Services

International Business Development

 

Our client, a national franchise rated by the WSJ as a Top 1% Firm, with success domestically since 1925, wanted to go international. We provided global Market Intelligence Research, and used the data to draft a Strategic Business Development Plan. Our approach was adopted by the CEO as the new corporate model for franchise expansion. Upon client approval, we led the implementation of the Plan through the opening of their first international office in Costa Rica. We followed this corporate milestone with a trade mission to Costa Rica, including a briefing at the US Embassy and Official Reception at the Official Residency of the US Ambassador.

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International Business Development (Costa Rica July-August, 2009)

 

Our client, RMI Worldwide, LLC, participated in our trade mission to Costa Rica to expand their business into that market.

 

Our client's testimonial

 

As a small highway contractor specializing in Concrete Rubblization looking to expand internationally, I expressed my concern to Steve Toner (of Coastal Strategies), the trade mission organizer. Steve said, I understand your concern, but let me work on this for you. Steve worked diligently upon our behalf, contacting the US Embassy in Costa Rica with our potential highway general contractor meeting wish list while in Costa Rica. Not only were they successful in having two of Costa Rica's largest highway general contractors present at a reception held for the Trade Mission attendees at the Ambassador's residence, they also arranged for the Vice Minister of Transportation of Costa Rica, Dr. Pedro Castro, to be there. Based upon my conversation with the Vice Minister at that reception, we believe we have possibility of looking at over one million dollars worth of work specifically for us within the next 12-18 months. The odds of our getting this face-to-face meeting with the Vice Minister of Transportation without Steve's help probably would not be good. Thanks Steve, we owe you one!

 

Scott Marshall, Chief Financial Officer RMI Worldwide, LLC, D/B/A Resonant Machines Kansas City,

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International Business Development 2009

 

 Our client, Mr. Kevin Dorsey, Entrepreneur, participated in our trade mission to Costa Rica to explore his business opportunities in that market.

 

Our client's testimonial

 

Thanks for all the hard work you spent on the Costa Rica Trade Mission. It was a great experience and a fun group of people. The Embassy briefing was the best part. This was a very professionally planned and executed mission 

 

Kevin Dorsey, Entrepreneur

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Government Relations/International Trade Mission to US Embassy in Paris, France

 

Our client, Mr. Joseph McFarland, Esq., performed international legal services and desired to make new contacts in France. He participated in our of our trade missions to do so.

 

Our client's testimonial

 

A note of thanks for you and your staff for the hard work in making the trade mission such a successfuI was particularly impressed by the attention we received at the briefing and reception at the US Embassy in Paris.

 

J.P. McFarland, P.A., Attorney (client on trade mission)

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International Programs

 

Our client, the World Trade Center/Tampa Bay, needed to build their brand name in this marketplace; we did so with international trade missions and monthly international programs. Involved government agencies included the US Commerce Department, FBI, NASA, US Export Import Bank, Enterprise Florida, Tampa Port Authority, Congressmen, Mayor of Tampa, MacDill Central Command, University of South Florida, etc.

 

Our client's testimonial

 

"I have worked with Mr. Toner for almost four years in connection with our efforts to publicize and grow the World Trade Center of Tampa Bay. The World Trade Center is the Tampa Bay branch of a 285 member worldwide organization devoted to promoting the aspects of world trade and commerce through a seven part program which includes trade missions, education courses, membership development, receptions and conferences featuring world business and political leaders.

 

Mr. Toner has served as Operating Chief of the non-for-profit corporation, which holds the valuable World Trade center franchise. Throughout our involvement together he has been tireless and creative director and has given us entree into the highest circles of political and business endeavor in the Tampa Bay area. I feel that I can recommend Mr. Toner without reservation.

 

Sincerely,

A. Bronson Thayer, Chairman

World Trade Center/Tampa Bay

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International Business Development (via Trade Mission)

 

Our client, PROCOMER, the Foreign Trade Corporation of Costa Rica, requested assistance in conducting a food industry trade mission to Florida. We conducted market research, built a web site, issued news releases, drafted brochures, arranged dozens of food industry appointments, industry tours, receptions, and made key industry and governmental introductions.

 

 

Our client's testimonial

 

"On behalf of the Foreign Trade Corporation of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) and the Trade office in Miami, we would like to thank you for the support given for the preparation and logistics of the Trade Mission of Exporters to Central Florida on May 16th thru 19th, 2011. 

The support given by Coastal Strategies, and particularly from Mr. Steve Toner, contributed to the satisfaction expressed by the Costa Rican businessmen that participated in this Trade Mission. It is remarkable the quality of contacts made for them with Central Florida Importers and Distributors as well as the productive meetings made during the Costa Rica Trade Mission Reception and event. We expect that these initial contacts and negotiations will be concreted into positive business for both parts.

We do believe that this type of trade events will increase commercial links and fortify business between Costa Rica and Florida, using Tampa as a port of entrance."

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Cordially,

Jorge Zamora, General Director

PROCOMER, Foreign Trade Corporation of Costa Rica

 

 

 

International Trade Mission & Trade Show

 

Our client, the Tampa Bay Partnership, set an objective of increased investment from Florida's number one trading partner, Canada. The representatives of the organization participated in our trade missions into Canada, and from Canada into Florida, to achieve their objectives.

 

Our client's testimonial

 

The Tampa Bay Partnership participated in a series of trade shows in the Toronto area planned and organized by Toner Communications (now Coastal Strategies). The effort resulted in several Canadian companies setting up offices in the Tampa Bay area. The effort also provided exposure for the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, a regional group covering 27 counties in Central Florida. This highly effective effort served to provide them with a better understanding of the opportunities in the Florida market.

 

William J. McDermott, CEcD, Director Economic Development Department, Seminole County, Florida

 

 

 

Business Development/International Trade Missions for State of Florida/Consulting

 

Enterprise Florida, the state's economic development agency, placed us under contract to conduct several international trade missions to Montreal and Toronto, Canada; and from Canada to Florida.

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Our client's testimonial

 

Mr. Toner was a pleasure to work with; he was very successful in creating many new Florida trade lead opportunities for the participating companies. In addition, his professional follow-up to these events has been very effective in developing trade development for the state of Florida. Our office continue seeking advice from Coastal Strategies. 

 

Larry March, Canada Director, Enterprise Florida (state agency client)

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Coastal Strategies & Investments is a licensed Florida Real Estate Brokerage Firm (license number BK510864), also dba PanEx Properties, that provides consulting and real estate brokerage services in Florida, Canada, Costa Rica and Panama:

 

• Florida Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ) (Trade Tax Benefits available county-wide) Purchase or Lease Brokerage 

• Florida EB-5 VISA (Achieve US Residency) Approved Investments Purchase Brokerage

• Florida Real Estate Purchases and Leases in Land, Commercial and Residential Sectors.

• Costa Rica and Panama real estate is available from our strategic partners, people we know and trust; developers with a long history of quality oriented developments with emphasis on the environment!

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Real Estate Services

 

Free Trade Zones (FTZ) are authorized real estate grounds and facilities to accommodate international traders and manufacturers. They are designed to encourage business development by saving the participants duties in the movement of their goods in and out of the country. Specifically, Free Trade Zones offer significant tax advantages to importers and exporters. 

 

The Tampa Port Authority has more than 1,000 acres of industrially zoned land with deep-water access up to 43 feet. Rail service, utilities and port security are available to most sites. Contiguous parcels are as large as 50 acres and can be subdivided into parcels as small as 2 acres.

 

Parcels are available with direct waterfront access while other sites are in close proximity to public access berths. Flexible options are available to convey or pipe commodities from public berths to these sites. We have parcels located in Free Trade Zones and can help put you in contact with local trade and economic development agencies.

 

The Tampa Port Authority leases land for up to 40 years, with up to 40 years in lease extension options. To find out more about lease rates and terms, please contact our experienced Real Estate Department, who can, with the help of our Engineering and Environmental Departments, help you get your development or marine terminal on track.

 

Nearby Port Redwing is a 150 acre site used for heavy industry use. Upland development is currently underway to develop an aggregate and cement facility with adjacent parcels available for lease. Florida has 20 FTZ's located throughout the state.

 

Free Trade Zones

EB-5 VISA in USA

Investment in real estate is often required in the establishment of a business in the process of market penetration of another country. We provide real estate brokerage directly in Florida, and work with "local" offices of our global strategic partners within other targeted countries to assure the best services possible. These services include:

 

 Office / Warehouse Procurement & Leasing

 Land Acquisition/Multifamily Investments

 Office Sales and Leasing

 Residential; Single Family Homes and Condos

 Retail Sales and Leasing

 Valuation Advisory Services

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Public Relations/Statewide Surveys/Media Coverage/Consulting

 

Our client, Mercer Consulting, one of the nation's largest healthcare consultant firms, requested ongoing (16 years) public relations and business development services.

 

Our client's testimonial

 

Steve Toner of Coastal Strategies (former Toner Communications) has been our public relations firm for the last 16 years. During this time he has serviced Mercer in a variety of assignments he is very knowledgeable and very easy to work with very well known and respected in the community.

 

Leonor Duran, Office Manager, Mercer Consulting (One of the nation's largest Human Resources / Healthcare Consultant firm) 

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Media Relations/Special Events/Consulting

 

Our client, Florida Design Association, wanted the very best media coverage and presentation event for the award ceremony they were planning to present their award to Donald Trump for his work on the Mar-a-Lago Resort in Palm Beach, Florida.

 

This was very good, excellent! would you like to work for me? I have two PR projects coming up.

 

Donald Trump (commenting on work performed for Florida Design Association involving Trump)

Donald Trump, The Trump Organization

Mar-a-lago Resort, West Palm Beach

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Strategic Planning, Facilitation and Writing Marketing Plans/ Market Research /Media Planning / Placement / Consulting / Implementation

 

Our client, General Physics Corp, a national training firm, requested a comprehensive program to enter several new technical markets in various geographic locations. After the first group was led through the strategic planning process and the strategic planning was facilitated and written, along with the marketing plans, market research, media planning and placement, we then provided consulting services on the implementation. Upon completion, the client flew several more technical teams into Tampa from around the country to go through the same process.

 

Our client's testimonial

 

I offer the highest possible recommendation for Steve and his services. I found him to be ethical, hard working, extremely knowledgeable and insightful the chemistry and working relationship between Steve and my people was outstanding.

 

Chuck Kooistra, Executive Vice President, General Physics Corp (GP Corp) (national tech training firm)

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Governmental Affairs

 

Being involved in governmental affairs provides insight into business decisions for our clients.

 

George Bush's note

 

"Just a short note to let you know how great it was seeing you during my visit to Tampa. I enjoyed it tremendously and hope to be back again soon."

 

 George Bush, President of the United States

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Market Intelligence Research and Strategic Business Development Planning

 

Our client, Ambient Technologies, serves most of the top 10 global engineering firms. When looking to expand internationally, Coastal Strategies provided the necessary Market Intelligence Research and Strategic Business Development Planning.

 

Our client's testimonial

 

To Whom It May Concern:

 

Coastal Strategies, Inc. has assisted us with several tasks. These tasks included:

 

 Marketing Research Plan presenting construction project opportunities in Costa Rica. This plan provided us with a list of projects, owners and contacts to pursue.

 

 Investigation of the Market for Marine Geophysical Services in Florida. This investigation included existing competition, and project opportunities from the private  and public sector.

 

 Developing an Exporting Business concept for exporting construction related US products to Panama, Costa Rica and Panama.

 

Coastal Strategies, specifically Mr. Steve Toner, provided and produced reports with the information needed for business decisions. The reports were thorough and well written and provided applicable information. The reports were created along with discussion with our marketing staff and business leaders so the final results met our expectations.

 

Respectfully,

Carlos Lemos, President

Ambient Technologies, Inc.

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Costa Rica

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There are many reasons to consider Costa Rica for personal residential and/or commercial opportunities. 

 

The residential properties of Costa Rica have drawn so many Americans, that it is now the country with the largest number of Social Security check recipients outside the US. A look at the resort and single family residences along the Pacific Coast (photos to the right of this text) explains why.

 

Commercially, Costa Rica has developed into an impressive manufacturer of IT products, medical devices, and back office support services, such as accounting and call centers. The 2010 Free Trade Agreement between the US and Costa Rica has added to the already attractive opportunities.

 

Many Florida firms were already taking advantage of the opportunities in Costa Rica when the CAFTA Treaty  went into effect in 2010; as overall merchandise trade between Costa Rica and Florida was up 36.5% in 2010 over 2009, totaling over five billion dollars ($5,024,800,000); which ranks Costa Rica 8th in size of Florida trading partners (source: Enterprise Florida).

 

Specifically, Florida imports of various fruits and vegetable products from Costa Rica increased last year by 23.5% to 121.8% (bananas and plantains). The Treaty has clearly paved the way for Florida businesses. According to the US Commerce Department (www.Export.gov), "The CAFTA-DR requires important reforms of the domestic legal and business environment that encourage competitive business development and investment, protect intellectual property rights, and promote transparency and rule-of-law in the democratic systems that have solidified in the region over the past decade. 

 

The Agreement is an important instrument to support U.S. national security interests; the FTA promotes closer economic cooperation among the Central American countries, thereby advancing regional integration and contributing to greater peace and stability in the region."

 

While the "Fortune 500" firms have the resources to take advantage of this profitable

opportunity, small to medium size firms often look for direction, introductions and assistance through government agencies or international business development firms that are experienced with the appropriate government agencies.

 

Why do business with Costa Rica; why now? There are some incredible numbers supporting Costa Rica; here's just a few: Costa Rica is now the 4th most competitive country in Latin America according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010, and 2009 World Economic Forum. It is ranked 36th in the World Health System per the World Report 2000-Health systems for improving performance. It has been named the Central American Country of the Future by FDI Magazine (2007-2008).

 

In addition to the ratings, recognized authorities are citing this amazing development. The Global Competitive Report 2009-2010; 2009 World Economic Forum said this about Costa Rica One of the most competitive economies in Latin America and the Caribbean; at 55th position, it comes ahead of Mexico (60th), Panama (59th) and Brazil (56th), among others.

 

How did Costa Rica establish itself in this enviable position? Some answers are provided by the numbers (Sources: US Department of Commerce, World Bank, Enterprise Florida):

 

 95.2% Literacy Rate: the majority speak English as well as the native Spanish.

 50th out of 179 countries: Human Development Index Value.

 55th out of 133 countries: Global Competitive Index.

 $38.27 Billion GDP US dollars at current prices in 2010.

 92% of energy from natural resources.

 1821 Democratic Republic established; Republican Representative System.

 3.6% Real Growth Rate in 2010.

 

The CAFTA Treaty and resulting business increases are anticipated to improve on this growth. We have been assisting clients here for several years, and have developed excellent working relationships with key government officials; both US and Costa Rica.

 

 

An overview by the numbers:

 

Location: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama.

 

Area: 19,730 square miles (51,100 square kilometers). Slightly smaller than West Virginia. 

 

Population: 4,576,562 (July 2011 est.)

 

Capital: San Jose

 

Climate: Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands.

 

Government: Democratic republic 

 

Head of State & Government: President Laura Chinchilla Miranda (since 8 May 2010)

 

Language: Spanish (official), English 

 

Religion: Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2%.

 

Time Zone: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time) 

 

Emergency numbers: For police, medical, or fire, dial 911 or 112

 

Electricity: Costa Rica's electricity is 120 volts, and American-style plugs are the norm.

 

Telephone system: Good domestic telephone service in terms of breadth of coverage; under the terms of CAFTA-DR, the state-run telecommunications monopoly scheduled to be opened to competition from domestic and international firms, has been delayed by the nation's telecommunications regulator.

 

International country code: 506 

 

Cell phones users: 3.035 million (2010) 

 

Internet users: 1.485 million (2009) 

 

Internet country code:.cr

 

Labor force: 2.093 million

 

Labor force by occupation: Agriculture: 14%

 

Industry: 22%

 

Services: 64% (2006 est.)

 

Exports: $10.77 billion (2011 est.)

 

Export commodities: Bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, ornamental plants, sugar; beef; seafood; electronic components, and medical equipment.

 

Imports: $15.08 billion (2011 est.)

 

Import commodities: Raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, petroleum, and construction materials.

 

Tampa: Closest Major Port to the Panama Canal

Real Estate Opportunities are available in every Port

 

 

Example of properties currently available:

 

2,191 ACRE PRIVATE HUNTING LODGE & FACILITIES

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Available at $4,840,000. (Just $2,200. Per Acre with Facilities!)

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What are Trade and Investment Missions?

 

The purpose of a trade mission is to provide the most cost effective and expeditious means to expand a business into another country. Trade missions typically involve taking 15 to 20 companies into another country to penetrate that market and establish strategic partnerships for promoting goods and services, set distribution channels, close direct sales and/or capitalize on investment opportunities. There are many aspects to trade missions that can be customized for each participant to assist firms in reaching their business development goals: 

 

1. Market research and identification of industry prospects.

 

2. Pre-mission seminars and briefings regarding the destination country's culture, language, currency, and business etiquette. In addition, relevant travel information should be considered regarding political stability, safety and health concerns, etc. 

 

3. Travel logistics including: airline discounts, hotel discounts, ground logistics, dining, etc. 

 

4. Briefing in destination city by the US Department of Commerce regarding the current business climate, opportunities and unique aspects of doing business in that country.

 

5. Trade show booth if mission is held in conjunction with a trade show. 

 

6. Trade show/conference seminars or round table discussions arranged as an integral part of the mission to introduce the host city's businesses to your products and services.

 

7. Trade show/conference receptions held on-site, hosted for participants to invite new prospects met at the show to be our guests for the opportunity to discuss your business.

 

8. Formal receptions held at the homes of US officials such as the Ambassador or the Consul General for our delegate participants to meet key dignitaries and industry leaders.

 

9. Scheduled appointments with prospective: buyers, distributors, strategic partners.

 

10. Utilization of government (Florida, US and target country) programs. 

 

11. Meetings with trade groups and high-level officials. 

 

12. Media coverage on participant achievements (upon request). 

 

13. Commercial/industrial tours. 

 

14. Optional cultural tours. 

 

15. Optional entertainment tours. 

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RELEVANT TERMS:

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Certificate of Origin

Not all countries require a Certification of Origin (CO). Also, some COs are prepared by the exporter and some are prepared by the importer.

 

Containerization or Containerized Cargo 

A system of freight transport based on a range of steel intermodal containers (also 'shipping containers', 'ISO containers' etc). Containers are built to standardized dimensions, and can be loaded and unloaded, stacked, transported efficiently over long distances, and transferred from one mode of transport to another container ships, rail, and semi-trailer trucks without being opened, to greatly reduced transport costs in international trade.

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Containerization or Containerized Cargo is a system of freight transport based on a range of steel intermodal containers (also 'shipping containers', 'ISO containers' etc). Containers are built to standardized dimensions, and can be loaded and unloaded, stacked, transported efficiently over long distances, and transferred from one mode of transport to another container ships, rail, and semi-trailer trucks without being opened, to greatly reduced transport costs in international trade.

 

C-TPAT (Trade Partner Against Terrorism)

Requires the trade company participant to document and validate their supply chain security procedures in relation to existing Customs and Border Control (CBP) C-TPAT criteria.

 

Customs 

An agency of the government in a country responsible for collecting and safeguarding the flow of goods including animals, transports, personal effects and hazardous items in and out of a country.

 

ECCN

If your product fits an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN), then it may need a license.

 

E-Commerce

Selling goods and services internationally thru online transactions; usually via company web sites.

 

Export Business Plan

Having an export plan is a good step and it is required if you need financial assistance. 

 

Export Control Reform

Presidential initiative that counters threats & proliferation of weapons of mass destruction thru controlling certain exports. 

 

Export Documentation

A listing of common export documents.

 

Export License

Some transactions require a license, most exports do not.Â

 

Export Regulations

Some countries have standards that you should be aware of and that you need to comply with in order to sell your products there.

 

Free Trade Agreements (FTA)

FTAs are agreements between two or more countries to reduce trade barriers, increase trade and investment, and enhance the rule of law.

 

Free Trade Zone (FTZ) or export processing zone (EPZ) , also called foreign-trade zone, formerly free port is an area within which goods may be landed, handled, manufactured or reconfigured, and reexported without the intervention of the customs authorities. Only when the goods are moved to consumers within the country in which the zone is located do they become subject to the prevailing customs duties.

 

Freight Forwarders

Freight forwarders are agents for the exporter who can move cargo from dock-to-door. They also can provide other, additional services.

 

Fumigation Certificate

A fumigation certification provides evidence of the fumigation of exported goods. 

 

HS Tariff Classification Number

HS Classification Numbers and Schedule B Numbers are different. The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) of tariff and nomenclature is an internationally standardized system of names and numbers for classifying traded products developed and maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO).

 

Incoterms

International Commercial Terms are a series of sales terms commonly used in international transactions

 

International Company Profile

Credit checks are available on potential international partners. 

International Finance

Finance programs are available to help you with working capital, financing international buyers, etc. 

 

International Logistics

International logistics includes packing, labeling, documentation, insurance, shipping, etc.

 

International Trade Data System (ITDS) 

Supports federal agencies with missions tied to import and export security, regulation, and/or analysis as they prepare for, integrate their business requirements into, deploy and sustain U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). 

 

NAFTA

North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) - As of 1/1/08 all tariffs and quotas were eliminated on exports to Mexico and Canada under NATFA.

 

National Export Initiative (NEI)

Presidential initiative to doubling exports by the end of 2014, supporting millions of jobs.

 

Preference Criterion

There are six preference criterion for qualifying for a NAFTA tariff rate 

 

Shippers Export Declaration (SED)

SEDs should no longer be filed. All export information must be filed electronically with AESDirect or you may be subject to penalties.

 

Tariff Rates By Country

Different countries have different tariff (import / export tax) rates.

 

Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC)

The TPCC includes the 20 federal trade agencies with 7 core agencies.

 

Trade Missions

A cost effective business development program event to launch business into another country.

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