DBCC to host
International Economic Summit as more local companies seek expanded
markets
In an
effort to strengthen international relations and support area
business interests in exporting their goods and services, Daytona
Beach Community College (DBCC) is organizing an International
Economic Summit called Doing Business in the Dominican Republic.
The
summit, scheduled for May 8, will focus on business opportunities
for Florida and Dominican businesses. “We’re looking forward to a
full panel of outstanding discussions by representatives from the
Dominican Republic and the state,” said Bob Williams, Vice President
of Economic Development for DBCC. “There is a lot to be shared by
all parties involved.”
Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez will lead his
country’s delegation to Daytona Beach. Also attending will be Eddie
Martinez, Secretary of Economic Development.
Florida
will be represented by John Adams, the new president of Enterprise
Florida, and by Manny Mencia, Enterprise Florida’s head of
International Trade. Mencia will report on the outcomes of Florida’s
2003 mission to the Dominican Republic when more than 50 Florida
businesses joined Governor Jeb Bush on the trip to promote Florida
products and services. Williams said Eduardo Gamarra of Florida
International University’s Caribbean Institute also will be at the
summit.
Prior to
the May 8 summit, DBCC officials will be working with Volusia
County’ s Department of Economic Development in hosting
representatives from the United States Foreign Commercial Service
scheduled for March 22. “Four senior commercial officers from our
U.S. Consultants in the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala
and Costa Rica will participate in a briefing to area manufacturers
on viable exporting opportunities in their perspective markets,”
said Phillip Ehlinger, the county’s Business Assistance Manager.
Ehlinger, a senior member of the county’s Economic Development
Department staff, is responsible for coordinating local
international exporting opportunities.
“DBCC’s
role in supporting international opportunities has grown in recent
years as more area companies seek expanded markets beyond our
border,” said Williams who further explained the college’s role in
providing worker training initiatives to area companies that
continue to adapt to changing economies.
Following the summit in Daytona Beach, Enterprise Florida will host
another business trade mission to the Dominican Republic scheduled
for July 10. Area companies wishing to participate are encouraged to
contact Ehlinger at the Volusia County Department of Economic
Development at 386/248-8048.
The
summit is a half-day event that will take place at the Sunset Harbor
Yacht Club in Daytona Beach beginning at noon with a luncheon to
welcome the speakers and summit participants. Registration is
limited to 160. For more information on this unique international
experience, please contact Sharon Crow at Daytona Beach Community
College at 386/506-3016.
