Greetings! Recent figures show us just how much SC ’s export trade has expanded in recent years. Did you know that SC's exports to the world increased $4.6 billion from 1999 to 2003, the third largest dollar figure among the 50 states. In percentage terms, SC's 65 percent increase in exports from 1999 to 2003 was the second highest among the 50 states. By comparison, the total U.S. increase in merchandise exports over this period was 4.5 percent. -- Over one-fourth (25.6 percent) of all manufacturing workers in SC depend on exports for their jobs. This is the fifth largest share among the states and well exceeds the national figure of manufacturing workers supported by exports (20.5 percent). (2001 data latest available). -- Export-supported jobs account for an estimated 10.5 percent of SC's total private-sector employment (more than one of every 10 jobs), which is significantly higher than the national average of 6.5 percent (roughly one of every 15 jobs). (2001 data latest available). -- A total of 4,454 companies exported goods from SC locations in 2001. Of those, 3,578 (80 percent) were small and medium-sized enterprises with fewer than 500 employees. -- These and more interesting facts about our state’s international trade were compiled by the Office of Trade and Industry Information, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, and released on January 5, 2005. Review the report on "SC: Exports, Jobs and Foreign Investment" at the USDOC web site. I look forward to seeing you at some or all of these other events, and if you need further information, just ask me at CWIT's next meeting or send me an email at: -- Ann Watts, Chair

Support CWIT! In keeping with this year's theme, Soiree at Charles Towne Exchange, CWIT will host a Silent Auction during its annual banquet event. It will be a wonderful opportunity to "shop" at the Exchange, network and meet fellow banquet guests. Many businesses like "Just Humor Me", "Berlitz Language Center", and "Wescott Golf", just to name a few, have contributed their products and services.

The Annual Banquet is the funding mechanism which provides much of the necessary revenue to financially support CWIT's annual scholarship awards, Woman-of-the-Year award, and active participation in OWIT. The Silent Auction is a vital part of CWIT's fundraising efforts, so we look forward to offering our guests a unique shopping experience at "The Exchange." -- Sandra Klein, Fundraising Chair

Preparation for the CWIT 2005 Annual Banquet is gaining momentum with efforts of the 10-member Banquet Committee.  This year's banquet theme is Soiree at the Charles Towne Exchange.  We are privileged to host Lt. General Daniel W. Christman, Senior Vice President, International Affairs of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce presenting “Global Economy: The Need For American Leadership.”  This dynamic speaker and renouned American leader will set the tone for an evening of patriotism and focus on international trade.  The banquet theme will be woven throughout the evening beginning with an hour of networking and a silent auction, continued through the dinner and keynote presentation.  During the evening, significant trade contributions from colonial times will be showcased and all attendees will receive a gift to commemorate this special evening.  Don't miss this soiree and special evening as we recognize our second annual Woman-of-the-Year recipient and two scholars of international trade. -- Pam Everitt, Banquet Chair

At long last!  The applications for both our Woman of the Year, and Scholarship Awards are ready and easily accessible on our web site! A nominee for the "Woman of the Year" award must be submitted by a member of CWIT in good standing.  However, please be reminded that a nominee can be a member of CWIT or not.  The deadline for submission will fast approach, so take a few minutes and assess if there is a woman who you believes meets the criteria!  Just look around you!

The 2005 Scholarship includes 2-$500 awards.  All nominees must be submitted by a member in good standing.  I have no doubt that each of us knows of an individual who is pursuing a career in international trade or a related field.  Again, that deadline will fast approach. -- Jackie Adamson, Awards Chair

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The board voted to renew chapter membership to CWIT's parent organization, the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) since membership continues to bring broader access to global issues and opportunities beyond than which CWIT can achieve on its own. Visit OWIT on the web at www.owit.org. If you are a member of CWIT and wish to access OWIT's "membership only" pages, click [email protected] to send an e-mail to request CWIT's chapter password. -- Jackie Adamson, OWIT Representative

Amy Kosar, Shipping Consultant, Unishippers

Background: Amy has been in the transportation industry for nearly 10 years, holding various positions ranging from Over-the-road team truck driver with her husband to Customer Service Supervisor in warehousing. Wanting to learn more about the transportation industry she left driving behind and joined the operational side of the business. Having a well rounded knowledge of domestic transportation Amy went to work for Unishippers 10 months ago and is enjoying consulting with businesses helping them to maximize their profitability’s and efficiencies as they relate to transportation. In her spare time she loves spending time with her husband Brian and 3 year old daughter Carson as well as volunteering for the Dorchester Habitat for Humanity.

Recent Accomplishments: Amy was chosen to be a Mentor to a family helping them as they complete the necessary steps to become a homeowner with the help of the Dorchester Habitat for Humanity.

Affiliations: CWIT-Member since 2003, Program Committee; Dorchester Habitat for Humanity, PR Committee Member; and Family Support, Committee Member; Toastmasters – Member; Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, Member and Ambassador, Unishippers of Charleston

Each program year CWIT invites a leading South Carolina Economist to speak on the state of the economy at each January luncheon meeting. This year CWIT was pleased to welcome back Dr. Albert E. Parish, Charleston Southern University professor of economics. Once again, Dr. Parish captivated members and guests as he presented his Economic Outlook for 2005: Global, National, and State Perspectives. Some highlights of Dr Parish's talk included a discussion on how well tourism, manufacturing and housing sectors will do in 2005. He attributed the following for this good news: -- The devalued dollar will continue to stimulate in an influx of international travelers to Charleston's benefiting its tourism industry. -- The manufacturing sector will continue to receive a boost from the Voight announcement and from supplier announcements expected to follow in 2005. -- Finally, while mortgage rates are expected to rise a bit in 2005, the housing sector will continue to experience gains due to area population growth trends, particularly due to retirees moving to South Carolina. -- Jacky Sassard, Editor and Publisher

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March 8: Sean Kittrell, Assistant U.S. Attorney will present an overview of Operation Seahawk at CWIT's Tuesday, March 8, 2005 field trip event to the former Charleston Naval Shipyard, starting at 11:45 AM. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited. Cost: $20.00 members/$25.00 non-members.

April 12: Keynote Speaker Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Daniel W. Christman, Senior Vice President for International Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will deliver a speech as on the "Global Economy: The Need For American Leadership" at CWIT's 3rd Annual Banquet, Tuesday Evening, April 12 at the Charleston Place Hotel in downtown Charleston. Networking and cocktails starting at 6:00 pm and dinner at 7:00 pm. Cost is $75.00. Sponsorship Opportunities are available.

RSVP via email: [email protected] or by phone: 803.737.0488. For additional information visit CWIT on the web at www.cwitsc.org.