The Northern California World Trade Center will host three of the nation’s top international trade experts—Acting Assistant Secretary for International Trade Administration Stephen P. Jacobs, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services “Bud” Philbrook and U.S. International Trade Commission Vice Chairman Daniel R. Pearson—when they speak at the annual Consular Corps Luncheon, May 19, at UC Davis Freeborn Hall.

The Northern California World Trade Center will bring together nearly 50 trade consuls representing dozens of foreign governments and a variety of international business people from throughout the region and throughout California to attend this annual event.

“If you are a business person wanting hear from those people who are the decision-makers for international trade in this country and connect with a trade representative from another country—the Consular Corps Luncheon will offer you an unparalleled opportunity,” said Michael Faust, president & CEO of the Northern California World Trade Center. “Our lineup of high caliber speakers provide hard-to-come-by, up-to-the minute details on the current international trade policy and the international trade economy. For international networking and business acumen—this is one event you must attend.”

Set on the UC Davis campus, the event also recognizes the university’s centennial anniversary and service as an international beacon for cutting-edge research in the region, the country and around the globe. A tour of the UC Davis campus with Centennial Director and Assistant Vice Chancellor Bob Segar will be offered at the conclusion of the luncheon program.

“If I were only able to attend one event this year to understand, engage and hear from the top U.S. officials affecting the entire spectrum of international trade, I would have to say that this lineup of speakers and the diverse number of consular representative makes this THE unique event I would have to attend,” said Mike Luken, manager of the Port of West Sacramento and chair of the WTC.

The event’s premiere speakers are not often in our region, but they are incredible contacts for any business involved in international trade:

Acting Assistant Secretary for International Trade Administration—Stephen P. Jacobs:
Jacobs, a UC Davis graduate, will highlight the actions of the administration's mission of strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. industry, of promoting trade and investment, and of ensuring fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements. The International Trade Administration creates opportunities for U.S. workers and firms by promoting international trade opportunities and by fostering a level playing field for American business. He will also be presenting one local company the prestigious Export Achievement Certificate.

USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services— “Bud” Philbrook: Philbrook was recently named to his prestigious post to help lead the Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, which include the Farm Service Agency, Foreign Agricultural Service and Risk Management Agency. RMA and FSA programs help producers manage their business risks and improve the stability and strength of the domestic agricultural economy. FAS works to expand existing and build new markets for U.S. products, improve the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and provide food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries. The Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is incredibly important to the greater Sacramento region as it works to improve foreign market access for U.S. products, build new markets, improve the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace and provide food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries.

U.S. International Trade Commission Vice Chairman—Daniel R. Pearson:
Pearson will discuss importing and exporting with the United States from the perspective of his globally influential position. The U.S. International Trade Commission is an independent federal agency determining import injury to U.S. industries in antidumping, countervailing duty and global safeguard investigations; directing actions against unfair trade practices involving patent, trademark and copyright infringement; supporting policymakers through economic analysis and research on the global competitiveness of U.S. industries; and maintaining the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

Tickets for the 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. luncheon are $65 for World Trade Center and Metro Chamber members and $85 for nonmembers. Register online at www.metrochamber.org/events or contact Lindsey Ono at 916-319-4262. The UC Davis campus tour will begin at 1:45 p.m. and last about an hour; register onsite at the event.