Description

These Grantee 202 trainings were part of the 2024 Fundamentals of FTZs Seminar - included in one's registration fee. Note registration includes access to both Feb. 29 and March 1 sessions both held from 1:00 - 3:00 pm eastern.

To VIEW session on demand - contact Victoria vcartwright@naftz.org and note the applicable rates apply ($75 per member; $125 per non-member)

If you seek to register a la carte for this virtual training - the below rates reflect this scenario. Dive into the nuances of the FTZ Grantee role over two virtual 2-hour sessions. Explore zone types and key steps involved in the application and activation FTZ stages from the comforts of your home office with this unique virtual presentation format.    

This session will cover the latest information on Zone Types, Application & Activation* 

Virtual Track sessions are included in Fundamentals of FTZs Seminar 2024 registration fee. If you register for the 2024 NAFTZ Fundamentals of FTZs Seminar- the (2) Bonus Virtual sessions: Grantee 202 are included in your Fundamentals registration fee (no additional fees are required for access) & in your original fundamentals event confirmation links to these online activities are included and no additional registration is required. Alternatively, once can register a la carte and just attend the virtual session(s) at the applicable rates shown.

Rec 

GRANTEE 202 Virtual sessions 

(registration includes access to both):

Part 1 (2 hours)

Description:

Part 2: (2 hours)
Description:
Application types
Designation 
Activation
Production Authority
Zone Operations (Admissions, withdrawals, special handling & Bonded Transportation, ICRS)

Gilberto Sanchez- Airport Director, Foreign Trade Zone Number 94, Laredo International Airport. His experience with the City of Laredo spans for over 20 years. Before serving as Laredo International Airport Director he was the City's Budget Director where he worked across the management team and city departments to maintain a healthy and balanced budget for the City. He was appointed Airport Director in October of 2022 after serving a year as Interim Director. Mr. Sanchez graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from Tecnologico de Monterrey, and in 2022 with a Certification in Public Management from Texas A&M International University. Mr. Sanchez's experience in data analysis, operations, and economic development guides his department toward reaching its strategic goals. 

William Cawthern is the Director of Foreign-Trade Zone #74 with the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), the economic development agency for the City of Baltimore. In his role, William serves as the Grantee for the FTZ, with a service area including Baltimore City and six surrounding counties. Importing through the Port of Baltimore, FTZ #74’s active operators are in the metals, automotive, “roll-on, roll-off” equipment, and third-party logistics industries. In addition to his FTZ responsibilities, William acts as the lead economic development officer for the Industrial and Logistics sector of Baltimore, driving business development efforts to attract and support manufacturers, distributors, and transportation functions of the local supply chain. Lastly, William administers the Brownfields Revitalization Incentive Program tax credit, which encourages environmental cleanup through real estate investment in Baltimore.

William’s previous career experience focused on corporate real estate, specializing in transaction management, financial analysis, and portfolio strategy for office and industrial property users. His clients included staffing firms, professional service companies, global consumer brands, and a propane distributor. This diverse background instilled a well-rounded understanding of corporate operations and a deep appreciation for high-quality client service.

William holds a degree from Colgate University and a master’s of urban planning degree from CUNY Hunter College.

Denise Yanez is an Economic Development Program Manager in the Community and Economic Development Department focusing on business attraction and is the Foreign-Trade Zone Administrator for the City of Phoenix FTZ No. 75, which services three large counties. Denise has worked with the FTZ program for more than 15 years and currently manages contracts for 26 FTZ operators.

Denise has worked for the City of Phoenix for over 25 years in various departments with experience in economic development, redevelopment, residential real estate, property management, property maintenance and zoning enforcement, and small business development. She has a B.S. in General Business from Arizona State University, is an Accredited Zone Specialist by the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ), serves on the NAFTZ Board of Directors, and is a member of the NAFTZ Grantee and Membership Committees.

Tony Rodriguez joined the Brownsville Navigation District d/b/a Port of Brownsville in 1992 as a Foreign Trade Zone Specialist and his responsible include tracking merchandise within the zone; execute admission and manipulation documents for merchandise entering the FTZ. Conduct internal audits, cycle counts and compliance reviews for the FTZ No. 62 and US Customs and Border Protection to insure compliance with US Customs and Border Protection Regulations. In 1996 he became a Marketing Assistant where he developed his skills as a special project coordinator and promoting ports facilities and services. In 1998, he played a big role on implementing and securing the Overweight Permit Program for the Port of Brownsville; and was assigned the responsibility to oversee the training and implementation of the program. In 2002 he was instrumental in the transition to the on-line permit program, and worked extensively with the programmers to debug the pilot program which now serves as a model for TXDOT on-line permits program. In 2002 he was promoted to Director of Marketing, and Manager for the Foreign Trade Zone No. 62, in these positions he was responsible for the daily operations of FTZ No. 62 and all the maintenance of the FTZ records, and preparations of the monthly reports and the FTZ annual report for the FTZ Board and the Department of Commerce and US Treasury, and be liaison with US Customs and Border Protection and the FTZ operators to insure compliance with all Federal Regulations and Tariff provisions. In addition as Director of Marketing he was responsible for all sales, marketing, advertising, and development of new business for the Port of Brownsville, and the promotion of Brownsville Rio Grande International Railroad (BRG) service to port customers and lessees. In addition maintain and update all directories, policies, photos and act as the webmaster for the Port of Brownsville website.

In 2005 with the naming of a new port director Mr. Rodriguez, title change to Director of Cargo Services and Overweight Permit-FTZ Administrator with no changes to his responsibilities. His responsibilities include for all the sales, promoting and marketing and development of new business coming to the Port of Brownsville, plus all the duties mention above. Mr. Rodriguez is the coordinator of the Port’s trade mission in Mexico, Central and South America; and promoting the Port of Brownsville as a doorway to Mexico and the world. He is also responsible for the movement of cargos to and from Mexico and the liaison to all the Mexican and US customers of the Port of Brownsville. Others duties includes liaison to the International Trade community, local and regional economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, government agencies, and transportation industry.(BEDC, CODEM, BCVB, SPICV, Brownsville Chamber/CANACO, CANACAR, TXDOT, USDOT and USCPB)

Tony, Business and Professional Affiliations are: Associate Member of IRPT (Inland Rivers, Port, and Terminals), NAFTZ (National Association of Foreign Trade Zones), BRE (Brownsville Retention and Expansion Committee), Member of the Executive Board and Secretary of Brownsville License US Customs Brokers Association, Committee Chair for the International and Logistics Committee, of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce and Member of the Executive Board and Treasurer of the Leadership Brownsville (Class 28).

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Child Psychology with a minor Criminal Justice from University of Texas at Brownsville/TSC, and in 2006 return to pursue associate degree on International Business and General Studies.