Presentation to help chamber members
find new partners

The Homer Chamber of Commerce is hosting U.S. Commercial Service to introduce members to federal government services available that help small businesses succeed and grow.

The program will be from 3-4:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at the chamber office, 201 Sterling Highway.

Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP by Sept. 21 by calling the chamber at 235-7740.

The program will help participants learn how the U.S. Commercial Service can help them export their value-added goods or services, including travel and tourism businesses with international guests.

The presentation will be led by John Holman, director of U.S. Commercial Service of the Pacific, and Debbie Franklin, director of U.S. Commercial Service of Alaska. The presentation will cover the benefits of exporting, the keys to success in exporting and specific market opportunities.

The U.S. Commercial Service’s network of trade professionals located throughout the United States and in more than 70 countries can help businesses whether they are looking to make their first export sale or expand to additional markets, according to a press release.

Examples of the types of topics to be covered in the Sept. 23 presentation include how an artist may connect with a foreign distributor, how a tour operator could cooperatively package to promote their service internationally, and how an engineering firm could connect with foreign opportunities.

In other chamber news, September’s After-Hours Chamber mixer will be hosted by Sea Glo Spa. It begins at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 22. For more information, call the chamber at 235-7740.