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 make your reservation.

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 , 2006 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 , 2006 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, 2006 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, 2006 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, 2006 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, 2006 Communications Chair

Fine Dining at the Elegant Charleston Place - The Charleston Place, an 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, 2006 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, 2006 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. 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.

A Romantic Getaway
Auction Item #3. Charleston Place Hotel Gift Certificate - Valued at $600.
Looking for a romantic getaway, but don’t want to drive for hours to get there? 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 really good book. Pull your hand made piece of history up to your chin and pretend you're 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're never quite sure what to buy. He'll 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 love jewelry, whether it be 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 our 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. 2 Gift Certificates @ Nick' BBQ for 18 people each - $175 per certificate.
Let's plan a party and but leave the food to Nick's. Who can do a better job with BBQ than them? All you do is invite the guest and clean the house, let Nick do the rest.

A Part of History Fading Away!
Auction Item #14. Morris Island Lighthouse -
Valued at $100.
This beautifully framed and articulated pictured of the Morris Island Lighthouse will help to secure the memory for decades to come. Something truly beautiful to pass down to your children. A MUST HAVE treasure.

A Third Dimension to Charleston!
Auction Item #15. Bulls Island Ferry Passes for Two -
Valued at $60.
Enjoy the beautiful seashore from an angle most people never get to experience. Take along your favorite sweetheart and share the excitement and beauty that only Charleston's coast line can offer. Promises to be an experience full of beautiful photographs.

Jewelry, Jewelry and more Jewelry!
Auction Item #16. Handmade Necklace and Ear Rings - Valued at $50.
This beautiful necklace and matching earrings will add elegance and style to any outfit. Nothing says "I love you" like jewelry.

Laugh until you Cry!
Auction Item #17. HAVE NOTS! - Valued at $100.
Gather your friends together and treat them to a night of laughter and fun. This popular new show downtown promises enough fun to make the best of scrooges smile.

The Crown Jewels
Auction Item # 18. Crystal Bowl Valued at $100.
Add some fresh spring flowers and floating candle to this exquisite "Crown Jewel" donated by Mikasa Distributing. Nothing is quite as elegant as crystal in the spring. This will make a beautiful addition to any table.

Indulge Yourself!
Auction Item # 19. Gift Certificate for Indulgence Salon - Valued at $100.
Get ready for the spring and summer with a new you. Get your hair cut and styled along with a gift bag of goodies to keep you looking chic all summer long.

Animals, Animals and more Animals
Auction Item #20. Two Aquarium Passes - Valued at $50.
Take your favorite little girl or your favorite little boy by the hand and spend the afternoon at the aquarium. Watch their faces light up with anticipation at the next rounded corner.

Dreaming or Dreading Dinners!
Auction Item #21. Six Dream Dinners - Valued at $150.
Is it real or an oxymoron that dinner could be that easy? Have everything sitting on the counter and ready to prepare, plus someone to clean up after you, what else can you ask for? Where dreams come true.

Blooming Local Artist II
Auction Item #22. Framed Photo - Valued at $200.
Charleston sunsets are the most unique in the world. Take this one home with you to relive the experience again and again regardless of the time of day.

Cook with Class
Auction Item #23 Charleston Cooks! – Valued at $50.
Longing for some gourmet cooking tips to enhance your shrimp and grits? Charleston Cooks has donated two tickets to a 90 minute “Taste of the Lowcountry” cooking demonstration.

Brighten Your Day
Auction Item #24– Flowers by Murray – Valued at $50.
Nothing brightens a room as beautifully as a bouquet of flowers. Flowers by Murray will provide you with a delightful spray of their freshest blooms.

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, 2006 Publicity Chair