The NAFTZ Spotlight On FTZ distribution/manufacturing Webinar is in response to event attendee Surveys requesting to cover this topic in more detail.
This session will cover the latest developments and opportunities. This includes:
Understanding Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs): An overview of FTZs and their critical role in global trade, particularly as companies navigate shifting tariff policies, trade restrictions, and retaliatory measures.
Strategic Advantages of FTZs: Exploring the key benefits, including duty deferral, inverted tariffs, and supply chain optimization, and how these advantages help businesses navigate risk and improve cost efficiency.
Session Objectives: Defining the goals of today’s discussion, including enhancing operational understanding, optimizing compliance strategies, and preparing for evolving trade regulations.
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Kathleen A. Rivera is the Director of International Logistics and CBP Compliance/FTZ at Fortessa Tableware Solutions, LLC. She manages and directs all import/export shipments to both FTZ distribution sites located in Winchester, VA and Kinston, NC. She is responsible for CBP and FTZ compliance. Also, she manages the CTPAT program. Fortessa has been a CTPAT Tier II member since 2007. She has been employed at Fortessa Tableware Solutions, LLC since 2005. Prior to joining this company, she worked at DHL Global Forwarding, Dulles as the Import Manager.
Kathleen has twenty-nine years’ combined experience in freight forwarding, Customs brokerage, and FTZ operations. She facilitated the FTZ application and CBP approval process for the Kinston FTZ distribution site in less than six months.
Kathleen earned her Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virgina. She is a Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) and a NCBFAA Certified Customs Specialist (CCS). She is a member of the NAFTZ Operator/ User Committee and currently involved in the NAFTZ Mentorship program as a mentor.
Michael D’Aoust is the President and CEO of Watermark Trade, bringing 20 years of experience in the trade and customs industry. As an experienced project manager and supply chain professional, Michael has guided numerous companies through the complexities of FTZ operations. His expertise spans strategic planning, from initial setup to execution and ongoing management of distribution and manufacturing zones.
Michael specializes in conducting comprehensive financial and operational evaluations for companies seeking to operate under zone procedures. His expertise includes FTZ designations, activations, production notifications, as well as designing and mapping system interfaces, user acceptance testing (UAT), change management, and ongoing zone administration. He is also highly experienced in FTZ compliance, customs brokerage, supply chain consulting, penalty mitigation, prior disclosures, compliance monitoring, audits, CTPAT initiatives, ABI and GTM system setup and testing, importer self-assessment (ISA) support, training, and other trade-related matters.
A longtime member of the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ), Michael frequently speaks on FTZ-related topics and has served on multiple industry committees. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business finance from Stetson University and an MBA from Florida State University. Additionally, he is a Licensed Customs Broker (LCB), an NCBFAA Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), a Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).
Educational CREDIT
Collect up to 1 CCS/CES/LCB credits and 1 credit towards your Certified Zone Specialist (CZS) or Accredited Zone Specialist (AZS) certification renewal when you attend the LIVE 1-hour webinar event. NOTE regarding CCS/CES/LCB credits - per NEI Policy, attendees should NOT detrimentally rely on the content of the activity for compliance, auditing, or other enforcement purposes based on the NEI's accreditation approval.
The National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) is registered with the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA) as a sponsor for continuing education. NCBFAA has final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CCS/CES/LCB credit. Any credit requests must be received immediately following the LIVE event with any requests received after this timeframe subject to NCBFAA review process. Please note that there are no prerequisites or advance preparations required to attend this seminar.
Learn more about AZS and CZS credit eligibility for webinar attendance on their applicable websites.
Eastern Time zone (1:00 - 2:00 PM)
DISCOUNTS: Join NAFTZ in order to qualify for membership discounts.
All individuals must have an NAFTZ membership to receive the NAFTZ member rate, if a substitute is requested, the substitute must have a current NAFTZ membership in order to make such a transfer. If the requested transfer is for a non-member, one would have the option to add an additional membership in order to receive the member rate or pay difference between the paid member and invoiced non-member rate. Attendees registration transfer requests should be sent to vcartwright@naftz.org.
Prior to the webinars, participants will receive an e-mail with directions to secure the call-in number and passcode to be used to access the webinar. Any questions or concerns call 703-309-6640 or email vcartwright@naftz.org.
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