UPDATE

MBITA would like to introduce their long-time member Franmara, Inc.

Franmara, Inc. is a manufacturer and master distributor of corkscrews, barware and wine accessories. The company was established in 1970 and Frank Chiorazzi has been the President of the company ever since. Franmara does not sell directly to the public. Their products are available through food service distributors, advertising specialty dealers, wineries, wine distributors, wine and liquor stores, gourmet shops, mail order catalog houses and other wholesalers and retailers.

"We have enjoyed being a member of MBITA" Frank Chiorazzi states. "It was very fortunate for us to have been introduced to Mark Weaver of the U.S. Department of Commerce in 1999. His Export Assistance Center lined us up with an intern from Cal State Monterey Bay who later became, and is presently, our Export Manager," Frank remarks. The department continues to grow and Andres Ospina now has an assistant helping him deal with exports.



Sales have continued to grow in this hemisphere but increasingly in Europe. Because of the low value of the US Dollar against the Euro, the company's products are now entering Ireland, France, Netherlands, England, Italy and other countries.

Frank continues: "Mark Weaver introduced us to the Gold Key Service which we have used several times: twice in Mexico, once in Chile, once in New Zealand and beginning tomorrow another Gold Key to South Africa." The last one is particularly hopeful because no other currency has risen more against the US Dollar than the S.A. Rand. "So our offering to wineries there should be particularly well received. In fact, the U.S. Commercial Service has assisted us in mailing catalogs to all wineries there and we have already received orders from them," Frank says.

"Our main program is to provide products, particularly imprinted products, that will allow wineries to promote their wines, especially with corkscrews," Frank remarks.

We are probably going to look at Australia as our next market since a company we used to work with closely (on European product development) in Australia has heretofore kept us out of there. But now that company has been sold and we feel we can go in now. So if you come across some Australian wine connection please let us know. That is another currency that has risen remarkably against the U.S. Dollar.' Frank concludes.

Contact:

Frank Chiorazzi
President
Franmara, Inc.
Ph: 831-422-4000
Fax: 831.422.7000
Web: www.franmara.com
E-Mail: franksr@franmara.com

Early products developed during the 1980’s included small Helium Neon (HeNe) lasers used in military laser systems, medical devices, and as popular laboratory lasers. During the 1980’s LDI’s products evolved to take advantage of the development of low cost, efficient and highly reliable semiconductor lasers. In the mid-1990’s the Company’s product line expanded to include compact tactical flashlights and weapon mounted illumination systems. Over the last five years the Company has developed an expertise in designing and manufacturing state-of-the-art laser transmitters used with law enforcement and military marksmanship and combat simulators.

Mr. Thummel continues to serve as Chairman of the Board and President of LDI. He is actively engaged in the management of LDI’s day-to-day operations and in the development of new military and law enforcement illumination systems, aiming lasers and marksmanship training devices. His focus on quality has fostered LDI’s reputation of supplying innovative and reliable products that survive desert heat, alpine cold and submersion in up to 20 meters of salt water. This reputation has resulted in LDI’s consistent growth both as a supplier of its core products and as an Original Equipment Manufacturer of laser systems used by other companies. LDI’s key technology is protected by six U.S. patents covering components used in both its laser and illumination products.



Recent Corporate milestones include receiving its ISO 9001:2000 certification in April 2003 as a manufacturer of laser and illumination systems. The implementation of this international quality standard has improved LDI’s overall manufacturing efficiency and is also proving to be critical to its ability to market and sell products in Europe and Asia. Also in April of 2003, LDI received the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service Export Achievement Certificate for Recent Achievements in the Global Market Place. This Certificate presented by Congressman Sam Farr recognized LDI’s long term effort to promote and sell its products globally.

Today, as LDI prepares to start its second quarter century of manufacturing on the Central Coast, its lasers and lights are in use in over 95 countries. From the deserts of Iraq to the jungles of Columbia, LDI’ lasers, lights and training systems continue to deliver the performance and reliability needed by our armed forces and allies. Over the next 25 years the company looks forward to continuing to enhance the lives of its employees, shareholders and customers through the creation and application of its laser and illumination technology.

Contact:

Joseph Hotz
VP Operations & International & Government Contracts
Laser Devices, Inc.
Ph: 831.373.0701
Fax: 831.373.0903
Web: www.laserdevices.com
E-Mail: jhotz@laserdevices.com

Rising fear of China’s growth in vegetable exports to Japan is not completely unfounded, especially here in California, the nation’s leading farm state which ships nearly 20% of its produce overseas. Hardest hit have been the fruit and vegetable farmers of California’s fertile central valley, where they have to contend with Chinese farmers who have reduced production of grain crops in favor of the more profitable fruit/vegetable crops.



Farmers have to contend with China’s exports to Asian markets and exports aimed at the U.S. as well. Less than a decade ago China’s exports of garlic grew 61 million pounds in one year, causing prices to collapse and forcing the U.S. to impose anti-dumping legislation.

Today, California garlic farmers are still feeling the effects, with considerable decreases in exports to foreign markets including Japan, Australia and Europe. It is in the foreign markets where U.S. farmers are feeling the real crunch, being unable to compete with the Chinese competitors. China’s produce exports are picking up due to low production costs and a close proximity to Asian markets.

Making presentations as tenants of the Marina Technology Cluster were:



Global Protein Products (GPP) is a rapidly growing biotechnology company "on the cutting edge of produce™." GPP's all-natural products enhance the quality of fresh-cut lettuce, carrots, celery and whole berries. GPP also sells PM223, a potato seed treatment that protects against rot and enhances the yield and vigor of potato plants. GPP's products, which are made of a corn protein as well as other natural ingredients, are used in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Digital-SchoolsSM Managed Service automates, integrates, and transforms all Human Resource operations for tracking and managing employees in public school districts. Digital-SchoolsSM delivers real-time reporting for all personnel activities while cutting waste out of school operations and delivers data driven decision making tools.

Defense Research LLC develops emergency response software and advanced information solutions for counter-terrorism and Homeland Security. One of Defense Research's products is LIVE SAFE - The Citizens' Emergency Planning and Response e-Guide to Counter-Terrorism" is a comprehensive, single source, reference for individuals, families, businesses, and volunteer first responders. The guide covers planning and emergency response to chemical, biological, nuclear attacks and bombings, and includes signs, symptoms, and treatment, emergency first aid, planning checklists, as well as pet first aid.

The Marina Technology Cluster is a not-for-profit business accelerator in close proximity to the more than 30 technology, science, research and education institutions in the heart of the region's unparalleled, year-round agricultural markets.

The Marina Technology Cluster fosters collaboration with and alliances among business and government providing a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs in the Monterey Bay region to find business assistance, start-up support, access to dynamic research.

Really Useful Sites for International Trade Professionals is recognized worldwide as a valuable source of information for international professionals worldwide. The bi-weekly newsletter pinpoints international trade-related resources on the Web that subscribers can use in their daily business (and personal) lives. Subscribers in more than 30 countries depend on the newsletter to stay up to date in their work and business development.

One subscriber says "Of all the newsletters and magazines that I receive - both email and paper - yours is the one that is the most useful, the first one I route to others regularly and the only one I take home from work."



Really Useful Sites for International Trade Professionals is free and new subscribers can sign up at fita.org/usefulregister.html.

Sponsors, Partners, & Affiliates