Description

The NAFTZ Update is in response to the questions NAFTZ received on the variety of issues tackled by NAFTZ taskforces.  Welcome you joining us to learn from association insiders in how best to take advantage of such opportunities to get involved. 

This session will cover the latest programs NAFTZ has to offer with special highlight of social media engagement opportunities.  

Featured Speakers: Advocacy Working Group Chairs: Robert Balli, P66, Danielle Converse, POCCA, Jason Ricketts, Nissan, and Amy Crosse, Carter's and moderator: NAFTZ Dir. of Advocacy & Strategic Relations: Melissa Irmen, will explore the latest developments and opportunities to engage with issues that mean the most to you, among your industry peers.

• Learning objective: Attendees can expect to learn about current topics impacting FTZ operations and the status of NAFTZ advocacy efforts in those areas. Up-to-date statuses on topics such as FTZ parity for de minimis entry, disparities FTZs face with USMCA, CBP resource support of the FTZ program, storage of goods suspected of forced labor in FTZs and other subjects the NAFTZ membership prioritized in our advocacy efforts.

Speaker bios:

Robert Balli is an FTZ Analyst for Phillips 66. He received a B.B.A. in Accounting from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. Robert began his career in petroleum in operation at Champlin Refinery, now CITGO, in Corpus Christi TX. Robert left the petroleum industry and entered the non-profit sector. Robert returned to the petroleum industry when he returned to the CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery. He held various roles from indirect tax, yield accounting to FTZ. Robert relocated to Houston to continue with FTZ at Phillips 66. Robert has over 20 years of manufacturing and 10 years of FTZ experience.

Danielle Converse is the Foreign Trade Zone Manager at the Port of Corpus Christi, FTZ 122. Danielle has served as the Foreign Trade Zone Manager for the Port of Corpus Christi since 2019. She graduated from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi with a Bachelor of Science, and has more than 20 years’ experience with federal, state, and local regulations. Danielle has been an active member of NAFTZ since joining in 2019, serving on the Grantee Committee, the Social Media Taskforce, and is currently Chair of the Sponsorship Taskforce. While her time in the FTZ industry is short, Danielle’s excellent working relationships with operators and local U.S. Customs officials have ensured the successful implementation and continuation of the Foreign-Trade Zone program in the Corpus Christi region.

Amy Crosse is the Foreign Trade Zone Manager for Carter’s. She has more than 15 years of experience in managing customs compliance programs including the Foreign Trade Zone programs for Mizuno USA and Chico’s FAS. Amy has played a critical role qualifying and implementing multiple FTZs. She and her husband, Thomas, live in Atlanta, Georgia.

Jason Ricketts is Customs & Trade Senior Manager, Nissan North America Inc.         

• 25+ years Total International Logistics and Customs Compliance experience including four years as an FTZ Administrator.
• 6 years working as customs brokerage manager.
• Licensed customs broker since 2001.
• Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio State University in Aviation Management.
• Master’s Degree in Accounting from Kaplan University.
• Currently the Senior Manager for Customs & Trade at Nissan North America covering the US & Canada.

Megan Costello is Vice President for Trade and Customs Policy at Sorini, Samet and Associates, a prominent consulting and lobbying firm located in Washington, D.C. She provides analysis and strategic trade advice on a wide range of issues including tariffs imposed on China, trade agreements and negotiations, preference programs and federal regulations. Key initiatives include crafting product exclusions from the Section 301 China tariffs, miscellaneous tariff bills (MTBs), extending the Haiti HOPE/HELP program, and creating new permanent tariff classifications for recreational performance outerwear and also lowering duties on protective active footwear. Currently Megan is spearheading the Ship Safe Coalition and their efforts to level the e-commerce playing field for U.S. Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) through providing eligibility for de minimis entry. Before joining SSA, Megan was the Manager of Government Affairs for Samsung Electronics America, Inc.

Supported by moderator: 

NAFTZ Director of Advocacy & Strategic relations: Melissa Irmen