On August 11, 2005, Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. hosted its Export Essentials Seminar at the World Trade Center in Baltimore, Maryland. The morning seminar preceded an afternoon of networking and fun at the Baltimore Propeller Club's annual outdoor Crab Feast. Over 4000 people attended the crab feast including more than 40 customers and staff from all of Samuel Shapiro & Company's East Coast operations.

The Export Essentials Seminar covered topics such as exporter responsibilities, export regulations, export enforcement, and exporter advocacy services. Our guest speakers were Jeff Brutsche from Customs and Border Protection, Gerry Horner and Jerry Greenwell from the Census Bureau, John Wanat from the Bureau of Industry and Security, and Alexander Amdur from the Export Assistance Center.

Jane Taeger, Samuel Shapiro's Compliance Manager and director of the event, was extremely pleased with the outcome. "It is very gratifying to see so many companies take a proactive interest in export compliance," explained Taeger. "Training, which includes attending seminars such as ours, is the number one component of an effective compliance program."

The Export Assistance Center, which is staffed by the US Department of Commerce, assists firms in exporting by providing expert counseling and advice, information on markets abroad, international contacts and advocacy services. Alexander Amdur, Commercial Officer of the Baltimore Export Assistance Center, noted, "Shapiro's Export Essentials seminar provided a valuable overview of export requirements. The presentation was very effective for all companies in attendance."