March 2006 Volume 3, Issue 18
2006 Annual Banquet Event Special Edition


Mark Your Calendar - "The Charleston Soirée", CWIT's 4th annual banquet event will commence on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at 6:30 pm. This first class, must-attend, international trade event is held at the elegant Charleston Place hotel in beautiful downtown Charleston. Join members and guests for networking, cocktails, a delicious dinner with all the niceties you have come to expect at this spectacular annual event. Click to view the formal invite or click to make your reservation.
-- mARGIE hARDWICK, 2006 Annual Banquet Chair

Gain Insight - Keynote Speaker Karen Lezny, the Deputy Assistant US Trade Representative for the Free Trade Area of the Americas, Office of the US Trade Representative, will present at "The Charleston Soirée" banquet event on Tuesday, April 11, 2006. The title of Lezny's speech is "Reflections on and Adventures of Opening Global Markets". Lezny is a seasoned negotiator of multilateral trade agreements and during her presentation, she will provide behind-the-scenes information about how these trade deals are really created.
-- mARGIE hARDWICK, 2006 Annual Banquet Chair

Two CWIT Scholarship Recipients Named - CWIT is pleased to announce that two well deserving students, Yancy Westerfield and Samir Masic, will be awarded each a $1,000 scholarship to assist them in furthering their international studies. CWIT began offering the Scholarships in 2004 as a single $700 award, in 2005 as two $500 awards, and in 2006 as two $1,000 awards. Westerfield attends Furman University in Greenville, SC, and Masic attends The University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. Charleston Place Hotel.
-- Jacky Sassard , Publicity Chair

Adamson named 2006 "Woman of the Year" - One of CWIT's own, Jackie Adamson, Regional Vice President for Roanoke Trade Services, has been named CWIT's 2006 "Woman of the Year". A founding member of CWIT, Adamson has been in leadership positions in many port areas and national organizations during her career. Adamson will be presented the award at "The Charleston Soirée" on April 11, 2006.
-- Jacky Sassard , Publicity Chair

Trading in Antebellum Charleston - CWIT's 4th Annual Banquet "event theme" highlights world trade with the Lowcountry during the post-revolutionary, pre-civil war era. Import and export activities were strong with Europe, the West Indies, West Africa, and China, among others. Products traded with these countries will be incorporated into table centerpieces along with other period items, such as the SC Liberty flag. Items used in the centerpieces will be won by guests at closing of the event.

A very special thank you to CSA Galleries for their donation of flags, Joseph Walker Cotton and R.N. Johnson for their donations 0f cotton bales, and all other patrons who donated items or helped put together the period centerpieces.
-- charlotte Ross, Membership Chair

Listen To Your Favorite Tunes - Enjoy local pianist Bill Purcell while shopping at the exchange and enjoying cocktails and while dinning. Purcell, teacher and accompanist, will demonstrate his diversity by performing various classical, pop and ragtime favorites. He attended Berry College and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BA degree in Piano Performance. He has performed in many local venues, and currently is the pianist for the Unity Church in North Charleston. He also teaches private piano lessons.
-- Erin Firestone, Arrangement Chair

Graced by Local Vocalist - Local vocalist Cheryl Cheek will sing one of the most well-known hymns,"Amazing Grace" at this year's event. Written by John Newton in the 1700's, "Amazing Grace" is a perfect selection in keeping with the event's Antebellum theme. Cheek currently sings for the Mass Choral Group, Church of Christ, and the acapella group “Sisters of Praise”. Considered a blessing from God, Cheek works daily at voice improvement and will have her first acapella gospel CD recorded in the upcoming year.
-- Erin Firestone, Arrangement Chair

Thank You Sponsors - Fundraising efforts are underway in support of the "The Charleston Soirée" banquet event. Over 200 members and guests are expected to attend. If you or your company would like to sponsor this event, click Sponsor Invitation for details and instructions.

Reserve a Table for Ten - A grand opportunity for bringing clients, guests and employees together for an evening of elegant dining. Your company too can join the ranks of Container Maintenance, SC State Ports Authority, SC Dept of Commerce, The Charleston Traffic and Transportation Club/The Charleston Motor, OOCL (USA), C. H. Robinson, and Robert Bosch Corporation whom have all reserved tables. Table reservations cost $750 and can be reserve by clicking and request a table reservation for ten.
-- English Struth, Communications Chair

Fine Dining at the Elegant Charleston Place - The Charleston Place Hotel's award winning culinary and banquet team are ready once again to provide the top notch level of service, cuisine and luxury that we have grown to expect at CWIT's Annual Banquet event. Click to view the gourmet meal planned for the evening's festivities.
-- Erin Firestone, Arrangement Chair

RSVP - To make a reservation for the annual banquet, click or call 843.577.8184. Parking instructions and other banquet details will be communicated via an electronic invoice that will follow your reservation.
-- English Struth, Communications Chair

Place Your Bid - "The Charleston Soiree" provides members and guests with some “hands-on” trade activities while sipping cocktails and listening to Bill Purcell playing favorites tunes on piano. Starting at 6:30 pm through 7:30 pm, a Silent Auction will commence offering an exciting collection of products and services that have been graciously donated by local Charleston businesses and craftspeople. There will be something for everyone. Check below for the fabulous items available for bid.
A Lowcountry Tradition
Auction Item #1. Sweetgrass Basket – Valued at $200.
We all have a place in our homes for a lowcountry sweetgrass basket. This intricately handcrafted beauty was designed and created by local craftswomen Jacqueline and Maggie Ford.

Capture a Moment in Time
Auction Item #2. Photo shoot – Valued at $200.
Have you been planning to have a professional photograph made of your family….your child….you and your pet? Here is your opportunity to put your plan into action with Diana Isaac of Anything and Everything Photography.

A Romantic Getaway
Auction Item #3. Charleston Place Hotel Gift Certificate -
Valued at $600
.
Looking for a romantic getaway close by? Visit the luxurious Charleston Place Hotel for some shopping, fine food and a romantic atmosphere.

An Elegant Touch of Comfort
Auction Item # 4. Hand made Quilt - Valued at $200.
Turn the music down low, drop the air conditioning a bit, and crawl up on the couch with a good book. Pull your hand made piece of history up to your chin and pretend you are reading. Close your eyes and take a nap! Made and donated by Mrs. Erin Greisemer.

A Gentle Trip into History
Auction Item #5. Doubletree Gift Certificate - Valued at $400.
Beneath the patina of history beats a lively temp of culture. With charm and hospitality, the Doubletree promises to bring Southern hospitality to your stay.

Blooming Local Artist
Auction Item #6. Framed Photo - Valued at $75.
Up and coming local artist with his camera ready at all times. Making his place in the photographic world. Heartfelt shot taken and donated by Richard Middleton.

Indulgent Pampering Session
Auction Item #7. Salon Treatment & Dinner on the Town -
Valued at $100.

Spend some time pampering yourself at the salon before a romantic dinner with your loved one. Donated by Daniel Island Salon & Red Orchid China Bistro.

Perfect Gift for Granddad
Auction Item #8. Handmade Walking Stick & Pocket Knife Gift
Set - Valued at $100.

Great gift idea for that wonderful granddad that you are never quite sure what to buy. He will enjoy this beautiful conversation piece when visiting with his buddies.

It Hurts So Good
Auction Item #9. Your Personal Trainer - Valued at $150.
Gear up for the summer and get yourself in shape with your very own personal trainer. Take three half hour sessions to learn how to maximize your energy and build yourself to where you want to be. Donated by EFS - Justin Webb.

A Girls Best Friend
Auction Item #10. Handmade Necklace - Valued at $50.
A girl always loves jewelry, whether it is from a special someone or just a gift to herself. Enjoy this beautiful piece lovingly put together for this show. Made and donated by Amy Kosar.

Let's go to the Ball game!
Auction Item #11. Fireworks Package - Valued at $120.
What could be more fun? Hot Dogs, Coke and a moon pie - $25 - Ticket to the game $25 - Fire works, Free - That special night out with your child - PRICELESS!

Got the Munchies?
Auction Item #12. Market Street Munchies Basket -
Valued at $50.

Enjoy the sweets and delectable treats that only Market Street Munchies can put together. Only your weight will be sorry. Mmmm!

Smell that Hickory Flavor?
Auction Item #13. Two Gift Certificates @ Nick' BBQ for 18
People Each - Valued at $175.00 Per Certificate.

Let us plan a party and but leave the food to Nick's. Who can do a better job with BBQ than they can? All you do is invite the guest and clean the house, let Nick do the rest.
-- Susan Ogren, Banquet Committee

2005 Banquet News - Reminisce about the fabulous time members and guests had at last year's event by reading the 2005 Banquet News available for online viewing.
--Jacky Sassard, Publicity Chair













"K" Line America

American Express Financial Advisors

APL

ATS Logistics

Berlitz Language Center - Charleston

C. H. Robinson

Carolina Imaging Group

Carolina Shipping Co.

Charming Inns

Coker International

Cosco Container Lines

Customs & Border Protection

DHL Express

Dorlastan Fibers

Durlach Associates

Evans Rule

Evergreen America Corp

Expeditors CHS

Expeditors International

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd

IDEA

John S James Company

Liberty Appraisal Services

McAllister Towing of Chas

Mediterranean Shipping Company

Merrill Lynch

Nations Express

OOCL (USA)

Panalpina

Penn Atlantic

RBC Centura

Roanoke Trade Services

Robert Bosch Corporation

SC Assoc of Community Development Corps

SC Department of Commerce

SC State Ports Authority

SC World Trade Center

The Law Offices of Lori J. Williams

Unishippers

US Commercial Service, USDOC

US Customs & Border Protection

W W Grainger

Wallenius Wilhelmsen


CONTACT CWIT
PO Box 20145
Charleston, SC
29413 USA

[email protected]
www.cwitsc.orG