mitatrade.org September 15, 2016 Volume 1

Meet Monica Wahlberg, MITA’s New President Madison, Wis. - The Board of Directors of Madison International Trade Association

elected a new president this past month.

Monica Wahlberg, International Grants Manager with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, will lead the association for the next year and replace outgoing president Jen Pino-Gallagher of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Wahlberg was nominated for the MITA board three years ago as the WEDC representative. Through the program, she’s grown to love and learn more about the field of trade.

“I have learned a tremendous amount about the benefits and challenges of exporting,” Wahlberg said. “Which in turn has helped me adapt my grant program to meet the needs of companies.”

Wahlberg advises members to take a break from their schedules to take full advantage of the programming and benefits MITA offers.

“By networking and continuing to learn about the issues that affect our lives, our businesses and our world we become better people, “ Wahlberg said.

Wahlberg will be joined by new board director, Michael Gay from Economic Development Madison Region Economic Partnership, as her vice-president along with two new directors, Richard Beranek and Tris Lahti.

2

Hanjin Shipping

79 Hanjin ships, 61 container ships and 18 bulk carriers, have been denied port access, according to South Korea’s Maritime ministry. Read more about how the U.S. will launch legal action against Hanjin and the repercussions on exporting.

Global Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Barack Obama agreed with other leaders that China, Britain, Japan, Russia and other group of 20 nations pledged to boost the global growth by promoting innovation. Read about how the governments will protect trade and the investments in the economy.

Feingold’s Stance

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Russ Feingold used speech to attack Republican incumbent Ron Johnson on his trade policies. Read more about both Johnson and Feingold’s positions on trade and the impacts of a Trans-Pacific Partnership in Wisconsin.

MITA NEWSLETTER connecting | informing | empowering

mitatrade.org September 15, 2016 Volume 1

World Dairy Expo celebrates 50th anniversary in October

World Dairy Expo announced in early September that they will host special events instead of their 50th Anniversary show, Celebrate50, during October 4 through October 8, according to WDE press release.

WDE will kick off on with open with an opening ceremony on Tuesday October 4, at 8:00 a.m. at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Several events will be hosted throughout the week, including a global dairy symposium featuring leading experts on the current and future state of the global dairy industry by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection on October 6.

WDE attracts more than 70,000 attendees from over 90 countries to Madison each year, and this year’s theme is centered around “Celebrate 50!” to commemorate the anniversary.

To find more information or a full itinerary, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow them on Twitter (@WDEExpo).

2

BREXIT UPDATES

In late June, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, causing impacts on global markets and the resignation of UK Prime Minister David Cameron. Since then:

• The UK is testing a new prime minister, Theresa May, despite her opposing stance on Brexit.

• Consumer confidence is suffered its biggest hit because of the the slump of the pound by 15 percent against the dollar, according to CNN Money.

• The UK launched its first mission aimed at developing new trade partners after they leave the EU in two years.

MITA will be the first trade association in Wisconsin to explore the potential impacts Brexit will have on international trade through “Brexit: What’s Next?” on October 11. To register or find more information, go to mitatrade.org.

ABOUT MITA

MITA is a Madison, Wisconsin-based organization whose mission is to foster understanding of the issues, practices, information, legislation and trends that affect and influence all aspects of international trade. Membership includes a broad spectrum of professionals interested in and involved with international trade throughout the state of Wisconsin. Membership, meetings and information are open to all interested parties of the public, and professionals at all levels of international organizations participate in MITA activities. Member companies include manufacturers, food companies, and services providers such as freight forwarders, banks, law firms as well as universities and governmental institutions. More information is available at the website: www.mitatrade.org.