Don Alper, the first of two keynote speakers, will provide attendees with an update on the recent Canada/USA border “action plan”, which addresses “perimeter security” and is intended to remove many major and minor barriers to trade and tourism. Alper is a professor and director at the Center for Canadian-American Studies and Border Policy Research Institute at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. Cheryl Schell will introduce Globe 2012, the 12th biennial conference and trade fair on business and the environment to be held in Vancouver, BC, March 14-16, 2012. She will highlight opportunities for individuals and organizations on both sides of the border to develop business, investment and joint-venture opportunities. Schell is the President of C/Schell Marketing Services, Langley, BC. Formerly, she was the Sr. Commercial Specialist at the U.S. Consulate in Vancouver, BC. The Cross-Border Update will be of interest to all persons involved with Canada/USA trade, tourism, investment, government, education and economic development. Sponsors of the event include: Port of Bellingham, Pacific Corridor Enterprise Council (PACE), Ferndale Chamber of Commerce, South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Business Monthly Online, and International Market Access, Inc.

This session is focused on hot topics coming out of Washington, DC and US economic, legislative and regulatory issues affecting the Canada-US business partnership. It is designed to cover a broad range of topics, including Buy America, Energy Policy, New Consumer Product Safety Regulations, Lacey Act, New Food Safety Legislation, and Protectionism. As well, it will address broader topics, such as US FTA's with Korea, Panama and Columbia, and beltway politics in the lead up to the 2012 US elections (and what this means for Canada). The keynote speakers for this unique event are: Birgit Matthiesen, CME's Special Advisor on US Government Relations in Washington, Mathew Wilson, Vice President, National Policy, CME, and Bruce Fee, the leader of Western Canada's US tax practice for Grant Thornton LLP.

The Trader of the Year and the Emerging Trader of the Year Awards recognize local companies that have contributed to the expansion of Washington State’s international trade through demonstrated success, industry leadership, innovation, and service to the community. In appreciation of the fact that business excellence comes in a variety of forms, the Emerging Trader of the Year Award specifically recognizes small to mid-size Washington State businesses for their contributions to the economy of Washington State.

The Ferndale Chamber of Commerce welcomes professionals from northern Washington and Lower British Columbia. This will be the first time in recent history that the famed "Disney Institute" professional development series will be offered in the region. The full-day event will allow area professionals to learn how a leader’s behaviors are instrumental in conveying values, guiding strategy and inspiring passion and interest among employees. This day of Disney training will offer dozens of easy-to-implement, proven ideas that can help transform an organization. The program is appropriate for any type of leader - from project managers and intact work teams to senior executives.