Today marks the first milestone in my tenure as Chair of the NAFTZ: My initial Zones Report commentary!

On a personal note, I have been a member of the NAFTZ for 27 years, I’m an attorney based out of Chicago (although originally from the DC area) and I am the mom of two beautiful children (11 and 6 years old) who have grown up in this Association as well as a wonderful bonus stepdaughter. I grew up in a racing (automotive) family and to quote Tom Cruise “I feel the need for speed” so thank goodness for Uber. I am honored to be your Chair and look forward to serving the Association this coming year.

For those of you who already know me, and for those of you I look forward to getting to know, I am a big fan of the word "WE." It is an important word that sums up the hard work and dedication of every member of this Association along with our Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Committees and internal NAFTZ Team. And by “every member,” I really do mean every member as our Association as with most others thrives based on volunteers and the pooled knowledge that members opt to share on a constant basis.

The NAFTZ celebrated a historic 50^th Anniversary at our Annual Conference held last month in Miami. Our goal was to highlight the history and fortitude of this critical trade program that was “designed to stimulate economic growth and development in the United States” and “to promote American competitiveness by encouraging companies to expand their operations in the United States.” This language is directly from U.S. Customs & Border Protection’s website. Our mission is to represent the 772 (and counting) members that cross industries, port authorities, economic development organizations, transportation, technology and consulting service providers. To protect and expand this program, we need to be heard! Not just when we have a crucial or time sensitive issue, but as a matter of course by consistently staying in front of the Congressional and regulatory representatives that are key to the success and viability of the FTZ program so that those lawmakers and regulators understand how impactful our program is to the United States economy. This is our time and WE intend to capitalize on it as only the NAFTZ can do.

By the way…WE will also be certain to have some fun along the way. 😉

By: 

Shannon Fura, Page Fura, P.C.
NAFTZ Chair