An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board by the Louisville and Jefferson County Riverport Authority, grantee of Foreign-Trade Zone #29, requesting special-purpose subzone status for the aluminum foil liner stock manufacturing plant and warehouse of Reynolds Packaging LLC (Reynolds), located in Louisville, Kentucky. The application was submitted pursuant to the provisions of the Foreign-Trade Zones Act, as amended (19 U.S.C. 81a-81u), and the regulations of the Board (15 CFR part 400). It was formally filed on March 25, 2009.
FTZ procedures could exempt Reynolds from customs duty payments on the foreign aluminum converter foil used in export production (about 15% of annual shipments). On domestic shipments, the company would be able to elect the duty rate that applies to finished aluminum foil liner stock (duty free) for the foreign aluminum converter foil. Reynolds would also be exempt from duty payments on any aluminum foil for consumer use that becomes scrap or waste during the repackaging activity. The application indicates that the savings from FTZ procedures would help improve the facilities’ international competitiveness.
To view the full article, visit The Official Export Guide at
http://blogs.officialexportguide.com/news/?p=2430
Monday, April 6, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
If You Were in Doubt, Utah Really is Global
The phrase "Utah is global" took on even greater meaning last week, when the Foreign-Trade Zones Board of the U.S. Department of Commerce approved Salt Lake City's application to reactivate Foreign Trade Zone #30.
A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a geographical location, licensed by the U.S. government. Salt Lake City's FTZ will offer Utah businesses important advantages in competing on a global scale.
"This is great news for Salt Lake City and Utah businesses," says Mayor Ralph Becker, "and a great complement to the other assets we have in place as a global city."
To read the full article, visit the Utah Pulse at http://www.utahpulse.com/featured_article/if-you-were-doubt-utah-really-global
A Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a geographical location, licensed by the U.S. government. Salt Lake City's FTZ will offer Utah businesses important advantages in competing on a global scale.
"This is great news for Salt Lake City and Utah businesses," says Mayor Ralph Becker, "and a great complement to the other assets we have in place as a global city."
To read the full article, visit the Utah Pulse at http://www.utahpulse.com/featured_article/if-you-were-doubt-utah-really-global
Monday, March 30, 2009
Pittsburgh International Airport Development Designed to Attract Business
Trammell Crow Co. will build two speculative industrial buildings near Pittsburgh International Airport later this year in hopes of attracting companies that can help build the region into a distribution center.
"Our primary goal ... is to put Pittsburgh on the global stage and to bring greater awareness of Pittsburgh International Airport to a larger pool of companies looking to expand their operations and enhance their competitiveness," he said.
The new buildings, ranging from about 100,000- to 220,000-square-feet, will be in a foreign trade zone and are suited to housing freight forwarders or other logistics operators, Bradford said. Air cargo eventually could be developed on land south of International Drive, to which Trammell Crow also has development rights, he added.
To view the full article, visit Pittsburgh Tribune-Review at http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_617822.html
"Our primary goal ... is to put Pittsburgh on the global stage and to bring greater awareness of Pittsburgh International Airport to a larger pool of companies looking to expand their operations and enhance their competitiveness," he said.
The new buildings, ranging from about 100,000- to 220,000-square-feet, will be in a foreign trade zone and are suited to housing freight forwarders or other logistics operators, Bradford said. Air cargo eventually could be developed on land south of International Drive, to which Trammell Crow also has development rights, he added.
To view the full article, visit Pittsburgh Tribune-Review at http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_617822.html
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Salt Lake City Foreign-Trade Zone Receives Reorganization Approval from U.S. Commerce Department
Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker announced today that Salt Lake City has received approval to reactivate its Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) from the Foreign-Trade Zones Board of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Salt Lake City's zone project is designated FTZ #30.
"This is great news for Salt Lake City and Utah businesses" commented Mayor Becker. "A Foreign-Trade Zone in Utah is a significant advantage to companies who are doing business in international trade or thinking about that opportunity. It is a great complement to the other assets we have in place as a global city."
A Foreign-Trade Zone is a designated site licensed by the U.S. government that offers U.S.-based businesses advantages in competing with foreign firms in international trade. A designated zone can defer, reduce, or eliminate customs duties, improve cash flow, lower inventory costs, and streamline customs procedures.
The Salt Lake City Foreign-Trade Zone is located at a 55 acre site at 1105 South 4800 West and is planned for development of 1.2 million square feet of warehouse, distribution and/or light manufacturing facilities. The newly reactivated zone replaces one that was begun in 1977 at the International Center but has been inactive since 1995. The new FTZ is managed and developed by The Rockefeller Group, an organization with more than 30 years of success in marketing and developing FTZs in the United States.
"We are fortunate to have such an experienced partner as The Rockefeller Group serving as the manager and developer of the zone site" said Bob Farrington, Salt Lake City Economic Development Director. "The Rockefeller Group has the experience, expertise, and motivation to make this work for all concerned."
Brandi Hanback, Managing Director of Rockefeller Group Foreign Trade Zone Services, has been coordinating the Salt Lake City FTZ approval process. She also serves as Chairman of the Board of the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones. The Rockefeller Group will identify future operators and users of the zone and work with those companies to realize FTZ benefits.
"This is a significant benchmark in Utah's international efforts," commented Utah Governor Jon Huntsman upon hearing of Salt Lake City's FTZ approval. "I am convinced that our future growth will be linked to our worldwide trading partners."
To view this article, visit Utah Pulse at http://www.utahpulse.com/featured_article/salt-lake-city-foreign-trade-zone-receives-reorganization-approval-us-commerce-depa
"This is great news for Salt Lake City and Utah businesses" commented Mayor Becker. "A Foreign-Trade Zone in Utah is a significant advantage to companies who are doing business in international trade or thinking about that opportunity. It is a great complement to the other assets we have in place as a global city."
A Foreign-Trade Zone is a designated site licensed by the U.S. government that offers U.S.-based businesses advantages in competing with foreign firms in international trade. A designated zone can defer, reduce, or eliminate customs duties, improve cash flow, lower inventory costs, and streamline customs procedures.
The Salt Lake City Foreign-Trade Zone is located at a 55 acre site at 1105 South 4800 West and is planned for development of 1.2 million square feet of warehouse, distribution and/or light manufacturing facilities. The newly reactivated zone replaces one that was begun in 1977 at the International Center but has been inactive since 1995. The new FTZ is managed and developed by The Rockefeller Group, an organization with more than 30 years of success in marketing and developing FTZs in the United States.
"We are fortunate to have such an experienced partner as The Rockefeller Group serving as the manager and developer of the zone site" said Bob Farrington, Salt Lake City Economic Development Director. "The Rockefeller Group has the experience, expertise, and motivation to make this work for all concerned."
Brandi Hanback, Managing Director of Rockefeller Group Foreign Trade Zone Services, has been coordinating the Salt Lake City FTZ approval process. She also serves as Chairman of the Board of the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones. The Rockefeller Group will identify future operators and users of the zone and work with those companies to realize FTZ benefits.
"This is a significant benchmark in Utah's international efforts," commented Utah Governor Jon Huntsman upon hearing of Salt Lake City's FTZ approval. "I am convinced that our future growth will be linked to our worldwide trading partners."
To view this article, visit Utah Pulse at http://www.utahpulse.com/featured_article/salt-lake-city-foreign-trade-zone-receives-reorganization-approval-us-commerce-depa
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
FTZB Receives Application to Expand Activity in Illinois Zone
The Foreign-Trade Zones Board has received an application from the Tri-City Regional Port District, grantee of FTZ 31, requesting authority on behalf of WRB Refining LLC to expand the scope of manufacturing activity conducted under zone procedures within Subzone 31B at the WRB oil refinery complex at sites in Madison County, Ill. Comments on this application are due by May 19.
The refinery is undergoing an expansion that will add units and upgrade existing units within the subzone boundaries and is expected to expand crude production capacity up to 380,000 barrels per day. Zone procedures would exempt the increased production from customs duty payments on the foreign products used in its exports. On domestic sales of the increased production the company would be able to choose the duty rates for certain petrochemical feedstocks (zero) by admitting foreign crude oil in non-privileged foreign status.
To view this article, visit WorldTrade/Interactive at http://www.strtrade.com/wti/wti.asp?pub=0&story=30574&date=3%2F20%2F2009&company=
The refinery is undergoing an expansion that will add units and upgrade existing units within the subzone boundaries and is expected to expand crude production capacity up to 380,000 barrels per day. Zone procedures would exempt the increased production from customs duty payments on the foreign products used in its exports. On domestic sales of the increased production the company would be able to choose the duty rates for certain petrochemical feedstocks (zero) by admitting foreign crude oil in non-privileged foreign status.
To view this article, visit WorldTrade/Interactive at http://www.strtrade.com/wti/wti.asp?pub=0&story=30574&date=3%2F20%2F2009&company=
Monday, March 23, 2009
Regular County Board Meeting of the Koochiching County Board of Commissioners
In the March 3, 2009 Board Meeting, public comment was made on the County Highway's 332 Project and included information about possible routes to the Foreign Trade Zone. Below are the comments recorded. For a complete transcript of the meeting, visit the The Daily Journal online.
The Board Chair called for public comment at 11:50 a.m. Russ Tilander, an employee of Boise’s Processing Center, stated support for the County’s Highway 332 Project as the Burner Road needs to be vacated to Boise for safety reasons. He informed the Board 120,000 cords of wood cross the Burner Road in a year and the concern of Boise employees working in this area for the public’s safety is increasing as the number of crossings increase. Board members stated that due to concerns expressed by the International Falls business owners last week and learning of the Border Customs expansion study, the Board today appointed members to attend the Custom Station Expansion Study meetings to propose an idea of designing the Custom Station expansion to accommodate a redesign of the bridge line making Highway 53 the feasible route to take to get in the bridge line to Canada, which should alleviate concerns that tourists will use the County’s Highway 332 Route to get in line.
The Board members stated that there are so many interests that have come into play around this road project and the County Board is doing their best to weigh them all. The Highway Engineer stated that he is moving forward on presenting road design plans to satisfy the MNDot Commissioner’s order to submit plans within 60 days, and knowing the City of International Falls is requested denial of the order through the Court of Appeals. Terry Randolph, VFW Commander, informed the Board of upcoming veteran events such as Vietnam Veteran Welcome Home Day, Veterans Loyalty Days and plans to hold another Stand Down. Aarden Barnes asked whether county roads in French Addition were looked at as possible routes to the Foreign Trade Zone.
The Engineer stated that this was looked at when he was asked to review potential routes and it was concluded that this residential area was not conducive to a high truck traffic road. Ms. Barnes asked if the County considered purchasing private property for sale by the Highway 11 Overpass to construct an emergency service road for Ranier and the lake area. Board members stated that talks continue with the railroad and that this option was looked at, however, the estimated cost is high.
The Board Chair called for public comment at 11:50 a.m. Russ Tilander, an employee of Boise’s Processing Center, stated support for the County’s Highway 332 Project as the Burner Road needs to be vacated to Boise for safety reasons. He informed the Board 120,000 cords of wood cross the Burner Road in a year and the concern of Boise employees working in this area for the public’s safety is increasing as the number of crossings increase. Board members stated that due to concerns expressed by the International Falls business owners last week and learning of the Border Customs expansion study, the Board today appointed members to attend the Custom Station Expansion Study meetings to propose an idea of designing the Custom Station expansion to accommodate a redesign of the bridge line making Highway 53 the feasible route to take to get in the bridge line to Canada, which should alleviate concerns that tourists will use the County’s Highway 332 Route to get in line.
The Board members stated that there are so many interests that have come into play around this road project and the County Board is doing their best to weigh them all. The Highway Engineer stated that he is moving forward on presenting road design plans to satisfy the MNDot Commissioner’s order to submit plans within 60 days, and knowing the City of International Falls is requested denial of the order through the Court of Appeals. Terry Randolph, VFW Commander, informed the Board of upcoming veteran events such as Vietnam Veteran Welcome Home Day, Veterans Loyalty Days and plans to hold another Stand Down. Aarden Barnes asked whether county roads in French Addition were looked at as possible routes to the Foreign Trade Zone.
The Engineer stated that this was looked at when he was asked to review potential routes and it was concluded that this residential area was not conducive to a high truck traffic road. Ms. Barnes asked if the County considered purchasing private property for sale by the Highway 11 Overpass to construct an emergency service road for Ranier and the lake area. Board members stated that talks continue with the railroad and that this option was looked at, however, the estimated cost is high.
Fremont tries home-grown stimulus help
FREMONT — City leaders hope a package of incentives they have crafted can jump-start business activity in Fremont.
The incentives can’t come soon enough for the city’s sizable small-business sector, said Dirk Lorenz, owner of Fremont Flowers and Gifts in the city’s Centerville district. A former member of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, Lorenz said many small-business owners tell him their revenue has dropped 20 percent to 30 percent compared with last year.
City officials hear their pleas. Like their counterparts in the federal government and cities such as Boston, San Francisco and even the tiny burg of Lakeport near Clear Lake, members of the Fremont City Council approved a stimulus package March 3 as a way to counteract one of the worst economic downturns.
The package contains temporary and permanent provisions, including reducing developer impact fees, deferring the collection of those fees, exempting cleantech firms from paying the city’s business license tax, and increasing the city’s efforts to purchase products and services from Fremont businesses. The fee reductions and exemptions for business in the city of will remain in effect until at least Dec. 31, 2011.
Another proposal is to establish a foreign trade zone that would assist the city’s manufacturing sector. If approved the regulations would allow foreign and domestic goods to be brought in without formal customs entry or incurring customs duties, excise taxes or tariffs.
To read the entire article, visit the San Jose Business journal here.
The incentives can’t come soon enough for the city’s sizable small-business sector, said Dirk Lorenz, owner of Fremont Flowers and Gifts in the city’s Centerville district. A former member of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, Lorenz said many small-business owners tell him their revenue has dropped 20 percent to 30 percent compared with last year.
City officials hear their pleas. Like their counterparts in the federal government and cities such as Boston, San Francisco and even the tiny burg of Lakeport near Clear Lake, members of the Fremont City Council approved a stimulus package March 3 as a way to counteract one of the worst economic downturns.
The package contains temporary and permanent provisions, including reducing developer impact fees, deferring the collection of those fees, exempting cleantech firms from paying the city’s business license tax, and increasing the city’s efforts to purchase products and services from Fremont businesses. The fee reductions and exemptions for business in the city of will remain in effect until at least Dec. 31, 2011.
Another proposal is to establish a foreign trade zone that would assist the city’s manufacturing sector. If approved the regulations would allow foreign and domestic goods to be brought in without formal customs entry or incurring customs duties, excise taxes or tariffs.
To read the entire article, visit the San Jose Business journal here.
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