While Southwest Florida is pretty far from the Mexican border, transport of goods by sea or air make it a nearby market for companies looking to do international business. State economic officials and local business leaders will come together for a panel next week at State College of Florida to discuss the commercial policies in key parts of central and southern Mexico. 

Lee Kotwicki, director of Workforce Solutions at SCF, said a panel being held at the college’s Lakewood Ranch campus will give an opportunity for area business owners to explore shipping policies. “The purpose is to inform our companies about how they can go about exporting,” Kotwicki said. That will include discussion in a broad sense, as well as specific logistics issues such as freight forwarding and whether a company should hire a customs broker. 

The event was inspired in part by a visit to the region by Ana Arroyo Yllanes, director for Enterprise Florida Mexico. Yllanes normally is stationed in Mexico City but will be here for three days. The panel will also include Carlos Diaz with World Direct Shipping, a company that operates a congainer ship providing direct seat transport between Port Manatee and Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. 

Sharon Hillstrom, president and CEO of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, said the event is part of a series of workshops focused on exporting for local industry. “It’s a global economy and there are lots of opportunities for local companies to expand,” she said.

The event will be held May 8 at SCF Lakewood Ranch from 1-3pm. Cost is $35. Register at scf.edu/ccdenroll or contact Kotwicki at 941-363-7218.