National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ)

NAFTZ's Director of Advocacy, Melissa Irmen, AZS, CZS, joined a Washington International Trade Association (WITA) DC panel on "Regulating and Reforming De Minimis".?Around minute 25, you can hear Melissa explain why parity for U.S. FTZs is critical to retaining U.S. warehousing jobs and how U.S. FTZs are a perfect partner with CBP to secure these packages whose volume and diversity is such a challenge. https://lnkd.in/dN29sgJF?

Meet Kristine Wells, Senior Manager of Communications & Member Services at the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (#NAFTZ). A proud Latina from the Dominican Republic, Kristine has played a key role in several initiatives at NAFTZ, and is looking forward to taking on more projects to ensure the members at NAFTZ continue to call this their professional home. She values the warm community among NAFTZ members, which continues to inspire her. Kristine has also enjoyed learning about the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones program and the impact it has on local communities and the broader U.S. economy. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, Kristine! #FTZ #ForeignTradeZones #GlobalTrade #InternationalTrade #HispanicHeritageMonth

Meet Gabriela M. Heizer, a proud Brazilian, has been with FTI Consulting’s International Trade group for two years. She highlights the importance of Brazil, as the largest country in Latin America and a key player in global trade. Gabriela sheds light on Brazil’s Zona Franca-its version of the Foreign-Trade Zone program- which allows companies to operate within designated areas without paying taxes upfront, fostering job creation and cost savings. The Manaus Zona Franca alone employs 500,000 people and hosts over 600 companies! Gabriela shares that by expanding these zones it could boost international trade and benefit consumers everywhere. Thank you, Gabriela, for sharing insights about Brazil. Join us in celebrating Gabriela during this Hispanic Heritage Month! #NAFTZ #GlobalTrade #InternationalTrade #HispanicHeritageMonth #FTZ

Meet Hanne Jeppsson, the proud founder of Bee Imagine, an FTZ storage and bonded transportation company on the west coast. With warehouses in Fontana and Irvingdale, California, and a truck yard in Long Beach, Hanne and her team are dedicated to making logistics easier for their clients. Hanne’s journey as a Latina entrepreneur is inspirational, and we’re proud to celebrate her on Hispanic Heritage Month! #ForeignTradeZones #FTZ #GlobalTrade #InternationalTrade #NAFTZ #HispanicHeritageMonth

Meet MARIO REYES, LCB, Director, Customs & Trade Facilitation - Americas. As a proud Mexican and member of the Latin community, Mario also takes pride in contributing to the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones program through his work at Intel. Intel operates as a FTZ User/Operator located within four states the U.S. and in other parts of the world, generating employment and cultivating talent. Mario Reyes shares that he has lived in Costa Rica, but has spent most of his time in the US where he has raised his family and made his most significant contributions to foreign-trade. He encourages you to #join NAFTZ, where you can grow and learn in the field of FTZ. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, Mario! #NAFTZ #ForeignTradeZones #FTZ #GlobalTrade #InternationalTrade #HispanicHeritageMonth

Meet Araceli Barnard of Foreign-Trade Zone 68 in El Paso, TX as we celebrate her for Hispanic Heritage Month! With over 30 years of experience in the global supply chain industry, and her team’s combined 50+ years of global logistics, they are true experts in their field. From Anthony, TX to Tornillo, TX Araceli?and her team manage FTZ 68, overseeing?and supporting many?Operator/Users,?and offering client training. Araceli mentions that she has found value in attending NAFTZ conferences because it expands her knowledge in FTZs and allows her to?network?with industry professionals. She is looking forward to attending the NAFTZ Spring Seminar in Savannah, GA?and the Annual Conference & Exposition in Kansas City, MO in 2025. #NAFTZ #FTZ #GlobalTrade #InternationalTrade #ForeignTradeZones #HispanicHeritageMonth

Thank you to Greater Kansas City Foreign Trade Zone for the invitation! I enjoyed the conversation, and the fantastic questions!

Meet Joshua Hurtado, a veteran and the CEO of Bee Imagine in Los Angeles, CA. As a first generation Mexican-American he draws strength from both his Mexican and American roots. With 18 years of logistics experience, he began his career journey in the United States Marine Corps, and has now been in the 3PL and FTZ sector for the past decade. Alongside his team at Bee Imagine, they provide 3PL and FTZ services, helping their client grow. Connect with Joshua to learn more about him on this Hispanic Heritage Month! #HispanicHeritageMonth #FTZ #GlobalTrade #InternationalTrade #NAFTZ #ForeignTradeZones

Meet Diana Urelius of Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Inc.! Diana has been a valued member of NAFTZ for over 12 years and proudly?serves?on our Board of Directors. Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, Diana now calls Houston home where she leads?FTZ and?international trade programs for Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Inc. Outside of work, she’s?been?married for 20 years and is a proud mother to two daughters. Let’s celebrate Diana, who is of Mexican heritage, on this Hispanic Heritage Month! #HispanicHeritageMonth #NAFTZ #FTZ #ForeignTradeZones #GlobalTrade #InternationalTrade

Meet Jose Q., a valued member of NAFTZ since 1998, and who served as NAFTZ?Chairman?from 2015 – 2016. Jose?is?now?the administrator?for?FTZ 302,?with a strong?background in economic development. He extends his warmest wishes to the Latino community during this Hispanic Heritage Month! #NAFTZ #ForeignTradeZones #FTZ #GlobalTrade #InternationalTrade