Louisiana Trade Mission to Panama

and

CAPAC Expo Hábitat September 11‐16, 2012 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Louisiana Trade Mission to Panama and

CAPAC Expo Hábitat

Company/Participant Listing  

Advance Products & Systems, Inc. (APS)

Baker Sales, Inc.

DEL Corporation

J. Mitchell Architecture L.L.C.

J Navarro Engineering & Contracting Services, L.L.C.

M & L Engine, L.L.C.

Roy O Martin Lumber Company

Seal Craft 

SPF Depot

The Irwin Brown Company

Port of New Orleans

Port of South Louisiana

Louisiana Economic Development

Louisiana State Senator Gallot

Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance

Le Centre International de Lafayette

Louisiana District Export Council

U.S. Commercial Service - New Orleans US Export Assistance Center 

      William Thomas Forlander, Jr.  Jo Ann Forlander  Advance Products & Systems, Inc. (APS) Mr. William T. (Tom) Forlander, President Mrs. Jo Ann Forlander, Chief Executive Officer 108 Asset Avenue, Scott, Louisiana 70583 USA Mailing Address: P.O. BOX 60399 Lafayette, Louisiana 70596-0399 USA Tel: (337) 233-6116 Fax: (337) 232-3860 E-Mail: sales@apsonline.com Website: www.apsonline.com William Thomas Forlander, Jr., a life-long resident of Lafayette, Louisiana, established his pipeline accessory business in 1978 and has been an owner of Advance Products & Systems, Inc. for over thirty-four years. Under his leadership as president of Advance Products & Systems, Inc. the company has evolved into a major USA manufacturer of pipeline accessories for the oil and gas, water and wastewater, petrochemical and mining industries. Mr. Forlander has made great strides in contributing to these industries with cutting edge products holding four international patents with several more patents pending. Jo Ann Forlander has been with Advance Products & Systems, Inc. since 2003 and today serves as CEO. An activist in the company who focuses time and attention to promoting public relations and employee relations, she has seen the company successfully become a major component in the international and domestic markets of the pipeline accessory industries. Company Profile: Advance Products & Systems, Inc. has been in business since 1978 and has evolved into a major U.S. manufacturer of complete pipeline accessories for water and wastewater systems for municipalities, oil and gas pipelines, refineries, mining and chemical processing industries. The company is ISO 9001:2008 Registered. APS provides cathodic isolating gasket kits, both metal and plastic casing insulators/spacers, end seals, Nite Caps, flange band protectors, coated u-bolts, pipe supports, safety spray shields, pile driving hammer cushion pads, bolt and nut protection caps, molded wall sleeves, and modular mechanical seals among other specialty products. The company has four (4) internationally patented products, four (4) pending patents, ABS approval for some products, UL listing for fire rated Innerlynx and NSF-61 potable water rating for Trojan G-10 cathodic isolating gasket kits. Seeking: Distributor(s) to end users of piping and valves in the water and wastewater, construction, mining, oil and gas and/or chemical processing industries. Perfil de la Compañía: Advance Products & Systems, Inc. ha estado en el mercado desde 1978 y ha evolucionado hasta convertirse en un importante fabricante estadounidense de línea completa en accesorios de tuberías para sistemas de agua y aguas residuales para municipios, como también oleoductos y gasoductos, refinerías, la minería y las industrias de elaboración química. La empresa está registrada bajo la norma ISO 9001:2008. Buscando: Distribuidores para usuarios de tuberías y válvulas en sistemas de agua y aguas residuales, construcción, minería, petróleo y gas, y / o en las industrias de procesamiento químico.

Robert A. Baker Elsa M. Baker

Baker Sales, Inc. Mr. Robert A. Baker, President Mrs. Elsa M. Baker, Secretary/Treasurer 28480 Roan Lane, Lacombe, Louisiana 70445 USA Tel: (985) 641-6200 Fax: (985) 641-5200 E-Mail: bob@bakersalespipe.com or bakersalespanama@gmail.com Website: www.bakersalespipe.com Robert A. Baker was born in Tacoma, Washington, but has resided in Louisiana since 1963. He graduated from Loyola University of the South with a Business Degree in 1970. He worked for the Boeing Company on the Apollo “Man on the Moon” Project from 1964 to 1970. Mr. Baker has been president and owner of Baker Sales, Inc. a Steel Pipe and Fence Supply Distributor since 1978 and president and owner of Baker Sales Panama, LLC since July 2010. Mr. Baker has received numerous community service awards and was selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration as “2009 Small Business Person of the Year for the State of Louisiana”. Elsa M. Baker was born in Cienfuegos, Cuba. She married Robert A. Baker in 1965 and became a United States Citizen in 1967. Mrs. Baker worked as a Spanish/English translator prior to graduating from Louisiana State University of New Orleans with a Fine Arts Degree in 1980. She taught Art at Metairie Park Country Day School from 1981 to 1992 after which she became active in Baker Sales, Inc. and Baker Sales Panama, LLC. business affairs as Secretary/Treasurer, Translator, Webmaster, Marketing, and Advertising Manager. Company Profile: Robert and Elsa Baker have over 30 years experience in international trade. Baker Sales’ Mill Depot supplies a complete range of steel pipe and fence products. Baker Sales is a stocking distributor for The Forster Fence Company “Maintenance Free” ornamental aluminum fences. Forster Fence is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of pre-assembled aluminum and steel fence panels and accessories. Baker Sales Panama, LLC is a sister company formed primarily for distribution of steel pipe, fence pipe and fence supplies. Seeking: To expand their business in Panama by making contact with steel pipe distributors, end users and steel fabrication shops, fence wholesales, contractors and commercial and residential contractors. Perfíl de la Compañía: Baker Sales’ Mill Depot ofrece una gama completa de tubos de acero y productos para cercas. Baker Sales’ Mill Depot es distribuidor al por mayor y al detalle, de cercas de aluminio ornamentales libres de mantenimiento, marca Forster Fence. Buscando: Expandir sus negocios en Panamá, haciendo contacto con los distribuidores de tubos de acero, las tiendas de fabricación de acero y distribuidores mayoristas, contratistas de cercas en el sector comercial, residencial y clientes individuales.

Dan Baker

DEL Corporation Mr. Dan Baker, Sales Manager 436 Highway 93 North Scott, Louisiana 70583 USA Tel: (337) 237-8400 Cell: (859) 509-0030 Fax: (337) 266-7800 E-mail: dan@deltank.com; mike@deltank.com Website: www.deltank.com Dan Baker is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. Prior to working for DEL Corporation, Dan was a project manager implementing IT systems for one of the largest contract manufacturers in the world. He coordinated tasks associated with system implementations in Brazil, Canada, Northern Ireland, Hungary, Mexico, Sweden and China. Dan later became vice president of sales, marketing and new business development for another company where he contributed to business sales growth of 100% in his first year. He also helped to manage the startup of a new company which included dredging and dewatering. In his present position with DEL Corporation, Dan’s primary responsibilities include sales and marketing Company Profile: DEL Corporation has been in business since 1979 and specializes in the design, manufacture, sales and rental of customized tank systems and equipment for all types of dredging, dewatering, solids control, solids separation, and material handling equipment. DEL Corporation is a recognized supplier of quality equipment that can be customized to specific project requirements. DEL’s equipment has been used on many different remediation projects in the U.S., such as river dredging, port constructions, beach re-nourishment, pond dredging, lakes restorations, mining projects, marine constructions, hog waste dewatering. Del can assist companies that have dewatering needs whether it is in the construction, mining, dredging, agricultural or drilling industries. Del’s Total Clean Systems have very good success in the farming sector on hog waste dewatering. Much of the materials Del’s systems dewater can be reused, i.e. coal fines, sand from beach dredging, carbon fines, hog waste for fertilizer, cat fines, fly ash as from coal fired power plants. Seeking: Del is seeking new business opportunities and is open to meeting and developing relationships with potential sales representatives for various industry sectors in Panama and the region. Perfíl de la Compañía: DEL Corporacion ha estado en el mercado desde 1979 y se especializa en el diseño, fabricación, venta y alquiler de sistemas de tanques basados en las especificaciones del cliente; así como también equipos para todo tipo de dragado, extracción de agua, control de sólidos, separación de sólidos y manejo de materiales. Los equipos de DEL han sido utilizados en diversos proyectos de mejoramiento en los EE.UU., tales como dragados de río y estanques, construcciones portuarias, rellenado de playas, restauraciones de lagos, proyectos mineros, construcciones marinas, sistemas de separación sólido-líquido de estiércol porcino. Buscando: DEL Corporacion busca nuevas oportunidades de negocio y establecer relaciones con representantes de ventas con buenos potenciales en los diversos sectores de la industria en Panamá y la región.

          Jason Mitchell Regina Burton J. Mitchell Architecture L.L.C. Mr. Jason Mitchell, AIA, Principal Architect Ms. Regina Burton, Senior Manager 1 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 1640B Lake Charles, Louisiana 70629 USA Tel: (337) 313-0457 E-Mail: Jason@jmitcharch.com Website: www.jmitcharch.com Jason Mitchell graduated with honors and published work from the College of Architecture at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. He became the first licensed professional in his class, and while practicing with other design professionals, he worked on world renowned projects including Trump International Tower, University of Chicago Dormitories, Chicago O’Hare Airport Addition and Renovations, McCormick Place, and Dubai Towers. Jason relocated to Lake Charles, Louisiana in 2010 and launched J. Mitchell Architecture, L.L.C. in 2011. The company specializes in design of institutional and mixed-use residential developments with an emphasis in educational, religious and healthcare facilities. Since its inception, J. Mitchell Architecture has engaged in projects with McNeese University (Lake Charles), Rice University (Houston, Texas), The Father’s House Ministry, The Lakeshore Tower concept with The Alliance (SWLA Economic Development Alliance), North Lake Charles Development concepts, The Ardoin Group, Cousin’s Restaurant and DOCS Residential. Company Profile: J. Mitchell Architecture L.L.C. is a full service architecture firm with a wide range of project experience including large scale commercial and record setting projects, educational facilities, mixed-use developments and religious facilities to small scale projects. Seeking: The company is seeking exposure to new business prospects and a possible JV partnership. Perfil de la Compañía: J. Mitchell Arquitectura L.L.C. es una empresa ofreciendo todo tipo de servicios en la rama de la arquitectura, con una amplia gama de experiencia en proyectos de pequeña y gran escala, tales como proyectos comerciales, centros educativos, proyectos para uso múltiple e instalaciones religiosas. Buscando: La compañía está buscando conexiones para hacer nuevos negocios y asociaciones con otras empresas.

Juan Navarro

J Navarro Engineering & Contracting Services, L.L.C. Mr. Juan Navarro, President 1814 Savanne Road Houma, Louisiana 70360 USA Tel: (985) 851-5438 Fax: (985) 851-5438 E-Mail: J_Navarr@bellsouth.net Website: N/A Company Profile: J Navarro Engineering & Contracting Services, L.L.C. is a small firm with extensive experience in providing procurement and installation of used equipment for both the industrial and agricultural sectors. Consulting services include: ensuring workplace efficiency, dismantling, shipping and re-erection of plants, and design, supply and installation of custom made equipment. Seeking: The company is seeking new business prospects for specialized industrial and agricultural equipment sales as well as sales of remanufactured generators, hydraulic and pneumatic components and parts. Perfil de la Compañía: J Navarro Engineering & Contracting Services, L.L.C. es una compañía pequeña con amplia experiencia que provee asesoría en la instalación de equipos usados en los sectores industriales y agrícolas. Provee servicios de consultoría que incluyen eficiencia y seguridad en la zona de trabajo, desmantelamiento, embarque y reinstalación de plantas; como también el diseño e instalación de equipo fabricado bajo las especificaciones del cliente. Buscando: La compañía está buscando nuevos prospectos de negocios para la venta de equipos especializados industriales y agrícolas, así como la venta de generadores remanufacturados, componentes hidráulicos, componentes neumáticos y sus partes.

Marvin Marmande, Jr.

M & L Engine, L.L.C. Mr. Marvin Marmande, Jr., President 1212 St. Charles Street Houma, Louisiana 70360 USA Tel: (985) 857-8000 Fax: (985) 851-0141 E-mail: mmarmande@mlengine.com Website: www.mlengine.com Marvin Marmande, Jr., is president and owner of M & L Engine, LLC. He is a past president of the Houma Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce and a past board member of the First National Bank, Whitney National Bank, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and the South Terrebonne Parish Levee District. Mr. Marmande is a current board member of the South Central Planning and Development Commission. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Nicholls State University in Thibodeaux, Louisiana. Company Profile: Established in 1964, M&L Engine is the oldest and largest Isuzu distributor in the western hemisphere. The company offers superior products at affordable prices and backs them with factory trained parts and service personnel. M & L Engine can custom design and build products such as gas and diesel generator sets for a wide variety of applications to the exact requirements. The company maintains a large inventory of Isuzu engines and parts and is capable of responding quickly to clients’ needs. Seeking: M & L Engine is seeking exposure to new business prospects and is open to meeting with potential distributors. Perfil de Compañía: M & L Engine, establecido en 1964, es el distribuidor más antiguo e importante de la marca Isuzu en el Hemisferio Occidental. Utilizando sus experiencias y conocimientos para satisfacer las necesidades de los clientes con los mejores productos disponibles. M & L Engine ofrece productos de calidad superior a precios accesibles. Sus productos están respaldados por un personal capacitado con entrenamiento en la fabricación y servicios de éstos. Además de mantener un gran inventario de motores y partes Isuzu, M & L Engine puede fabricar productos basados en las especificaciones exactas requeridas por el cliente. Buscando: M & L Engine quiere exponerse a nuevos mercados y establecer dialogo con potenciales distribuidores.

Jonathan E. Martin Raymond A. Peters

Roy O Martin Lumber Company Mr. Jonathan E. Martin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Raymond A. Peters, Vice President of Marketing 2189 Memorial Drive Alexandria, Louisiana 71302 USA Tel: (318) 448-0405 Fax: (318) 443-0159 E-Mail: jonathan.martin@royomartin.com; ray.peters@royomartin.com Website: www.royomartin.com Company Profile: Roy O Martin Lumber Company proudly manufactures Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®)-certified OSB, plywood, poles, piling, landscape timbers, lumber, timbers and wood chips. RoyOMartin also owns and manages 528,000 acres (equivalent to approximately 235,527 hectares) of FSC®-certified timberland. Seeking: Roy O Martin is seeking exposure to new business prospects in all aspects of industrial and residential construction. Perfil de la Compañía: Roy O Martin Lumber Company con orgullo manufactura el OSB certificado bajo el “Forest Stewardship Council (FSC ®)”, madera contrachapada, postes, pilotes, maderas para jardinería, virutas y astillas de madera. Roy O Martin posee y administra aproximadamente 235.527 hectáreas de tierras maderables certificadas bajo FSC ®. Buscando: Roy O Martin quiere exponerse en nuevos mercados para captar negocios en todos los aspectos de la construcción industrial y residencial.

Ray Van Ness

Seal Craft Mr. Ray Van Ness, President Post Office Box 78326 Shreveport, Louisiana 71137 USA Tel: (318) 424-4486 Fax: (318) 221-7685 E-Mail: ray@seal-craft.com Website: www.seal-craft.com Ray Van Ness is president and founder of Seal Craft, Louisiana's largest manufacturer of high performance commercial window products. Since starting the business in 1981 Van Ness has steered the company through two major expansions and is a past recipient of the "Small Business Person of the Year" as awarded by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development. A self-taught expert in commercial window construction, Mr. Van Ness now leads a team of professional window designers and manufacturers with a track record and passion for success. Company Profile: Seal Craft began operations in 1981 in the Shreveport, Louisiana, market area as a manufacturer and installer of custom windows. By 1990, Seal Craft was the largest custom window manufacturer in the State of Louisiana. After purchasing a new manufacturing facility, the company added new product lines to include doors, entrances, skylights and glass. Seeking: The company is seeking exposure to new business prospects and a possible distributor for its products. Perfil de la Compañía: Seal Craft comenzó a operar en 1981 en el área de mercado de Shreveport, Luisiana, como fabricante e instalador de ventanas basadas en las especificaciones de sus clientes. En 1990, Seal Craft fue el mayor fabricante de ventanas diseñadas a la medida en el Estado de Luisiana. Después de la compra de una nueva planta de fabricación, la compañía agregó nuevas líneas de productos que incluyen puertas, entradas, claraboyas y vidrios. Buscando: La compañía desea atraer nuevos clientes y la posibilidad de prospectar un distribuidor para sus productos.

 SPF Depot Mr. Patrick M. Gililland, President 1062 Pearl Drive Bossier City, Louisiana 71111 USA Tel: (318) 742-8000 Fax: (318) 742-3280 E-Mail: pat@spfdepot.com Website: www.spfdepot.com Patrick M. Gililland founded SPF Depot in 2005. Pat previously worked in the fluid power engineering industry for 15 years where he designed tooling currently in use at General Motors, Georgia Pacific and International Paper and filtration systems to clean waste water (pink water) at ammunition plants. Pat has developed new tools with specialized hard coatings for the oil field and plastic injection industry and increased tool and die life over 10 fold. Upon entering the spray foam insulation business, Pat realized the built-in problems and defects with the guns and their parts and quickly developed his own parts. Pat is a member of the Home Builders Association of Shreveport, Louisiana and the Construction Specifiers Institute. Company Profile: SPF Depot is a manufacturer of equipment and supplies used in sprayed foam insulation and polyurea roof coatings. In 2007, SPF Depot started manufacturing side seals for use in the Fusion® and Gap® spray guns along with mixing chambers for use in the FUSION® gun. In 2009, SPF Depot was manufacturing and supplying every part required to rebuild the Fusion® gun. In early 2012, SPF Depot relocated to a new, 10,000 square foot manufacturing and distribution facility that provides sales, service and training. SPF Depot is also a distributor for 3M, North Safety, MSA, IPM, FOMO and Allegro Safety with an inventory value of over $500,000. In 2012, SPF Depot was selected as “Business of the Year” and “Fastest Growing Business” in NW Louisiana with an average growth rate of 250%, for 4 consecutive years. Seeking: A representative who is familiar with insulation, roof coatings and component spray-on epoxy/coatings used on roadways, steel structures and boat decks to prevent wear and rust. Perfil de la Compañía: SPF Depot es un fabricante de equipos y herramientas que se utilizan en el aislamiento de espuma pulverizada y revestimientos de “polyurea” para techos. Buscando: Un representante que esté familiarizado con las aplicaciones y servicios de aislamiento, revestimientos de techos y el componente en aerosol “epoxy/coating,” revestimientos utilizados en las carreteras, estructuras de acero y cubiertas de barco para evitar el desgaste y la oxidación.

John T. Hyatt

The Irwin Brown Company Mr. John T. Hyatt, Vice President 212 Chartres Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 USA Tel: (504) 586-0378 Ext. 114; Fax: (504) 525-8527 E-Mail: johnthyatt@ibrown.com Website: www.ibrown.com Company Profile: The Irwin Brown Company is a family-owned boutique customs broker/international freight forwarder in business since 1968. The company’s main office is in New Orleans with branch offices in Gulfport, Mississippi and Panama City, Florida. The company offers logistics services for ocean and air and customs clearance and forwarding services for import/export clients throughout the Gulf South region and nationally. Seeking: The Irwin Brown Company is seeking exposure to new business prospects and is open to creating a joint venture partnership. Perfil de la Compañía: La Compañía Irwin Brown es una compañía de agentes de aduanas y agentes de carga internacional, ofreciendo sus servicios desde 1968. La oficina principal de la compañía se encuentra en Nueva Orleans, con sucursales en la ciudad de Gulfport en Mississippi y en Panama City en la Florida. La compañía ofrece servicios de logística por mar y aire, despacho de aduanas y servicios de envío para las importaciones y exportaciones de sus clientes en toda la región sur del Golfo de México y a nivel nacional. Buscando: La Compañía Irwin Brown desea promover sus servicios en busca de nuevas oportunidades de negocios y establecer dialogo para posibles asociaciones y contratos de colaboración empresarial.

Paul J. Zimmermann

Port of New Orleans Mr. Paul J. Zimmermann, Director of Operations 1350 Port of New Orleans Place New Orleans, Louisiana 70160 USA Tel: (504) 528-3406; Fax: (504) 528-3487 E-Mail: zimmermannp@portno.com Website: www.portno.com Paul J. Zimmermann serves as the Director of Operations for the Port of New Orleans. In this capacity he is responsible for the administration, planning and management of all operational activities on port properties. This includes the negotiating and administration of terminal leases, harbor master, harbor dredging, container crane operations, dock maintenance, Harbor Police and Fire Departments, homeland security. He is the senior liaison with port customers for operational issues.

Company Profile: The Port of New Orleans, a major port authority with break bulk and container steamship services, is at the center of the world’s busiest port complex – Louisiana’s Lower Mississippi River. The port’s proximity to the American Midwest via a 14,500-mile inland waterway system, six class one railroads and the interstate highway system makes it the port of choice for the movement of cargoes such as steel, rubber, coffee, containers and manufactured goods. The Port of New Orleans handles cargo from Panama going to the entire United States marketplace.

Perfil de la Compañía: El Puerto de Nueva Orleans, es una autoridad portuaria importante con el transporte a granel y los servicios de contenedores en barco de vapor. El Puerto de Nueva Orleans se encuentra en el centro del complejo portuario más activo del mundo, en la parte baja del río Mississippi, en Luisiana. Es el puerto de elección para el movimiento de cargas de acero, neumáticos, café, envases y productos manufacturados, debido a su proximidad a la parte Medio Oeste de los EE. UU. a través de un sistema de canal de 14.500 millas hacia el interior, ferrocarriles y los sistemas de autopistas interestatales. El puerto de Nueva Orleans maneja la carga que viene desde Panamá dirigida a todo el mercado de los Estados Unidos. Buscando: El Puerto de Nueva Orleans está buscando propuestas para nuevas oportunidades de negocios y reuniones con el gobierno de Panamá y funcionarios del puerto.

Joel T. Chaisson

Port of South Louisiana Mr. Joel T. Chaisson, Executive Director 171 Belle Terre Boulevard Post Office Box 909 LaPlace, Louisiana 70069-0909 USA Tel: (985) 652-9278 Fax: (504) 568-6270 E-mail: jchaisson@portsl.com Website: www.portsl.com Mr. Joel T. Chaisson has been the Executive Director of the Port of South Louisiana since April 2005. Prior to that time he served as Legal Counsel for the Port 2000 to 2005. Mr. Chaisson is an Attorney in private practice. He served as Judge of the 29th Judicial District Court from 1982 to 1996 where he handled over ten class action lawsuits. He served as a Louisiana State Representative from District 56 for two terms and a Special Prosecutor and Assistant District Attorney for the 29th Judicial District Court and Legal Counsel for the St. Charles Parish School Board. Mr. Chaisson was as a Captain in the U. S. Army Reserves and graduated from LSU Law School. He is a member of the American Federal and Louisiana Bar Associations, American Judges Association, American Judicature Society, Fourth and Fifth Circuit Judges Association, Twenty-Ninth Judicial District Bar Association, Louisiana State University Law Alumni Association, Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity, World Trade Center of New Orleans, Committee of 100, Ports Association of Louisiana, American Association of Port Authorities, Gulf Ports Association of the Americas, Louisiana River Pilot Review & Oversight Board, Intermodal Association of North America, Mississippi Valley Trade & Transport Council, International Freight Forwarders & Custom Brokers Association of New Orleans, Inland Rivers Ports & Terminals and the Red River Valley Association. Company Profile: The Port of South Louisiana is one of the world’s largest ports in total tonnage handled. The port encompasses a sprawling 54-mile stretch of the Lower Mississippi River above the Gulf of Mexico between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The Port is a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana, with jurisdictional authority encompassing the geographical boundaries of the parishes of St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, and St. James. The strategic location of the Port on the Mississippi River provides manufacturers with the ability to easily import raw materials and export finished products throughout the world.

The Port of South Louisiana is governed by a seven member Commission. The Commission regulates the trade and commerce within the port district, establishing and enforcing reasonable rules and regulations that govern the use of the navigable waterways within the port area and the construction of public or private buildings, wharves, docks, warehouses, terminals, anchorages, fleeting operations, landings, transshipment operations, and other related facilities along the banks of the navigable waterways or on the bed of any navigable river, stream, lake, or other body of water within the port area. The Commission fosters and supports economic and industrial development. The term of all Commissioners is concurrent with that of the Governor of the State (four years). The Commission is made up of individuals who have experience and knowledge in the areas of industry, economics, maritime operations, construction and real estate. Seeking: The port officials would like to meet with businesses interested in importing or exporting throughout the Louisiana Port District as well as companies that may want to locate into the Port of South Louisiana jurisdiction. Perfil de la Compañía: The Port of South Louisiana es uno de los mayores puertos del mundo en cuanto a tonelaje total fletado. El puerto cubre 54 millas del sur del Río Misisipí arriba del Golfo de México entre Nueva Orleans y Baton Rouge. La ubicación estratégica del puerto en el río Mississippi le facilita a los fabricantes la importación de materias primas y la exportación de sus productos terminados hacia el resto del mundo. Buscando: A los funcionarios del puerto les gustaría reunirse con empresas interesadas en importar o exportar a través del Distrito Portuario de Luisiana, así como las empresas interesadas en ubicar sus instalaciones en la jurisdicción del Puerto del Sur de Luisiana.

Also participating: Mr. James Raymond Fryoux, Commission Executive V.P. Mr. D. Paul Robichaux, Commission V.P. Mr. Joseph Scontrino, Commission V.P. Mr. Roy Quezaire, Special Projects Officer Mr. Stanley Basile, Commission V.P. Ms. Silvia Asturias, Consultant

LIGTT REGIONAL CENTER

Louisiana International Gulf Transfer Terminal {LIGTT) Mr. A.G. Crowe, President Mr. Patrick Harvey, Co-Founder and Managing Partner 500 5th Avenue, Suite 1400 New York, New York 10110 USA Tel: (212) 221-0929

"Gateway Port to America" Louisiana International Gulf Transfer Terminal

E-Mail: ag@agcrowe.com; Patrick.harvey@LIGTT-EBS.com Website: www.ligtt-ebS.com Company Profile: Louisiana International Gulf Transfer Terminal {LIGTT)

"The Louisiana International Gulf Transfer Terminal ("LIGTT") is a historic and groundbreaking project, which will create America's first mega-transfer terminal designed exclusively for cargo containers entering and leaving the United States. This trans modal container shipping terminal, located at Mile 0 at the mouth of the Mississippi River in Louisiana, will be state ofthe art, green built, employing the latest in automated technology and design logistics to achieve a goal of 100 percent security screening. This project will create tens of thousand'S of permanent new jobs and generate tens of billions in revenue for the next century throughout the interior of the United States reaching 33 states and Canada. It will add great efficiency to America 's existing supply chain as a hub and spoke system that will allow the new post-panamax ships (and even larger vessels) to enter an effective trans modal shipping system that will serve the ports within the Mississippi River and its tributaries (over 14,500 miles of waterway~) as well as all of the ports located along the northern Gulf of Mexico. This one major project coupled with the widening of the Panama Canal will catapult shipping logistics in the United States forward into the 21st century and level the playing field with our global trading partners thereby facilitating the MARAD objective of moving more cargo on our nation 's interior waterways.

-Sen. A. G. Crowe, President of LIGTT Port Authority

Louisiana Economic Development Mr. Bill Fousch, Project Manager 1051 North Third Street Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 USA Tel: (225) 342-6443 E-mail: Bill.Fousch@la.gov Website: www.opportunityLouisiana.com

The State of Louisiana: Since 2008, Louisiana has experienced record years of economic development, with significant growth in the construction, engineering and advanced manufacturing sectors. Louisiana manufacturers and suppliers provide high quality construction materials and services.

With the largest port system in the world, Louisiana is the gateway to 35 interior states through the Mississippi River system and to worldwide markets through the Gulf of Mexico. Millions of tons of diverse cargo travel through five deepwater and 33 shallow-draft ports every year. The state’s extensive intermodal transportation network of six Class I railways, barges, interstate highways and airports ensure raw materials and finished products reach their final destinations efficiently. Five of the country’s top 15 ports by tonnage are located in Louisiana. Number one is the Port of South Louisiana, with a throughput of more than 212 million tons of cargo annually, including 60 percent of all grain in the U.S.

The Louisiana State University Agriculture Center is also a key economic resource that fuels Louisiana's thriving $30 billion agribusiness sector. For more details, visit www.OpportunityLouisiana.com.

El Estado de Luisiana: Desde el año 2008, Luisiana ha experimentado un crecimiento record en el desarrollo económico, con un importante crecimiento en los sectores de la construcción, la ingeniería y la manufactura avanzada. Los fabricantes y proveedores de Luisiana proporcionan materiales y servicios de alta calidad.

Con el sistema de puerto más grande del mundo, Luisiana es la puerta de entrada a 35 estados del interior de los EE.UU. a través de los canales del río Mississippi. También teniendo acceso a los mercados de todo el mundo a través del Golfo de México. Millones de toneladas de carga diversas viajan a través de cinco puertos de aguas profundas, y 33 puertos de aguas poco profundas cada año. La materia prima y productos terminados llegan a su destino final de manera eficiente gracias a la extensa red de transporte que incluye seis ferrocarriles de Clase I, barcazas, carreteras interestatales y aeropuertos. Cinco de los quince puertos más importantes del país por tonelaje se encuentran en Luisiana. El número uno es el Puerto de South Luisiana, con una capacidad de más de 212 millones de toneladas de carga al año, incluyendo el 60 por ciento de todos los granos en los EE.UU.

Es importante mencionar que el Centro de Agricultura de la Universidad Estatal de Luisiana proporciona un recurso económico clave de unos $30 mil millones al sector agroindustrial. Para obtener más información, visite www.OpportunityLouisiana.com.

Richard “Rick” Gallot Louisiana State Senator Mr. Richard “Rick” Gallot Post Office Box 1117 Ruston, Louisiana 71273 USA Tel: (318) 251-5019 Fax: (318) 251-5018 E-Mail: rick@rickgallot.com Website: www.senate.la.gov Richard “Rick” Gallot practices personal injury law and has over 21 years of legal experience. He received his J. D. graduate of Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1990 and later attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Honors include: Senior Executives in State & Local Government Program; B.A. Degree from Grambling State University, Grambling, Louisiana; National Dean's List; Academic Merit Scholar with Honors; Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities; Presidential Merit Scholar. Mr. Gallot serves as a Louisiana State Senator representing Senate District 29 located in the northern part of Louisiana. The Port of Alexandria, Louisiana is located in my senatorial district and the Port of Natchitoches, Louisiana is just a few miles outside of District 29. My interest/purpose for participating in this trip is to explore and research how these two ports can benefit from the expansion of the Panama Canal. Richard "Rick" Gallot ejerce en la rama de lesiones personales con más de 21 años de experiencia legal. Recibió su doctorado de Southern University Law Center en Baton Rouge, Luisiana en 1990 y más tarde asistió al John F. Kennedy School of Government, Universidad de Harvard de Cambridge en Massachusetts. Entre los honores recibidos se incluyen: Alto Ejecutivo en el Programa de Gobierno Estatal y Local, Licenciatura de la Universidad de Grambling State de Grambling en Luisiana; Lista Nacional del Decano; Mérito Becario Académico con Honores; ¿Quién es Quién en las Universidades Norteamericanas?; Mérito Académico Presidencial. Sr. Gallot sirve como senador del Distrito Senatorial 29 en el Estado de Luisiana, localizado en la parte norte de Luisiana. El Puerto de Alexandria en Luisiana se encuentra en este distrito senatorial y el Puerto de Natchitoches en Luisiana está a sólo unos pocos kilómetros fuera del Distrito 29. El Sr. Gallot tiene como objetivo en este viaje a Panamá explorar e informase cómo estos dos puertos se pueden beneficiar de la ampliación del Canal de Panamá.

David Conner

Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance Mr. David Conner, V.P. Economic Development & International Services 1011 Lakeshore Drive 7th Floor Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601 USA Tel: (337) 433-3632 Mobile: (337) 302-1095 E-mail: dconner@allianceswla.org Website: www.allianceswla.org Profile: David Conner is the Vice President of Economic Development and International Services for the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance. In this capacity, he works to bring stakeholders together for economic development opportunities. He focuses much attention on cultivating the international trade aspect of business in Southwest Louisiana. Through several programs at the Alliance, David is involved in the effort to change the economy of Southwest Louisiana from an industrial based economy to an entrepreneurial focused economy. He manages the economic development team responsible for Business Expansion and Retention, Business Recruitment, Small Business Development, Site Certification, International Services and Research and Data. He co-authored the International Trade Accord of Acadiana and Imperial Calcasieu to promote international trade within that 10 parish region of Southwest Louisiana. David was a successful local business owner and has experience in the financial services industry with Merrill Lynch and New York Life. He previously served as chairman of the Open World-Russia Leadership Program for Southwest Louisiana. Organization Profile: Southwest Louisiana is a region of diverse people and industries, and the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance is proud to promote business services, international trade services, workforce development and intergovernmental affairs for the region. The five parish area of Southwest Louisiana has transportation by rail, interstate, deep and shallow water ports, including the 11th largest port in the nation, and is strategically positioned on the business corridor of Interstate 10 between the major markets of Houston and Baton Rouge/New Orleans. Southwest Louisiana is comprised of a diverse economic base of domestic and internationally based companies, including chemical manufacturing, agriculture, aviation, maritime, oil and gas, tourism and technology/support services.  

Perfil de la Compañía: La Alianza para el Desarrollo Económico de la parte Sudoeste de Luisiana se enorgullece de promover los servicios empresariales, servicios de comercio internacional, desarrollo laboral y de asuntos intergubernamentales de la región. El Sudoeste de Luisiana goza de una población y una base económica diversificada con un mercado industrial compuesto por empresas nacionales e internacionales. Entre estas diversas industrias se pueden mencionar fabricantes de productos químicos, agrícolas, marítimos, de petróleo y gas, aviación, turismo y tecnología / servicios de apoyo. El Sudoeste de Luisiana está formado por cinco distritos con un acomodado servicio de transporte industrial que incluye ferrocarril, carretera interestatal, puertos de aguas profundas y poco profundas, incluyendo el 11º puerto más grande de los EE.UU. La región esta estratégicamente ubicada en el corredor de negocios de la carretera Interestatal 10 (I-10), justo entre los importantes mercados de Houston y Baton Rouge / Nueva Orleans.

Le Centre International de Lafayette Ms. Vanessa Paredes, International Business Specialist 735 Jefferson Street Lafayette, Louisiana 70501 USA Tel: (337) 291-5474; Fax: 337) 291-5480 E-mail: vparedes@lafayettela.gov Website: www.lecentre.org Vanessa Paredes graduated with an international business degree and has experience at the international level through entrepreneurship and in the financial market. She currently serves as the International Business Specialist at Le Centre International de Lafayette. Le Centre International de Lafayette is the international trade division of the City of Lafayette, Louisiana parish government. The organization promotes local Lafayette area companies internationally through trade missions, trade shows, organization of seminars, meetings, workshops, briefings and site visits for visiting foreign delegations. Le Centre International is the main contact for international business people seeking information or assistance about Lafayette and area companies. El Centro Internacional de Lafayette es la división de comercio internacional del gobierno municipal de la ciudad de Lafayette, Luisiana. Esta agencia promueve empresas de la región al nivel internacional por medio de misiones comerciales al extranjero; salones profesionales; seminarios, encuentros, talleres, y la recepción de misiones comerciales extranjeras. El Centro Internacional es el contacto principal para gente de negocios que buscan información acerca de Lafayette y las empresas de la región.

® Marisol Canedo

Louisiana District Export Council Mrs. Marisol Canedo, International Trade Specialist U.S. Customs House 423 Canal Street, Suite 419 New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 USA Tel: (504) 722-7894 Fax: (504) 589-2337 E-mail: mcanedo@ldec.org Website: www.ldec.org Marisol Canedo is an International Trade Specialist working with the Louisiana District Export Council (LDEC), an export organization dedicated to assist the U.S. Commercial Service/New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) identify potential exports and mentor new exporters. Her networking skills and in-depth knowledge of Louisiana and New Orleans have proven to be valuable assets to promote international trade to the region and assist Louisiana exporters to expand their markets abroad. Marisol has coordinated and led trade missions to Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Brazil, France, Guatemala, Canada, Mexico, Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela and Belize. She has hosted hundreds of dignitaries and foreign business people during their visits to New Orleans and southeast Louisiana. She was responsible for overseeing the development of a $2.1 million USAID grant, the Louisiana Alliance/Presidential Program for Investments in Honduras, a project worked in conjunction with five major universities in the region to develop an action plan for infrastructure reconstruction, management of resources and education enhancement for the Republic of Honduras. Marisol held positions with the State of Louisiana, Office of the Lt. Governor as the International Relations Manager for Strategic Development and with Greater New Orleans, Inc., formerly MetroVision Economic Development Partnership. She worked for more than 16 years with the World Trade Center of New Orleans in a variety of trade-related positions. Marisol was born in Miami, Florida of Ecuadorian parents and resides in New Orleans, Louisiana. Company profile: Louisiana District Export Council (LDEC), is a state-wide non-profit organization composed of Louisiana’s most experienced export executives ready to advise local companies on export issues and international market development. LDEC members are seasoned international traders appointed directly by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. LDEC’s mission is to help the U.S. Commercial Service/New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) identify potential exports and act as mentors for new exporters. The group’s members act as the primary trade outreach advisors to the USEAC. Perfil de la empresa: Louisiana District Export Council (LDEC), es una organización estatal sin fines de lucro, compuesta por un comité de ejecutivos de Luisiana con gran experiencia en los negocios internacionales y dispuestos a asesorar a las empresas locales con relación a las exportaciones y el desarrollo en el mercado internacional. Los miembros del LDEC son comerciantes con experiencia en el mercado internacional, nombrados para el comité directamente por el Secretario de Comercio de EE.UU. La misión del LDEC es ayudar al Departamento de Servicios para el Comercio de los EE.UU. / Centro de Asistencia para la Exportación, en Nueva Orleans EE.UU. (USEAC) a identificar potenciales para exportación y dar apoyo a los nuevos exportadores. Los miembros del comité actúan como los principales asesores comerciales del USEAC.

LOUISIANA

Delilah DeSouza

U.S. Commercial Service - New Orleans US Export Assistance Center Ms. Delilah DeSouza, Senior International Trade Specialist U.S. Customs House 423 Canal St., Suite 419 New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 USA Tel: (504) 915-3301 Fax: (504) 589-2337 E-mail: delilah.desouza@trade.gov Website: www.export.gov Delilah DeSouza is a senior international trade specialist and Certified Global Business Professional (NASBITE CGBP™) with the U.S. Commercial Service New Orleans Export Assistance Center. Stationed in Lafayette, Louisiana, her portfolio includes a wide range of companies in the oil and gas equipment and services, construction, environmental and marine industries. She is the deputy team leader for the Oil & Gas sector of the International Trade Administration’s Global Energy Team. Delilah has served the U. S. Commercial Service internationally on temporary duty assignments at the U.S. Consulate in Calgary, Canada and the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China. She has organized and led multiple business development trade missions to Venezuela, Trinidad, Panama, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Colombia, Peru and Chile. Prior to joining the U.S. Department of Commerce, she held positions as Trade Development Specialist for the City of Lafayette, Louisiana; Priority Client Shipping and Documentation Specialist with Maersk-Sealand; Assistant Project Pricing Analyst for the Foreign Trade Supervision Division of Inchcape Testing Services; and Cost Analyst with Brown and Root Petrochemical Construction. Delilah received a B.S. degree in International Business from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She has lived and worked in Honduras, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and Panama and is proficient in Spanish. Company profile: The U.S. Commercial Service, New Orleans Export Assistance Center, is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration, with a global network of trade specialists located in 108 major U.S. cities and the U.S. Embassies and Consulates in 78 countries around the world. The mission of the U.S. Commercial Service is to promote the export of U.S. goods and services, particularly by small and medium-sized businesses, to represent U.S. business interests internationally and promote foreign direct invest into the U.S. The Commercial Services provides market research and counseling to U.S. companies as well as assistance at U.S. and foreign trade events, international partner search and business matchmaking, consulting and advocacy. El Servicio Comercial de los Estados Unidos (CS), agencia de la Administración de Comercio Internacional del Departamento Estadounidense de Comercio, es una red global de especialistas en comercio trabajando en oficinas en los Estados Unidos y en 78 países alrededor del mundo. La misión del Servicio Comercial es de promover la exportación de bienes y servicios de los Estados Unidos, especialmente de la parte de empresas pequeñas y medianas y de representar los intereses comerciales de los Estados Unidos en el ámbito internacional. El Servicio Comercial puede ayudar a compañías con investigaciones de mercado, salones comerciales, búsqueda de socios internacionales, consultaciones y apoyo.