for their Country Comparator, Market Potential Index and Culture Crossing
  •  Google Trends and Analytics for demand insights

  We look beyond simple demand to include critical factors such as:

  • Geographical scope
  • Trade barriers
  • Cultural considerations
  • International pricing strategies

  Participants will gain the knowledge and resources to pinpoint the best markets worldwide for their specific goods or services.

  Event in In-Person or Online. Free to All ITC Members and $15 to non-members. Join today to save all year long!

  
  

  Thursday, January 15th

  10:00 AM
  

  (Room 8B-M3-43-E Connections A)

  2501 MaGee St

  Kansas City, MO 64108

  
  

  Security and check in:

  Hallmark has restricted visitor access. We will meet attendees at the check-in desk.  You should receive a visitor invite via email from Hallmark no-reply@envoy.com 

  Please fill out at least 24 hours in advance of event. Security will have your names in the system. If you do not receive this email within a day of registering, please contact office@itcgkc.org 

  
  

  Please see confirmation email for parking instructions.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Our Expert:

  

  
  

  John Addessi

  Business Advisor

  KS SBDC

  
  

  John Addessi is a Business Advisor with Johnson County Community College's Kansas Small Business Development Center, assisting Kansas entrepreneurs in Johnson, Miami and Wyandotte counties to start and grow their businesses. He has consulted with over 1900 Kansas businesses and individuals as a KSBDC Consultant with both Washburn University and Johnson County Community College. John's focus is on job creation, access to capital and international trade - with a love of marketing, as well! He provides free, confidential, one-to-one consultation to current or prospective business owners on topics such as financing, business strategy and planning, marketing, e-commerce, international market research and business acquisition/transition. John also teaches entrepreneurship at JCCC as an adjunct instructor.
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• January 2026 Next Gen Global Network- Coffee Catch-up

  • When
    Friday, January 23, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Mildred's in the Crossroads, 1901 Wyandotte St, Kansas City, MO 64108

  Register

  
  

  The Next Generation Global Network:

  Preparing for the Future

  
  

  Your voice is important! Looking for forward thinkers who want to make a difference. 

  • Join us at Mildred's (Crossroads) as we brainstorm and build the Next Gen Global Network in Kansas City. 
  • A great opportunity to share your ideas for future events.
  • Connect with trade partners/resources in the area 
  • Get involved with the local community

  The group is focused on helping those who:

  • Are under the age of 35 and looking to grow their careers
  • Have been in their current industry for less than 10 years
  • Anyone who doesn’t fall into the above groups but still has a desire to help themselves and others grow!

  
  

  
  

  Date: Friday, January 23, 2026

  Time:  9:00 AM

  Place: Mildred's

  In the Crossroads

  1901 Wyandotte St

  Kansas City, MO 

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Supply Chain Strategies in the New Age of Tariffs

  • When
    Tuesday, February 03, 2026
  •  
    3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Keystone CoLABS, 800 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO

  Register

  
  

  Supply Chain Strategies in the New Age of Tariffs

  Date: February 3rd 
  Time: 3:30 PM- With Networking to follow 
  Location: Keystone CoLAB, 800 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 
  Speaker: Dan Krouse

  As global trade dynamics continue to evolve, businesses are navigating a complex landscape of tariffs, shifting regulations, and supply chain uncertainty. Join us for an in-depth discussion with Dan Krouse, an expert in global trade and supply chain management, as he breaks down what companies need to know in this new environment.

  Topics include:

  • A global trade update — how we got here and what’s driving the latest tariff actions

  • What’s been working (and what hasn’t) in tariff mitigation strategies, nearly a year into the current trade cycle

  • How technology is helping companies adapt, forecast, and strengthen supply chains amid volatility

  Whether you’re managing logistics, sourcing, or compliance, this session will provide actionable insights and strategies to help your organization stay resilient in an era of constant change.

  Register today to stay ahead of the curve in global supply chain strategy.

  This event is FREE to all ITC Members, and only $15 to non-members. Join ITC today to receive discounted and free events all of 2026!

  
  

  Please see confirmation email for parking instructions.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Our Expert:

  
  

  Dan Krouse 

  Senior Advisor

  Fractional Supply Chain Executive

  Global Operations Strategist

  Dan Krouse | LinkedIn
  

  
  

  Dan Krouse is a seasoned global supply chain and operations executive with more than 35 years of experience leading large-scale transformation, procurement strategy, and logistics performance across North America and Asia. Known for his ability to simplify complexity, Dan has advised both Fortune 500s and growth-stage companies on how to scale operations, reduce cost structures, and unlock hidden profitability within the supply chain.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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