FRESNO, CALIF. - The California Center for International Trade Development (CITD) at State Center Community College District (SCCCD) is hosting three one-day training seminars in the rural cities of Ceres, Dinuba and Wasco June 9 - 11, 2014 with the purpose of enhancing competitive strength of rural California businesses in international marketplaces, as well as improving the economic condition within these rural San Joaquin Valley communities.

The three-city rural community seminar is part of CITD's month-long export development initiative offering several training opportunities targeted toward select business demographics with varying levels of export experience. This seminar, Exporting in a Global Market, will explain the benefits of exporting products overseas and how to develop "export readiness" skills in order to succeed in a global market for varying agribusiness industries. It will also provide a look at California's top exports and markets, as well as where to find sources of marketing research to develop knowledge of business practices and opportunities for entry. Information on how to take advantage of Free Trade Agreements, international shipping, payment methods and documentation will also be provided to attendees.

"Through our export development initiative, including the three-city rural seminar Exporting in a Global Market, we hope to elevate the level of awareness of export resources available to California businesses and provide them to companies who are ready for international growth," said Alicia Rios, Director, California Center for International Trade Development, State Center Community College District. "This is the second year we are presenting Exporting in a Global Market in rural communities. Its format has proven to be a resource that provides the highly demanded information necessary for agribusiness industries to be successful in an international marketplace, while also supporting economic growth within California's valued rural communities."

Dennis Lynch, a 33-year veteran of international trade, will be leading the Exporting in a Global Market seminar. His strong exporting background in both public and private enterprises, as well as in academic and hands-on applications offers a broad perspective for attendees. Aside from his work with CITD as both a trainer and consultant, Lynch holds a Master's Degree in International Business Administration, M.I.B.A., became a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) in 2011, and is a member of NASBITE, the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators.

CITD asks that interested companies/individuals desiring to attend the Exporting in a Global Market seminar must be a rural agribusiness that has been in business for at least one year and has some type of export-ready product. Target industries are new and used agricultural equipment and technology, irrigation equipment, "green" environmental technology and agricultural food products. Each seminar will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and lunch will be provided. Companies must register by June 6 at www.fresnocitd.org for a $25 fee. Please see below for dates and locations:

• Monday, June 9 - Ceres (Ceres Community Center, 2701 4th Street, Ceres, CA)
• Tuesday, June 10 - Dinuba (199 N. L Street, Dinuba, CA)
• Wednesday, June 11 - Wasco (Veteran¡¯s and Senior Building, 1280 Poplar Street, Wasco, CA)

With 95% of the World's consumers outside the United States' borders, Valley businesses have an opportunity to potentially increase their annual sales by 30-50% through exporting, according to export sales numbers tracked by CITD clients. CITD has successfully helped thousands of companies grow their business by getting their products into foreign markets by saving time and cost through streamlined processes.

For more experienced exporters, CITD is also hosting a Certified Global Business Professional Exam Prep Course June 12 - 13, 2014. This course is for California professionals with two or more years export experience in any industry seeking to obtain their Certified Global Business Profession (CGBP) certification. The course is designed to meet the needs of individuals from small to large companies in a career related to global commerce including those within trade assistance organizations, trade promotion agencies or related educational fields. It will review all components of the CGBP exam and provide a base of knowledge needed to be successful. With the CGBP designation, global business professionals are able to demonstrate their competency in global commerce and set themselves apart from other professionals within their related industries.

And finally, CITD will be hosting an Executive Export Seminar Series for water technology, clean energy and agribusiness equipment and machinery companies June 24 - 26, 2014. The series is for novice to intermediate exporters and will provide practical advice, insight and solutions for exporting products to markets worldwide in the above mentioned industries.

For more information on CITD and the services they offer, or to register for any of their June training opportunities tied to their export development initiative, please visit www.fresnocitd.org or call (559) 324-6401. Spaces are limited for all training events, so those interested are encouraged to register today.

The Exporting in a Global Market seminar series is funded in part by the U.S. Economic Development Administration and USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant, and is presented by the California Center for International Trade Development at State Center Community College District. USDA is an equal opportunity provider. It is made possible through partners including the cities of Ceres, Dinuba and Wasco, their corresponding Chambers of Commerce, the Stanislaus Economic Development & Workforce Alliance, the Fresno Food Expo, the San Joaquin Valley Rural Development Center, the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County, Proteus Inc., the Minority Business Development Agency and the Office of Community & Economic Development.