
Leaders from around the world are gathering in Chicago for an important diplomatic summit hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will hold meetings in Chicago from May 20-21, allowing the city to emphasize its can-do spirit.
Historical facts:
• This will be the first time an American city other than Washington has hosted a NATO summit.
• About 2,000 journalists from across the world are expected in Chicago to chronicle the events.
What is NATO?
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, is a political-military alliance made up of 28 member countries, including the United States. Formed in 1949, NATO has played a unique and essential role in maintaining security and stability throughout the past six decades. - Source: The Official Host Committee Site
Learn more here.
Photo courtesy: ©Laurel Delaney, licensed to About.com, Inc.
As we alluded to here, the United States Senators reached an agreement to raise the financing authority of the U.S. Export-Import Bank to $140 billion by 2014.
The Export-Import Bank of the United States -- also referred to as Ex-Im Bank -- is a federal agency that provides loans to businesses that are repaid to encourage USA exports.

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The Gold Key Service (GKS) -- through the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service -- is one of the most efficient ways to meet with pre-screened potential cross-border business associates, whether you are seeking an agent, a distributor or a joint-venture partner.
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Contract manufacturing is when a company arranges to have a local or overseas manufacturer make all or part of the product.
Typically the hiring firm provides a design or formula to the contract manufacturer to replicate or improve. The selling and marketing of the product is left to the hiring company unless other arrangements have been made.
Before you consider contract manufacturing, you should weigh the pros and cons. In the article below, I provide a success story, benefits to contract manufacturing and a few cautionary tales. Like anything new, if you do your homework, you can minimize potential risks.
Read the entire article: Contract Manufacturing