New England companies involved in international trade can tap into a unique resource and networking forum. The Global Business Alliance of New England Inc., an organization comprised of 25 bi-national chambers of commerce, industry associations, government-sponsored agencies, and associate members in New England, promotes business, trade relations, and cultural understanding.
      Participating associations plan, coordinate and publicize trade-related events held throughout the region, with an annual flagship event, the "International Networking Evening and Business Forum," held in March.
      "The inspiration for the group was a 1996 International Networking event in Boston sponsored by the British American Business Council that was attended by more than 500 participants representing 24 international organizations in New England," said Urszula Wojciechowska, GBANE's founder and president and executive director of the British American Business Council of New England.
      A second, more elaborate networking event held several months later, which featured exhibits from New England trade associations, drew over 700 attendees.
      Wojciechowska said that the success of the two events confirmed the need for an organization that would encourage collaboration among the various New England trade organizations.
      GBANE is a volunteer organization in which individual companies can become involved through membership of their trade associations.
      "Organizations involved in international trade in New England are very much aware of one another," Wojciechowska said, "but what we wanted to accomplish in creating GBANE was to find a way for people with common business interests to meet and learn more about one another with the goal of assisting each other in our international trade ventures."
      Today, GBANE works closely with the Massachusetts Export Center, the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Centers, and the various consulates in the New England region to facilitate and promote trade initiatives, such as missions and networking events sponsored by specific member organizations and associations.
      "GBANE has been tremendously helpful in facilitating better coordination and collaboration among the many international trade and business organizations in the area," said Paula Murphy, director of the Massachusetts Export Center. "Through GBANE's efforts, businesses can also more easily learn about local international business resources and events. The annual International Networking Evening and Business Forum is a great example of GBANE's success."
      GBANE's flagship event this year featured a panel discussion on "Marketing Your Product or Service: Are You Getting Your Message Across?" It was introduced by John Rankin, HM Consul-General of the British Consulate-General and moderated by Joe Nahil of Nahil Communications Group.
      A seminar following the panel discussion provided an overview of international trade issues and practical advice from experts in fields as diverse as public relations, marketing communications, high-tech consulting, cultural sensitivity issues, and Web Site development and marketing. The event also featured an update on the global economy by Christopher Probyn, chief international economist at State Street Corp. in Boston, and Christopher Padilla, assistant U.S. trade representative.
      Events scheduled for fall 2004 include a microtechnology mission to France in September, sponsored by the French-American Chambers of Commerce; a mission to Poland, sponsored by Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment and Massachusetts Export Center; and trips to the "Medica" trade show in Essen, Germany in October and to "Security 2004" in Düsseldorf in November, sponsored by the Massachusetts Trade Office and the Massachusetts Export Center.
      In October, various member associations of GBANE will be collaborating on a special luncheon featuring Sir Timothy Berners-Lee, one of the original developers of the World Wide Web, to be held at the Downtown Club, Boston.
      "By attending events organized by member associations of GBANE, companies and individuals interested in international trade can expand their contact base," said Wojciechowska. "Networking is important because companies that are likely to be successful in trade efforts will be those that cultivate contacts on both corporate and personal levels."
      Through cooperation and mutual support, Wojciechowska added, "New England companies can raise the level of information exchange, showcase their products and services, and make important trade contacts. GBANE helps all companies in the region be more competitive and more successful in international markets."

More information about GBANE is available at www.gbane.org