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Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I join Trade Bridge International?
Click on any Contact Us link on this site to complete a brief application form. Completion takes less than a minute. As long as you are an SME currently importing or exporting or planning to import or export within the next 12 months, you are eligible for membership.  back to top What is the definition of an SME?
In the US, companies with no more than 500 employees are regarded as SMEs. Any company that qualifies as an SME as defined by their national government is an SME for the purposes of Trade Bridge International membership.
back to top What are the benefits of membership in Trade Bridge International? back to top What are some examples of SME issues that need Trade Bridge representation?
Access to the US Customs and Border Protection, the EU and other trading blocs, the World Customs Organization, World Trade Organization, International Chamber of Commerce, etc, to assure that proposed regulations or laws do not ignore or endanger the interests, goals and profit opportunities of SMEs.
Most important, the voice of SMEs needs to be heard by your elected representatives. Presently the voices heard in Washington that impact legislation and regulation, are those of Multi-Nationals, banks, customs brokers and forwarders, overnight delivery companies, attorneys, surety companies, etc. None of those entities truly represents the interests of SMEs. The regulators in Washington, Brussels, Geneva, and Singapore are aware of the situation and so are frequently asking for input from SMEs. They attempt, sometimes unsuccessfully, to avoid inadvertently causing harm to SMEs through laws, regulations, and Free Trade Agreements. These are often proposed and implemented, contrary to SMEs interests, because those interests are not represented by any existing organization.
back to top Why is membership in Trade Bridge International free?
Membership in Trade Bridge International is free because the most valuable product we can provide, and SMEs need, RELEVANT information, is still being developed. Until information that is based on SME's needs, concerns and issues is developed, membership will continue to be free.
back to top Trade Risk Guaranty and Corporation for International Business were the initial sponsors. Trade Innovations, Inc. has joined as a sponsor since our launch. It is expected that in the future, other sponsors will be added. Trade Bridge International will not accept any contribution from any sponsor that does not truly represent SMEs first, last and only.
back to top How do I know my company's interests will be represented?
Trade Bridge and its sponsors are committed to adhere to the Trade Bridge Mission Statement . If the Trade Bridge Mission Statement encompasses your interests, they will be represented. Any hey, it's free, so why not give it a shot? back to top Isn't Trade Bridge just another association?
Not really. Trade Bridge is an international trade association that is set-up and run by entrepreneurs and international trade professionals, not association professionals. It is for-profit and non-governmental. We know SMEs because we are an SME.
back to top Why don't you allow trade services providers to be members?
Allowing trade services providers and intermediaries to be members of associations that profess to represent importers and exporters is problematic. These types of companies, organizations and individuals, ultimately influence and dominate the association. Soon, dilution or disregard of the interests of the SMEs in favor of their multi-national clients occurs. The SMEs voice is muffled or worse, distorted. Trade Bridge avoids that problem by allowing only SME importers or exporters into its membership.
back to top What do you do with the Quick Vote results?
We collect the data and use it to develop an exclusive SME agenda for regulators in Washington and overseas. In addition, the data will supply the necessary information to develop services and products to assist Trade Bridge International members to compete.
back to top What if I want to get copies of all the Quick Vote final results?
The results are intended for the members. They are available in real time when you vote.
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