VAGTC shows benefits of foreign trade zone

Companies can save money and stay competitive in the international marketplace by utilizing the Kent-Ottawa-Muskegon Foreign Trade Zone.

A seminar, “Discover the Benefits of Using Your Local Foreign-Trade Zone,” will be held December 5 at the GVSU Bicycle Building, sponsored by Grand Valley’s Van Andel Global Trade Center.

Alicia Cortez, customs compliance supervisor for Wolverine Worldwide, Inc., is the guest speaker. Cortez played an integral role in implementing Wolverine Worldwide’s Foreign-Trade Zone program and currently manages both the Michigan and Kentucky Foreign-Trade Zone operations.

The U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone is a designated area considered outside the U.S. for customs purposes, that are secure and enclosed areas located in or adjacent to a customs port of entry. Foreign-Trade Zones help U.S. businesses by reducing operational costs and encouraging activity by allowing delayed or reduced duty payments on foreign materials, including cash flow savings.

“Discover the Benefits of Using Your Local Foreign-Trade Zone”
December 5
11 a.m. registration
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. lunch program
GVSU Bicycle Building, 201 Front Avenue SW
$30 VAGTC member, $45 non-member

The seminar will cover:
 • No duties on imported goods that are re-exported
 • Lower tariff rates on materials receiving value-add activity
 • Elimination of duties for waste, scrap, rejected or defective parts
 • Customs efficiencies including direct delivery and weekly entry

For more information, contact the Van Andel Global Trade Center at (616) 331-6811.