YSU seminar to explore strategies for reducing import costs and managing trade risk

Businesses involved in international trade can gain practical strategies to reduce costs, manage risk and strengthen compliance during a half-day seminar hosted by the Ohio Small Business Development Center Export Assistance Network at Youngstown State University.

The seminar, "Navigating Global Trade: Reduce Costs, Manage Risk & Stay Compliant," will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 24, at the Williamson College of Business Administration on the YSU campus.

The event is designed to provide businesses with practical, actionable information they can implement immediately to improve their global trade operations. Topics will include duty mitigation strategies, customs entry best practices, compliance considerations and tools that can help businesses reduce costs while maintaining regulatory requirements.

The event will bring together customs, trade and risk management professionals, including Mousa Kassis, director of the Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network at YSU, Mariah Hauser, international trade specialist at the Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network at YSU, Damon Piatek, president and CEO of Piatek Customs & Logistics LLC, Michael Easton, president of Star USA and Jonathan Brady, lead business development specialist at the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

Representatives from the Export-Import Bank of the United States will also be in attendance to discuss credit risk insurance solutions and other resources available to support companies engaged in international trade.

The program will conclude with an interactive panel discussion featuring all speakers. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions during registration, allowing panelists to address specific challenges and concerns facing businesses today.

The seminar is open to business owners, supply chain professionals, importers, exporters and others seeking to strengthen their understanding of international trade practices and risk management.