2005 Annual Banquet Date - CWIT strives each year, in addition to its monthly programming, to focus its membership and guests on  issues that affect the international trade community. This year's keynote by General Dan Christman, will highlight the "Global Economy: The Need For American Leadership". Join us for an exciting evening event at the Soiree at the Charles Towne Exchange held at the Charleston Place Hotel in beautiful downtown Charleston, SC on Tuesday, April 12, 2005, starting 6:30 pm. Click to view the formal  .
-- Pam Everitt, Annual Banquet Chair
Anne Moïse to be Honored Woman-of-the-Year - Anne M. Moïse, ret. Vice President for Public Relations, Port Security, Human Resources, and General Service for SC State Ports Authority (SCSPA), has been named recipient of the CWIT 2005 "Woman of the Year" (WOTY) award. In recent years Moïse successfully led the SCSPA's effort to increase port security and  federal funding. Ms. Moïse continues to serve on security-related projects at the SCSPA and is highly respected for her maritime and security expertise in addition to her vast knowledge of international trade and over 30 years experience in the maritime industry. She is well known by many editorial boards and media leaders throughout this state for her professionalism and dedication to our state ports and South Carolina. Ms. Moïse will be presented the award at CWIT's 2005 Annual Banquet.
-- Jackie Adamson, Awards/Scholarship Chair
Scholarship Recipients Named - Two well deserving international  business students, Bradley Whitley and Jessica
Schuler, have been named recipients of CWIT's scholarship awards. Bradley Whitley attends the College of Charleston, and Jessica Schuler attends Clemson University. Both will be presented the awards at CWIT's 2005 Annual Banquet.
-- Jackie Adamson, Awards/ Scholarship Chair
Seating for Ten Selling Out Fast - Thank you to our many table sponsors  who have purchased table seating for ten at this years banquet event. They are: SC Department of Commerce, Robert Bosch Corporation, MaerskSealand , OOCL, IDEA, SC State Ports Authority, C H Robinson, Charleston Freight Station, and Charleston Motor Carriers Association / Charleston Traffic & Transportation Club. If your company wishes to purchase a table to seat ten for $750, please send an email to English Struth.
-- English Struth, Banquet Committee
Experience Colonial Trading - The theme of the 3rd Annual CWIT Banquet to be held on April 12, 2005, 6:30 pm at Charleston Place Hotel highlights world trade in the Lowcountry during colonial times. Import and export activities were strong with Barbados and  other West Indies islands, England, West Africa, and China, among others. Products traded with these countries will be on display at the banquet and included in the centerpieces at each table to be presented to a lucky recipient at each table. The colonial trade theme is also carried out during the Charles Towne Exchange, as attendees have an opportunity to shop at the silent auction during the networking social hour while partaking of beverages, including international beers.
-- Pam Everitt, Annual Banquet Chair
Listen To Your Favorite Tunes - Enjoy local pianist Bill Purcell while shopping at the exchange and enjoying cocktails from 6:30 to 7:30. Mr.  Purcell, a local accomplished pianist, 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
Dining at the Charleston Place Hotel - On April 12, 2005 the Soiree at Charles Towne Exchange will be held at the world renowned Charleston  Place Hotel in beautiful downtown Charleston, SC. Famous for its exceptional service, delectable cuisine, and luxurious ambience, selection of the Charleston Place Hotel as the location for CWIT's 3rd Annual Banquet event is sure to be top notch and unforgettable! View the delectable gourmet menu  dinner prepared by some of the finest chefs Charleston has to offer.
-- Erin Firestone, Arrangement Chair
SOA Strings Quartet to Perform - On April 12, 2005, banquet attendees will be treated to music from the School of the Arts High School String Quartet. They will perform at 7:30 pm during dinner. Musical selections will  be light classical and easy listening for your dining pleasure. Members of the ensemble include Taylor Raffield and Sytske Hillenius on violin, Morgan Lewis on viola, and Terrence Freeman on cello. These highly trained and talented musicians attend high school at the Charleston County School of the Arts under the direction of Sarah Fitzgerald.
-- Erin Firestone, Arrangement Chair
Shop the Exchange - This year's banquet theme, Soiree at Charles Towne Exchange, provides banquet guests with some “hands-on” trade activities while sipping cocktails and listening to Bill Purcell playing favorites on the piano. Starting at 6:30 pm through 7:30 pm, a “Shop the Exchange” Silent Auction will offer an exciting collection of products and services that have been graciously donated by local Charleston businesses and craftspeople. There will be something for everyone at the “ Shop the Exchange” Silent Auction. Check below for the fabulous items available for bid.
-- Susan Ogren, Banquet Committee
A Lowcountry Tradition
Auction Item #1. Sweet grass Basket � Valued at $200. We all have a place in our homes for a lowcountry Sweet grass Basket. This intricately hand-crafted 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's your opportunity to put your plan into action with Diana Isaac of Anything and Everything Photography.
Reflect on Your Home Environment
Auction Item #3. Mirror � Valued at $400. You're already envisioning multiple locations in your home that will be enhanced by this fabulous mirror. This transitional piece from Gwynn's will work with any décor�. Turn an ordinary wall into a design statement!
This is For the Birds!
Auction Item #4. Birdhouse and Print - Valued at $180. People �flock� to Charleston to observe its beautiful and diverse bird population. Bring birds into your home with this exquisite Anne Worsham Richardson print�and provide a Polly's Perch home for a lucky bird.
Indulge in Foliage!
Auction Item #5. Plant and Planter - Valued at $185. You can never have too many plants in your home. They clean the air and beautify that lonely nook or table. This exotic, white Bird of Paradise plant from Brian Rhodes of Foliage Accents will be a lovely addition to your home.
Reason to W(h)ine!
Auction Item #6. Private Wine Tasting - Valued at $300. Need a reason to get together with 20 of your best friends? O'Hare and Flynn provides the perfect occasion - a private wine tasting including appropriately matched cheeses and bread.
The Perfect Accompaniment!
Auction Item #7. McLeod Farms Basket - Valued at $80. This generous basket is filled with condiments, jellies and sauces from McLeod Farms, a South Carolina grower known for luscious, quality produce.
Snack Time!
Auction Item #8. Market Street Munchies - Valued at $50. You can't go wrong with a Market Street Munchies basket. Filled with benne wafers, chocolate, nuts and other goodies that you'll want to share with your favorite people.
Think Globally!
Auction Item #9. Berlitz Language Course - Valued at $400. Maybe you're planning a trip to Europe � or just wishing you were like the rest of the world and could speak another language besides English. Berlitz Language Center can get you and a friend started with a language course for two. Take four 90 minute classes and you'll soon be saying “habla Espanola” or “Ich spreche Deutsche”!
Make Work Fun!
Auction Item #10. Just Humor Me! Professional Presentation - Valued at $800. Bring some levity to your company or professional organization and help your colleagues put life and work stresses into the proper perspective. Shannon McDevitt's program, Just Humor Me! will change your view of daily frustrations and anxiety-ridden events.
Go Oceanside!
Auction Item #11. Coastal Activities Collection � Valued at $170. Spend a weekend enjoying the natural beauty of coastal lowcountry flora and fauna � learn about the diversity of sea life off the coast of South Carolina at the South Carolina Aquarium; then observe nature first-hand during a naturalist-guided trip to Bull Island with Coastal Expeditions. Afterward, enjoy a tasty seafood lunch at Morgan Creek Grille on the Isle of Palms.
Go for the Green!
Auction Item #12. Golf at Wescott � Valued at $200. Golf weather is finally here and Wescott Plantation has a beautiful course that you've been wanting to play. Bring three of your friends and spend the afternoon in friendly competition.
Share Your Message!
Auction Item #13. Website and Hosting � Valued at $850. Every business needs a website to compete in today's market. Does your business have a website that clearly reflects your company's message? Do you have a hobby that you'd like to develop into a business? Create a new 5 page website with the help of Webmax, Inc. -- they'll even provide 3 months of free hosting!
Let's Make a Deal!
Auction Item #14. Commission Rebate � Valued at $200+. The Charleston Real Estate market has never been better and many realtors are having record breaking sales. Are you thinking of selling your home? Or maybe you're in the market for a new one? List your home or purchase your new property from Jason Pee of Agent Owned Realty and Jason will share his commission with you!
Become a Part of History!
Auction Item #15. SC Port Package � Valued at $270. Learn all about the fascinating history of South Carolina 's import and export trade in your signed copy of Sheila Watson's book, South Carolina Ports. Then�.contribute to the market's current information by promoting your business in a ¼ page advertisement in Port Charleston magazine, courtesy of SC State Ports Authority.
Let's Get Physical!
Auction Item #16. Access Healthcare Executive Physicals � Valued at $724. Access Healthcare is an innovative, state of the art medical practice, providing optimum quality care in a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. If you have been delaying your annual physical, here is an opportunity for you and your spouse or associate to have a comprehensive medical exam.
Go for the Gold!
Auction Item #17. Gold's Gym Membership � Valued at $450. You've been planning to get in shape this year, but haven't put your commitment into action. A Gold's Gym membership might just be the motivation you need to make 2005 your healthiest year!
Manage your Mane!
Auction Item #18. Le Barrineau Hair Care Products � Valued at $100. A beautiful head of hair is your crowning glory! Keep yours looking great with this impressive assortment of your favorite hair-care products from Le Barrineau.
Be Treated Like a Star!
Auction Item #19. Theatre tickets and amenities � Valued at $345. Indulge in season tickets to Pure Theatre productions in 2006 and give yourself some star treatment before you attend the show�Visit Verbena and have one of their expert stylists give you a new haircut so you'll look your best for your ride to the theatre with Image Limousine.
Be a Tourist!
Auction Item #20. Charleston Place package � Valued at $560. Do you have a special occasion coming up? Or maybe you'd like to create an event from an ordinary weekend�. Spend the weekend at one of the world's finest, Charleston Place Hotel �.. and dress up your evenings with jewelry created by local craftswoman, Cheryl Creeks.
Dinner Theatre!
Auction Item #21. Theatre Tickets package � Valued at $230. Visit Visage Salon and Spa, and have Christina create a new look for you�.hen head to the Palm Tree Grill and enjoy dinner under the palm trees with a friend. After dinner, head downtown to East Bay Street to meet another couple for Pure Theatre's production of The Beauty Queen of Leenane.
A Symphony of Seafood!
Auction Item #22. Dinner and Symphony package � Valued at $196. Enjoy some succulent seafood at The Boathouse Breach Inlet before heading downtown to a symphony event at the Charleston Symphony. Urban Nirvana helps keep your feeling smooth with a selection of body care products.
An Epicure's Excursion!
Auction Item #23. Lunch and Dinner Gift Certificates � Valued at $175. Take a tour of some of Charleston's outstanding dining establishments! Enjoy some down-home ribs at the Texas Roadhouse; savor authentic French cuisine at Coco's Café, enjoy Euro-fusion fare at J Bistro and indulge in some classic lowcountry seafood at Waters Edge.
Pamper Yourself at Stella Nova!
Auction Item #24. Stella Nova package � Valued at $165. Spend a luxurious afternoon with Stella Nova � Allow them to soothe and smooth you with their Signature Manicure and Pedicure, and enhance your style with a precision haircut. After you're polished and coiffed, take home a Stella Nova Spa Gift Basket to continue your beauty treatments at home!
The Great Outdoors
Auction Item #25. MaerskSealand - Valued at $200. Enjoy a Wine and Picnic Tote, with stadium or beach blanket and a wooden desktop clock with humidity and temperature indicator.
Let's Get Physical Again!
Auction Item #26. Executive Physical for One � Valued at $650. Atlantic Occupational Health Executive Physical. A comprehensive annual physical examination for one, including labs and
Win a Charleston Sweet Grass Basket - The beautiful form  of basket weaving with sweet grass, candle making at its finest, the sweet taste of Barbados Rum and the delectable sweetness of preserves will be a sampling of what's to come as the centerpieces at CWIT's Annual Banquet. At each table one lucky attendee will get to take home this beautiful center piece. Winners will be announced at the end of the evening.
A very special thanks to all patrons, such as the Ford Family,
Lowcountry Foods, LLC, Tinder Box, Sassard Products, and others who have generously donated wonderful items for inclusion in the Annual Banquet table centerpieces.
-- Margie Hardwick, Banquet Committee and Programs Chair
Top VP Keynote Speaker - Top Senior VP from US Chamber of Commerce, General Daniel W. Christman, will deliver a brilliant mix of patriotism,  international expertise, leadership, and presentation finesse in his keynote speech on the "Global Economy: The Need For American Leadership". It will be a highly charged, pleasurable evening for the international trade community. You won't want to miss it! -- Pam Everitt, Annual Banquet Chair
The Post and Courier and the CRBJ - Two pre-event interviews are in the works between this years keynote speaker general Dan Christman of the US Chamber of Commerce and reporter Kris Wise of The Post and Courier, and freelance writer Rachel Pleasant for the Charleston Regional Business Journal. More details to follow. -- Jacky Sassard, Publicity Chair
Sponsorship Opportunities - Thanks to Charleston Freight Station for leading the way in CWIT's 2005 Annual Banquet Fundraising efforts. The  Fundraising Committee has been able to secure pledges from other large corporate sponsors like Robert Bosch Corporation, Container Maintenance Corporation, Bell South, the SC State Ports Authority and BMW. Click the  link to learn how your company can benefit from becoming a CWIT Annual Banquet Sponsor and join the ranks of those listed here:
Who Should Attend - This years event should be of interest to all international trade and business professionals across the state and beyond. Dress is business formal attire. -- Pam Everitt, Annual Banquet Chair
Last Years Banquet News - 2004 Banquet news is available for online viewing. -- Jacky Sassard, Publicity Chair
RSVP - E-mail [email protected] or phone at 843.577.8184. -- English Struth, Banquet Committee
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