The next GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays international networking event will be held June 7 at Eclipse Lounge in Lawrenceville from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. This month we will be welcoming internationals living and studying in the Pittsburgh region and anyone who has worked and/or studied abroad. Bring your friends!

GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays is a regular monthly night of networking and socializing with different themes, different activities and different locations - but always with an international flavor - on the first Thursday of every month.

Join us for an evening of friends, interesting conversation and good spirits with an international flair. Meet GlobalPittsburgh members, friends & visitors from many countries, and network with globally-minded people from Pittsburgh and all over.

There will be complimentary appetizers, bar specials, raffles, and more. Admission is FREE for GlobalPittsburgh members; $5 at the door for non-members. Membership information will be available at the event, but you may also join GlobalPittsburgh now at www.globalpittsburgh.org/membership.

Eclipse Lounge is located at 3705 Butler Street in Lawrenceville, 15201. For more information, go to eclipseloungepgh.com/

If you have questions, please call Nadya at 412-392-4513 or by email at nkessler@globalpittsburgh.org. Photos from past First Thursdays and a few other GlobalPittsburgh events, activities, and programs can be viewed at www.flickr.com/photos/globalpittsburgh. See you there!

Anyone interested in learning about doing business or exploring partnerships in Pittsburgh's Sister City of Ostrava, Czech Republic, is invited to a free conference on May 17 featuring the Ostrava Lord Mayor and the President of the Technical University of Ostrava, co-hosted by GlobalPittsburgh, at the University of Pittsburgh's Katz Graduate School of Business from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Located on the border with Poland in the eastern part of the country, Ostrava is a post-industrial region with a recent history similar to Pittsburgh's. It is the second largest metropolitan area in the Czech Republic after Prague with a population of 1.2 million people.

Petr KajnarDuring the conference the delegation will present an overview of business and academic opportunities in Ostrava. Leading the delegation are Ostrava Lord Mayor Petr Kajnar and Technical University President Dr. Ivo Vondrak. Vondrak is also Director of the IT4Innovations Centre of Excellence, which has been charged with the development of a supercomputer which in 2014 will become the fourth largest such computer in Europe.

According to Kajnar, the aim of Ostrava mission is to "develop closer economic ties with U.S. companies and organizations and the city of Ostrava in the Czech Republic and support global business expansion for all participants and interested parties through closer international cooperation.

"Our goal is to support Czech industry on an international platform and support the drive for economic growth. We will deliver presentations during the visit to highlight the opportunities, possibilities and benefits in doing business with us.

"Whether your company or organization is looking to export products or services, we can and will help provide you with key partners in the local markets. Whether you are looking to expand production to Central Europe, we will provide you help and incentive programs to assist your development, growth and integration into our region. Whether you are looking for cooperation partnerships, trade links and a solid partner in Central Europe, then Ostrava is your partner.

"This mission is defined as a cost-effective tool for helping potential U.S. partners and companies learn first-hand about the European markets and how we can benefit by connecting to each other," Kajnar said. "Our Trade Missions brings strong local partners, strong US partners in Ostrava to you to show firsthand the benefit of doing business with us."

Delegation members include:
Petr Kajnar, Lord Mayor, City of Ostrava
Dr. Ivo Vondrak, Chancellor, Ostrava Technical University
Stanislav Benes, Deputy Consul General, New York Consulate of the Czech Republic
Dalibor Madej, First Deputy Lord Mayor, City of Ostrava (responsible for environment)
Vaclav Palicka, Head of the Department of Economic Development, City of Ostrava
Jason Fitzgerald, Special Advisor for Foreign Investment, Global Networks
Dr. Martin Duda, Director, IT4Innovations, Ostrava Technical University
Dr. Vit Vondrak, Professor, Ostrava Technical University
Dr. Philip Stanek, Professor, Ostrava Technical University
Marian Piecha, Ministry of Trade and Commerce
Lubomir Gogela, Manager, National Engineering Clusters, Vitkovice Machinery Group
Jiri Michalek, Strategic Business Director, Vitkovice Machinery Group
Petr Lukasik, Director, Business Intelligence, Tieto
Roman Michalec, Managing Director, Ostrava Science and Technology Park
Miroslav Krizek, CEO, Czech Invest


Participation in the conference is free but pre-registration is required. CLICK HERE to register. For more information, please contact Carol Hochman, Honorary Consul for the Czech Republic, at pittsburgh@honorary.mzv.cz.

Eight university administrators from Russia will visit the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) and other area institutions this week as part of a program entitled “Higher Education and Workforce Development in the U.S.: Multifunctional Role of U.S. Community Colleges,” arranged by GlobalPittsburgh.

The group will discuss how CCBC is training workers for the shale gas drilling industry in western Pennsylvania, including how it is building partnerships with industries, four-year institutions, and public organizations. After the meeting at the community college, the group will tour NOVA Chemicals, Inc.

Designed to create relationships between institutions to exchange best practices and sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, the project will provide opportunities for Russian education administrators to learn about the community college model in U.S. higher education and about the ways that community colleges are helping to meet the goals of providing access to higher education and preparing future workers with in-demand job skills. The national itinerary for the group has been coordinated by GlobalConnect at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC.

The Russian administrators include: Ms. Valentina Fedotova, Head, Secondary Vocational Education Department at Urals Federal University; Dr. Dmitriy Kolykhalov, Deputy Head, Aviation Technology Department, Komsomolsk-on-Amur State Technical University; Ms. Alla Pavlova, Director, Emmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University Technical College; Dr. Gennadii Sosedov, Director, Polytechnic College, Tambov State Technical University; Dr. Audrey Tsarkov, Director, Kaluga Branch, Bauman Moscow State Technical University; Dr. Elena Merzon, Director, Elabuga Affiliation Branch, Kazan State Federal University; Mr. Vasilii Rodionov, Director, Junior Polytechnic College, St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University; and Dr. Ludmila Starkova, Head, Vocational Education Department, Novgorod State University and Director, College of Economics and Humanities, Novgorod State University. The adminstrators will be accompanied by two Russian lnterpreters, Mr. Roman Borukhov and Mr. Kahren Mkrtchyan.

During their visit, the Russian University administrators will meet with Dr. Joe Forrester, President, Community College of Beaver County; Dr. Melissa Denardo, Vice President of Learning and Student Success/Provost, CCBC; Ms. Karen Deichert, Associate Vice President, Career and Workforce Development, CCBC; Ms. Susan Dunlap, Workforce Development Program Coordinator, CCBC; Ms. Deborah Michaels, Director, Business and Technologies, CCBC; Ms. Helen Kissick, Director of Training & Development, NOVA Chemicals, Inc.; and Ms. Deb Newton, Executive Director, Job Training of Beaver County, Inc.

GlobalPittsburgh is teaming up with the Pittsburgh Social Exchange and the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (PMAHCC) to host the 2nd Annual International Business Networking Social at the Allegheny Harvard-Yale-Princeton Club in Downtown Pittsburgh on Wednesday, May 16 from 6-9 p.m.

The event will take place on all three levels of the HYP Club, which is located at 619 William Penn Place. Admission includes delicious cuisine from different lands across the world. Meet and mingle with professionals from Global Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and hundreds of other business people. Admission has been capped at 250. Last year's event sold out, so act now to purchase your tickets.

Admission for GlobalPittsburgh members (and PSE/PMAHCC members) is $20 in advance and $40 for non-members. Admission at the door (if tickets are available) is $50 per person. If you are not a GP member, now is the time to join. It's only $40 per year, or $50 per household. CLICK HERE for GP membership information. You can sign up and pay online, and then get member ticket price to this event.

To register for this event, please CLICK HERE.

There will be live music from local musicians, a silent auction, and a cash bar with a signature "Around the World" drink created for this occasion by the HYP Club.

In addition to being one of the great events of the year, the International Business Networking Social supports a good cause. Fifteen percent of all proceeds from this event will go to the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce scholarship fund.

The Pittsburgh Social Exchange is Pittsburgh's premier networking organization, with the goal of helping members build their business and professional career by connecting them with other local professionals. PSE specializes in high-caliber events that are designed to bring together local professionals and help them increase their professional opportunities through business networking. For more information, go to www.pittsburghsocialexchange.com.

Rufus Idris, Executive Director of CEED, a Pittsburgh-based community development group, has been accepted under full scholarship to attend Harvard Business School's Performance Measurement for Effective Management of Nonprofit Organizations program in Cambridge, MA, in May.

Rufus IdrisThe four-day program will use faculty presentations, case studies and group discussions to help participants understand best practices at other organizations and develop an effective way of measuring the success of their own programs and activities.

CEED is a non-profit organization that provides free business consulting services and microloans (under $10,000) to entrepreneurs who might not otherwise qualify for bank loans. To date, CEED has provided business planning and technical assistance to about 125 small businesses in the 10-county region of Southwestern Pennsylvania, 85 percent of which are based in Allegheny County, Idris said.

Topics at the Harvard program include:
- Managing organizational performance for strategic advantage.
 - Assessing and responding to demands for accountability.
- Examining tools and approaches for measuring the organization’s performance.
- Overcoming challenges and obstacles to organizational performance management.
- Institutionalizing and sustaining organizational performance management systems.

"It is an honor to be selected for the Harvard program for Nonprofit Organizations, and it will help CEED to be sure that we continue to be successful as we grow and help more people in the Greater Pittsburgh community," Idris said.

The Harvard program comes at a good time as CEED prepares to draft a comprehensive strategic plan for its growing program, Idris said.

A native of Nigeria, Idris has spent over 10 years working with disadvantaged and underserved populations on community development and poverty alleviation initiatives across Africa and in the United States. He joined CEED in 2008 as Director for Non-profit Services and was promoted to Executive Director in 2009. He attended Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology (FCFMT), and the University of Agriculture in Nigeria, and La Roche College in Pittsburgh, and received a Master’s Degree in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University. Idris is a co-founder of the Union of African Communities in Southwestern Pennsylvania. He sits on the Allegheny County Department of Human Services’ Advisory Council on immigrants, internationals and refugee issues, and he is a member of the Vibrant Pittsburgh Affinity Group Steering Committee.

For more information about CEED, go to www.usaceed.org.

Besart Stavileci grew up in war-torn Kosovo, attending a school that was often without heat or electricity, all the while clinging to his vision of the American dream.

Besart StavileciStavileci pursued that dream at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, where he will graduate May 5 as president of the Class of 2012 and winner of the university’s Presidential Transformational Award. It is RMU’s highest undergraduate honor, given annually to a graduating student who has been transformed by his or her experience at RMU and has also contributed to the transformation of the university in a meaningful way. The recipient epitomizes the RMU experience through active and engaged learning, academic excellence, leadership and community service.

“It is truly an honor to receive such an award, but I am most proud not of myself, but of those that have offered me these opportunities, and have guided me through making the most of them,” said Stavileci, who is majoring in actuarial science, one of RMU’s most demanding and selective degree programs and one of only 14 Centers of Actuarial Excellence in the United States, as designated by the Society of Actuaries. He holds a 3.92 GPA and is the recipient of the Actuarial Science Outstanding Senior Award.

“Not only am I leaving RMU with a top-notch education in my field, but also with great memories, amazing friends, a remarkable network and an incredible set of mentors,"  Stavileci said. "If I have been successful during my time here, it is because of the opportunities that RMU offers, as well as faculty and staff's relentless enthusiasm.”

Stavileci has been president of Carpe Mundum, the university's organization for international students, and he has volunteered with the International Red Cross and participated in an alternative spring break trip to Washington, D.C., to work with the homeless. He has been a resident assistant, a mathematics tutor, a member of the Senior Class Gift Committee and a staff writer for the Sentry, RMU’s student newspaper. He completed an internship at CIGNA Insurance in Philadelphia and Illyria Insurance in his native Kosovo. Stavileci is fluent in English, Albanian and Italian.

“Besart is a leader who sets an example not only for students but also for faculty and staff who have been inspired by his extraordinary background and his achievements at Robert Morris,” said RMU President Gregory G. Dell’Omo. “Besart represents the university that RMU has aspired to become, and thanks to students like him, we have achieved it.”

Source - Robert Morris University

The next GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays international networking event will be held May 3 at Olive or Twist at 140 6th Street in Downtown Pittsburgh from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. This month we will be welcoming U.S. State Department-sponsored visitors from Australia and Russia. Bring your friends!

GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays is a regular monthly night of networking and socializing with different themes, different activities and different locations - but always with an international flavor - on the first Thursday of every month.

Join us for an evening of friends, interesting conversation and good spirits with an international flair. Meet GlobalPittsburgh members, friends & visitors from many countries, and network with globally-minded people from Pittsburgh and all over.

We will be joined by eight university administrators from Russia who are in Pittsburgh this week as part of a program entitled “Higher Education and Workforce Development in the U.S.: Multifunctional Role of U.S. Community Colleges,” arranged by GlobalPittsburgh.

There will be complimentary appetizers, bar specials, raffles, and more. Admission is FREE for GlobalPittsburgh members; $5 at the door for non-members. Membership information will be available at the event, but you may also join GlobalPittsburgh now at http://www.globalpittsburgh.org/membership.

Olive or Twist’s Second Floor Lounge is located at 140 6th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, near the Renaissance Hotel and Byham Theater.

Parking is available in two garages - one at the corner of 6th street and Ft. Duquesne Blvd., and one at the corner of Penn Ave. and 6th street. (Both are at either ends of 6th Street.) Street parking is also available.

Olive or Twist will be providing a light fare menu and drinks are available for purchase. For more information, go to www.olive-twist.com.

If you have questions, please call Nadya at 412-392-4513 or by email at nkessler@globalpittsburgh.org.  Photos from past First Thursdays and a few other GlobalPittsburgh events, activities, and programs can be viewed at  http://www.flickr.com/photos/globalpittsburgh. See you there!

By Fazlur RahmanLahore, Pakistan
If you are considering the option to study at an institute in Pittsburgh, USA then I would definitely second your decision.

I got the great opportunity to study for a semester in this city at Duquesne University. From August till December 2011, I consider them as the best period of my life. I have known about Pittsburgh and its reputable institutions from even before, and fortunately, I was placed in this city by my Program Agency IREX for the U.S. State Department Global Undergraduate Exchange Program for Pakistan.
I became very excited and search on Google about places to see in Pittsburgh and nearby. As the time gets closer, I became more excited. I reached Pittsburgh on August 19, 2011. The International Office of Duquesne University was very supportive and helped me in getting me settled. I was picked by Cultural Ambassador of Duquesne University. The journey from airport to university dorms was amazing. The beautiful green hills on the way, and then, when we came out from the tunnel, the beautiful skyline of Pittsburgh made myself believe that I will definitely love my four-month stay in Pittsburgh.


Academic Walk - Duquesne University




Duquesne University, I found it a great place to study. The environment, faculty, dorms, student life, everything was amazing. The International Office and other administrative units were really helpful in everything.  Since I was on State Department Program, I had to complete community service work hours, and to give country presentation. I enjoyed both of them. The spirit of community service was seen clearly among the students at Duquesne as Duquesne is a Catholic university and its Campus Ministry and Office of Service Learning emphasize on community service. Through country presentation I was able to give an introduction about my country Pakistan to the students and officials of the university. I was also inducted in Critical Skills Program which helped me to enhance my academics and professional skills. This program gave me lifelong learning and made myself more efficient.

At Annual City Basketball Game - Consol Energy Center


Exploring Pittsburgh and United States, that was my next aim other than academics. Day by day, I started loving Pittsburgh more and more. The beautiful scenery specially of hills and the Three Rivers, make this city as the most awesome city of the United States. I traveled around twelve states of USA but I found Pittsburgh as the best place to study and live. Luckily, my room window opens on the Bluff Street, and I always had the scenery view of Southside hills across River Monongahela. It was either the walk from Duquesne to Southside to enjoy nightlife of Pittsburgh or walk to Pittsburgh Downtown to go to Cultural District for performance shows or shopping, these walks were most amazing. The home of Pittsburgh Penguins Hockey Team, Consol Energy Center was just across the street from Duquesne. The home of Pittsburgh Steelers Football Team, Heinz Field and home of Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball team, PNC Park was just fifteen minute walk from my university. The city enjoys the privilege to be the ‘City of Champions’ when Steelers and Penguins won the highest titles of American Football and Hockey respectively.




View of Pittsburgh Downtown from Mt. Washington
In a nutshell, I really like the location of my university campus as well ease in mobility around the city. Oakland, where the world’s prestigious universities University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University have campuses, is around 10 minutes drive from Pittsburgh Downtown, and it makes the students mobility very easy. It was never a problem for me to explore the city without owning car. Either the places worth visiting were on a walking distance or the bus ride made it convenient to visit the places. The transit system is very good if you are studying in the regions nearby city centre and living nearby them.



Pirates vs. Reds Baseball Game at PNC Park





I visited Heinz History Center, PNC Park Heinz Field, Kennywood Amusement Park, Cathedral of Learning, Mt. Washington, and many other places in Pittsburgh. Whatever interest you have, you will find the place or activity for it in Pittsburgh. I always felt proud of saying that I am studying and living in Pittsburgh. So, I would suggest you guys that do consider a option of studying in Pittsburgh.





Niagara Falls (It is just four hour drive from Pittsburgh)



From Pittsburgh, it is very easy to visit famous and large cities of USA. I visited New York, Boston, Washington DC, Baltimore, Niagara Falls, Detroit, Buffalo, Toronto via Megabus which is very cheap and convenient and goes to these cities daily. Philadelphia and Chicago are also very near. Many airlines operate at Pittsburgh International Airport and you can fly to various places in the USA from here. Amtrak also have two trains going from Pittsburgh covering the routes to Washington D.C., New York, Chicago. Other bus services make the transit easier from Pittsburgh to anywhere in the East Coast and Midwest.

I would say that studying at Duquesne University and Pittsburgh really makes me more academically qualified. And Pittsburgh city made me to enjoy the life in true sense. This city made my four months amazingly memorable. I still miss this city and one day, I will visit it again :)

More than 200 minority and immigrant entrepreneurs and their supporters were encouraged to boost the region’s economy by starting and growing their own small businesses at a half-day workshop sponsored by Pittsburgh-based CEED and several other groups and agencies on Friday, March 30, 2012.

Allegheny County Executive
Rich Fitzgerald addresses
the group.“Encouraging small business creation, especially in historically disadvantaged communities, isn’t just important for the people living in those communities, it’s essential,” said Congressman Mike Doyle. “It’s essential for the nation’s economy as well because our life-blood is really in the United States’ small businesses.”

Doyle was one of several high-ranking officials from federal, state and local government to address the workshop, which was titled “The Economics of Entrepreneurialism, Wealth and Globalization.” Their message was that small business growth can help the entire region's economy to improve.

“The era of big industry is over,” Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald told the group. “But this change creates opportunity for small business, especially for entrepreneurs. We have a great community, and it can be a lot greater if the doors are open to everybody.”

CEED is a non-profit organization that provides free business consulting services and microloans (under $10,000) to entrepreneurs who might not otherwise qualify for bank loans. To date, CEED has helped start about 125 small business in the 10-county region of Southwestern Pennsylvania, according to CEED Executive Director Rufus Idris.

Joining CEED in planning the free event were Allegheny County’s Department of Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (MWDBE), the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Small Business Administration, First National Bank, and the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the White House.

Willie C. Taylor, Regional Director of the Economic Development Administration in Philadelphia, said he sees business development prospects in the region as very bright, thanks in part to a spirit of entrepreneurship created at local colleges and universities.

“In Allegheny County, there are key institutions which create global strength, from Pitt to Duquesne University to Carnegie Mellon University, everything from GED to PhD,” he said. “There are people who understand the challenges. This region has had the highest rate of ‘Brain Gain’ of cities nationwide.

“This can be exported into the global marketplace,” Taylor said. The region must “use wealth wisely, to be sure it flows where it should.”

Cedric M. Grant, Director of the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships under President Obama, said groups in the community like CEED are vital to the success of small businesses within minority communities.

“Faith-based organizations are the most trusted in the community, and they interface daily with those who need help and services,” Grant said. “The federal government can’t do everything, but it has a responsibility to partner with those who do.”

Jerry Flavin of the Small Business Administration pointed out that two-thirds of all jobs created in the past 15 years came from small businesses, and said his office is committed to working with organizations like CEED to help small businesses incubate and succeed.

The SBA offers “Three Cs” of service, Flavin said: Counseling and training to help entrepreneurs with ideas determine if their goals are appropriate and realistic, Capital-access assistance by guaranteeing loans that banks would not ordinarily take on; and Contracting assistance, to tap into the $100 billion in government-related contracts that go to small businesses every year.

CEED is an excellent candidate to become a microlender intermediary in the Pittsburgh Region, Flavin said after the session, meaning that it would be able to provide startup loans to qualified small businesses with funds provided by SBA. CEED already provides similar startup funds through a grant from the Economic Development Administration, Idris said.

Dr. Howard B. Slaughter, Jr., President and CEO of Christian Management Enterprises, LLC, and Adjunct Professor of Business of Point Park University said, “Today’s U.S. economy is not dominated by multi-national corporations, but its small businesses, which account for 52% of all U.S. workers. Nearly 67.2 million Americans work for companies employing fewer than 499 workers. Allegheny County’s small businesses are leveraging marketing and business expansion opportunities, which makes this an attractive region for federal investment.”

Executive Director Rufus Idris said CEED “tries to put community members in the driver’s seat as we work toward economic development and self-sufficiency. Our ultimate goal is to help entrepreneurs achieve greater control over their lives and businesses. We work with our businesses for three to five years, to be sure they survive and thrive.”

In addition to various speakers, participants in the seminar participated in break-out sessions, including a faith-based roundtable discussion and a small business networking session. They also heard the experiences of small business entrepreneurs Chase Patterson of Corporate Diversity Associates, Wakike Jones of Urgent Denture Repair, and Don Williams of Jet Industries, LLC.

“Everyone in the United States has a strong common interest in promoting economic development in our most economically distressed communities,” Congressman Doyle told the group.


For more information about CEED, go to www.usaceed.org.

Entrepreneurs from the Pittsburgh Region - particularly from underserved minority and immigrant communities - are invited to attend a free conference on Friday, March 30 titled "The Economics of Entrepreneurialism, Wealth and Globalization" featuring government and community development leaders from 8 a.m. to Noon at Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg. The program is being coordinated by Pittsburgh-based CEED.

Topics will include:
- How to Secure Bank Financing for Your Small Business
- CEED Skills to Wealth Small Business Assistance Information Session
- How to do Business with Allegheny County
- Key Priorities and Accessing Government Funding

Speakers include:
- Congressman Mike Doyle, 14th Congressional District of Pennsylvania
- Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County Chief Executive
- Willie C. Taylor, Regional Director, Economic Development Administration, US Department of Commerce
- Cedric Grant, Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, US Department of Commerce
- Ruth Byrd-Smith, Director, M/W/DBE Department of Allegheny County
- Dr. Howard B. Slaughter, Jr., CEO, Christian Management Enterprises, LLC
- Rufus Idris, Executive Director, Christian Evangelistic Economic Development (CEED)
- John Thompson, Mayor of Wilkinsburg (Welcome)
- Bishop Loran E. Mann, Prelate, Vermont Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction - Church of God in Christ (Opening Prayer)

Hosanna House is located at 807 Wallace Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA, 15221.

This event is free of charge and open to the general public. There will be light refreshments and an International Dance Performance.

Please register with CEED at info@usaceed.org or 412-450-8070.

GlobalPittsburgh is partnering with the law firm of Cohen & Grigsby to host a free Global Immigration Update Seminar with a special emphasis on Brazil on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at C&G's office at 625 Liberty Avenue, Downtown.

The seminar will cover various outbound immigration topics, including:
- Topics and Trends in Brazilian Immigration (with Brazilian guest speaker Isa Soter)
- Only Business is "Business" (and may require a visa)
- ...Except When it's "Work" (and may require work authorization)
- Effects of Foreign Immigration on Holders of U.S. Visas

For complete event details, CLICK HERE to view the invitation. Registrations are still being accepted. To register now for this free event, go to https://extranet.cohenlaw.com/?WebSite/Secure/globImmUpd/?registration.nsf/Registration??OpenForm

Small and mid-sized companies in the Pittsburgh region are invited to learn how they can export their goods and services through a five-part Export Series Certificate Program offered by the Global Business Program at the Duquesne University Small Business Development Center in partnership with several state and federal agencies. 

The program will be held March 27, April, 3, 10, 17, 24, 2012. The cost is $175.

Working with the Duquesne SBDC to sponsor the program are Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, the U.S. Commercial Service, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development-Center for Trade Development, the Center for International Regulatory Assistance, and the Export-Import Bank.

This exclusive training program has been carefully designed to educate dynamic business leaders and small/mid size businesses who are committed to maximizing their companies’ exports.

The course is intended for companies showing the following 5 characteristics:
1) management commitment,
2) financial capacity,
3) product qualification (including sales history),
4) market potential,
5) production capacity.

This Export Certificate Program will prepare your company to:
• Discover new opportunities and customers through new markets
• Develop an Internal Export Plan
• Open Global distribution networks
• Comply with U.S. Export Regulations

March 27, 2012: Session 1 - Export Market Opportunities, Strategies and Plan. Identify if your product or service has export potential. Learn about exporting statistics and find out what your competition is doing in the global marketplace. Find out about resources available to penetrate your chosen market. It includes an international marketing workbook to assess your company's export readiness, business goals, and commitment.

April 3, 2012: Session 2 -HTS Number, Letters of Credit, Export Financing, Payment Methods Learn how to classify your product (HTS number). Use the export financial services of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Export Import (EXIM) Bank and private sources. See how public programs help when commercial banks are unable to assist your firm. Become knowledgeable in letters of credit, documentary collections and use of open account terms.

April 10, 2012: Session 3 -U.S. Export Regulations, ITAR, CE Mark & Free Trade Agreements Learn about U.S. exports licensing and controls, various types of classifications and what you need to know about end use of your product to stay out of trouble. Comply with European Regulations such as the CE Mark which is legally mandatory. Comply with Environmental Regulations and Maximize the U.S. Free Trade Agreements with other countries.

April 17, 2012: Session 4 -International Logistics, Incoterms, Quotes, Shipping Insurance This session focuses on moving goods overseas, including packaging and labeling. Have you learned the role of a freight forwarder? This course will take you through a step-by-step process of filling out certificates of origin, bills of lading and other important documents for export. Learn about incoterms, and the services provided by freight forwarders.

April 24, 2012: Session 5 -Legal Issues: Contracts, Patents, Internet Webpage Global Marketing-Company Presentations Become familiar with the legalities of exports. Learn about agent and distributor agreements, and international contracts. How to locate agents, distributors and develop joint ventures? What is the legal system in the country you want to export? Do the same laws apply to the internet and online sales? Learn how to do global marketing and trade missions.

In order to receive the certificate attendees need to register and attend at least 4 of the 5 sessions.

Each workshop is $45 but if you pay for all five you get a discounted rate: $175

Register Online: $175.00 (or $45.00 for individual sessions) www.sbdc.duq.edu

Duquesne University-SBDC, Rockwell Hall-Room 108. 600 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15282. Time: All sessions are from 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

All executives who successfully complete this training course will receive a certificate of Export Training from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Duquesne University Small Business Development Center.

In addition, your company will be eligible to apply for a “Pennsylvania GAP Funding,” “Access the 20 countries Pennsylvania Overseas Business Offices” and “Use the Gold Key” service package to your export country of choice. This is an Export Technical Assistance Program (E-TAP) program from the SBA. Source: Export Planner, Breaking Into The Trade Game-SBA and NASBITE International-Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP).

Registration: 412-396-1633. Fax: 412-396-5884. Email: duqsbdc@duq.edu Info: Web: www.sbdc.duq.edu

The Heinz History Center will host a preview showing of “We Are All Immigrants,” a locally produced documentary, at 2:00 p.m. on Sun., March 25. This event is free but requires advance registration.

The 30-minute documentary, which features generations of immigrants from 10 different countries, tells the compelling stories – the painful and the joyful – of immigrants who settled in Pittsburgh. Immigrants recount their challenges in coming to the city and also their contributions to the region.

The year-long project was undertaken by the PATH to Justice Committee of the Tri-Diocesan Sisters Leadership Conference with the professional expertise of Lynn Cullen, local radio broadcaster, and Dr. Dennis Woytek, an assistant professor in journalism and multimedia arts at Duquesne University. Ms. Cullen interviewed the immigrants, edited the script and provided the narration. Dr. Woytek was the videographer and film editor.

The PATH committee represents 12 congregations of Catholic women in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The committee set out to tell the stories of immigrants “in their own words” and in the context of a common humanity. Several sisters participated in the project as interpreters and transcribers.

Stay after the screening to enjoy light refreshments. Copies of the video will also be available.

Following the program, History Center staff will provide guided tours of the new Angels of Mercy exhibit on the fourth floor. This event is free but requires advance registration. Please register by contacting Robyn at rgallentine@osfprov.org or Sister Jeanette at 724-869-2151, ext. 6247.

Canadian Ambassador Gary Doer will be in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, March 21 for a luncheon and public policy discussion at the Duquesne Club hosted by the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh with support from the Consulate General of Canada.

Ambassador Gary DoerThe topic of Doer’s remarks is Canada and the United States: A Strategic Partnership for the 21st Century.

The luncheon will take place from Noon to 1:45 p.m. at the Duquesne Club, which is located at 325 Sixth Avenue, Downtown.

Tickets are $45 for World Affairs Council members, $60 for non-members, and $360 for a table of eight. Register at www.worldpittsburgh.org or by calling 412-281-7970.

Ambassador Doer assumed his responsibilities as Canada’s 23rd representative to the United States in October 2009. Prior to taking up his current position, Doer served as Premier of Manitoba for 10 years. During that time, he worked extensively with U.S. Governors to enhance Canada-U.S. cooperation on trade, agriculture, water protection, climate change, and renewable energy.

Doer won three consecutive elections as Premier of Manitoba and in 2005 was named by Business Week magazine as one of the top 20 international leaders on climate change. His government introduced balanced budgets during each of his ten years in office while reducing many taxes, including a plan to eliminate small business tax. As Premier, he led strategic investments in health care, education, and training and infrastructure.

The GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays event for April will be held at Khalil's II restaurant at 4757 Baum Boulevard in North Oakland from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays is a regular monthly night of networking and socializing with different themes, different activities and different locations - but always with an international flavor - on the first Thursday of every month.March's event will be held at Khalil's II on Thursday, April 5 from 5:30PM to 8:00PM. Join us for an evening of friends, interesting conversation and good spirits with an international flair.Meet GlobalPittsburgh members, friends & visitors from many countries, and network with globally-minded people from Pittsburgh and all over. There will be free appetizers, bar specials, raffles, and more. There will be membership information at the event, but you may also join GlobalPittsburgh now at http://www.globalpittsburgh.org/membershipAdmission is FREE. Bring your friends! If you have questions, please call Tim at 412-392-4513 or by email at tallen@globalpittsburgh.org.

CLICK HERE for a printable poster/invitation.Thanks to support from Welcoming America!




Photos from past First Thursdays and a few other GlobalPittsburgh events, activities, and programs can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/

See you there!The GlobalPittsburgh Team

GlobalPittsburgh is hosting a delegation of environmental policymakers from the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan March 2-11 as they study environmental programs and projects in the Pittsburgh region.

The group is coming to Pittsburgh through the Open World Leadership Center at the Library of Congress, which enables emerging Eurasian political and civic leaders to work with their U.S. counterparts and experience American-style democracy at the local level.

While in Pittsburgh, the delegates will meet with their professional counterparts working on a variety of environmental issues in the region, learn about U.S. federal, regional, and local government initiatives that undertake environmental cleanup and promote environmentally friendly best practices, and learned about cooperative efforts involving nonprofit organizations, the private sector, and the general public.

Through the Open World program, the delegates and their U.S. Counterparts are able to learn new ways to protect the environment while benefiting the local and national economies.

The program is expected to lead to new collaborations between Pittsburgh organizations and organizations in Kazakhstan to help protect people’s health and the environment, and help better the economy of the United States and Kazakhstan.

Participants in the program are:
- Ms. Saltanat Kuatbekovna Baymurzanova
Executive Director, Foundation, "EcoIDEA" - Agency for Green Initiatives", NGO
- Ms. Yuliya Nikolayevna Dushkina
Standardization Specialist, Center for Kazakhstan's Sustainable Development, LLC
- Ms. Irina Olegovna Ignatovich
Deputy Director; SPARE (School Project on Application of Resources and Energy)
Program Coordinator, EcoObraz – Non-Government Association Center of Coordination and Information on Ecological Education
- Mr. Yevgeniy Vladimirovich Klimov
President, Foundation of Integration of Ecological Culture
- Ms. Mariya Leonidovna Kurnikova
Manager of the Aarhus Center in Pavlodar, “ECOM”
NGO Member of Coordination Council, Youth Ecological Network of Kazakhstan
Accompanied by:
 Ms. Nadezhda Mikhailovna Polchenko
Facilitator

More small business exporters in the Pittsburgh region and throughout the United States will have access to $100 million in revolving credit, thanks to a new product unveiled this week by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) called Global Credit Express (GCE).
"Global Credit Express is an innovative product that will help small business exporters obtain the financing they need to improve their bottom line and succeed in a highly competitive global economy," said Ex-Im Bank Chairman Fred P. Hochberg. "This new product will provide additional liquidity for eligible American exporters and access to financing at a reasonable cost."
Through GCE, small business exporters may be eligible for a revolving line of credit, up to $500,000 for 6 to 12 months. During the program's pilot phase, an initial $100 million in financing will be made available through a select number of lenders nationwide. Following the pilot, the Bank will evaluate the results of this direct loan program and determine whether to increase the available amount. The product is specially designed to finance the business of exporting rather than specific export transactions.
Small business exporters interested in applying for financing through GCE the Duquesne University Small Business Development Center at 412-396-1633 or by email at duqsbdc@duq.eduor by contacting Ex-Im Bank directly by calling toll-free to 1-800-565-EXIM (3946) and selecting option 2.

The Duquesne SBDC is one of three of the Ex-Im Bank's City-State Partners in Pennsylvania. It offers no-cost, confidential consulting services and training workshops for small businesses and those thinking of starting a business in the region.

The Ex-Im Bank is an independent federal agency that helps create and maintain U.S. jobs by filling gaps in private export financing at no cost to American taxpayers. In the past five years, Ex-Im Bank has earned for U.S. taxpayers $1.9 billion above the cost of operations. The Bank provides a variety of financing mechanisms, including working capital guarantees, export-credit insurance and financing to help foreign buyers purchase U.S. goods and services. For more information, visit www.exim.gov.  

The GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays event for March will be held at Istanbul Grille at 4130 Butler Street in Lawrenceville from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays is a regular monthly night of networking and socializing with different themes, different activities and different locations - but always with an international flavor - on the first Thursday of every month.March's event will be held at Istanbul Grille on Thursday, March 1 from 5:30PM to 8:00PM. Join us for an evening of friends, interesting conversation and good spirits with an international flair.You'll have opportunities to meet GlobalPittsburgh members, friends & visitors from many countries, and network with globally-minded people from Pittsburgh and all over. There will be free appetizers, bar specials, raffles, and more. There will be membership information at the event, but you may also join GlobalPittsburgh now at http://www.globalpittsburgh.org/membershipAdmission is FREE. Bring your friends! If you have questions, please call Tim at 412-392-4513 or by email at tallen@globalpittsburgh.org.Thanks to support from Welcoming America!




Photos from past First Thursdays and a few other GlobalPittsburgh events, activities, and programs can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/

See you there!The GlobalPittsburgh Team

Pittsburgh International Airport will be one of 30 U.S. airports to implement the new Transportation Security Administration Pre-Check program during 2012, which will allow certain pre-screened travelers to pass more quickly through security checkpoints, the agency has announced.

Implementing a key component of what the TSA calls its "intelligence-driven, risk-based approach to security," the Pre-Check program "enhances aviation security by placing more focus on pre-screening individuals who volunteer to participate in order to expedite the travel experience."

TSA is partnering with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as well as U.S. air carriers as part of this pre-flight screening initiative. Certain frequent flyers from Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and certain members of CBP's Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS who are U.S. citizens are eligible to participate.

Passengers who are flying on Delta out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County, Las Vegas’ McCarran International and Minneapolis-St. Paul International airports or on American out of Dallas/Fort Worth International, Las Vegas’ McCarran International, Miami International Los Angeles International and Minneapolis-St. Paul airports are eligible to participate, which could qualify them for expedited screening at select checkpoints.

Delta will begin TSA Pre-Check operations at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) on February 14 and American will begin at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on February 28. In March, TSA Pre-Check will expand to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) for qualified participants flying on Delta and to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) for participants flying on American.

In 2012, TSA plans to expand TSA Pre-Check for eligible passengers flying on participating airlines at the following airport locations:
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL)
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Portland International Airport (PDX)
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

TSA plans to continue expanding the TSA Pre-Check concept to include additional airlines, as well as airports that participate in CBP’s Global Entry program, once operationally ready.

The Consulate General of Canada in Buffalo and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, along with their partner, the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), will present the inaugural Canada - United States Healthcare Information Technology Summit in Pittsburgh, March 8-9 at the DoubleTree Hotel.

The Summit’s goal is to foster partnerships and identify opportunities for synergies between Canadian Healthcare information technology (IT) companies and U.S. Hospitals and Health Insurers, to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions, leading to improved outcomes and lowered costs.

As total annual U.S. healthcare costs have passed $2 trillion, the role of healthcare and technology has taken center stage both in Washington and on Wall Street. The United States has embarked on a major overhaul of its healthcare system and is seeking to reduce costs and improve patient care utilizing information technology and mobile communications, as well as through the adoption of advanced care delivery and reimbursement models.

Several innovative Canadian Healthcare IT companies will be selected to participate in the Thursday evening March 8, networking reception/session and the Friday, March 9, educational session from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

A distinguished group of speakers from the United States and Canada will cover these topics and more:
 - Increasing Use of Social Media in Healthcare
 - Hospital CIO will describe her experience with the conversion to ICD-10 codes
 - Use of SMS/Text Messaging for successful health management
 - Update on the HIE progress in Western Pennsylvania
 - Networking opportunities with local contacts & representatives from innovative Canadian eHealth companies

Thursday, March, 8 Networking Reception and Presentation
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.: Networking & Exhibits (refreshments served)

6:30 - 7:45 p.m.: Use of Social Media in Healthcare Panel Discussion, followed by Q&A session
- Kelly Kimberland, Director, Market Strategy & Social Marketing, UPMC Health Plan, Pittsburgh, PA
- Howard Rosen, CEO, LifeWIRE Corporation, Toronto, Ontario & Annapolis, MD

7:45 - 8:30 p.m.: Networking & Exhibits

Friday, March 9, 2012 Educational Seminars 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.: Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.: Welcome
- Mary C. St. Mary, Trade Commissioner, Consulate General of Canada
- Robert Sheesley, President, Western Pennsylvania Chapter of HIMSS

8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.: Surviving the ICD-10 Conversion
- Carlyn Mouton, Chief Business Development Officer, Salumatics, Mississauga, Ontario
- Diane Salois-Swallow, CIO, York Central Hospital, Toronto, Ontario

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Using Interactive SMS for Successful Health Management
- Howard Rosen, CEO, LifeWIRE Corporation, Toronto, Ontario & Annapolis, MD

10:30 a.m to 10:45 a.m.: Break

10:45 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.: Health IT Security Concerns
- Mac McMillan, CEO, CynergisTek, Inc., Austin, TX and Chair, HIMSS Privacy & Security Policy Task Force

Noon to 1:00 p.m. Lunch A select group of innovative Canadian companies will provide brief five-minute overviews of their company’s products & services

1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.: Keynote
Invited Speaker: Representative from Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

2:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Closing

Breakout Rooms will be available to meet one to one with representatives from Canadian companies from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Event Sponsors: © Copyright Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society



Event Sponsors: