I find it hard to believe that summer is coming to an end and fall is just a few shorts weeks away. We all diligently worked our way through this past month at such a pace that August is now just a blur. Our Children are already back in school and the holidays are quickly approaching; where do the months go?

I am pleased to let you know that our two-day Export Compliance course was a very successful event. I personally had the privilege of attending this particular course and I can testify that Eric Smithweiss did a phenomenal job and I encourage all of our members who are involved in exports and have yet to take his class to please do so. I know you will be glad that you attended.

If you have not yet signed up for our upcoming FTA mixer, an “Evening Harbor Cruise”, please plan on joining us for what is shaping up to be an enjoyable evening and an opportunity to network with your fellow FTA members, meet new people and get reacquainted with old friends. The boat for our evening harbor cruise is filling up quickly so don’t delay and be left standing at the dock.

Also in September, is our always fun FTA Golf Tournament. I would like to thank our sponsors, J & K Fresh; Avalon Risk Management; Western Overseas Corp.; Stericycle; Price Transfer; and N.F. Stroth for their generosity. We still have several sponsorship opportunities available so please either visit our website or contact our office for details. We are hoping for a sellout so we need everyone’s help in achieving our goal.

I would like to welcome our new members: Charles Hunt, Global Logistics, California State University; Nancy Hiromoto, NF Stroth & Associates; Sarah Stroth, NF Stroth & Associates; Yasunori Yamazaki, KSA America, Inc; Josie Zhang, 1^st PMF Bancorp.

Our annual membership drive of a 2nd membership for $50.00 offer is coming to an end so please act promptly.

In closing, I would like to remind each member that I look forward to your feedback. Your suggestions are always welcome. I am all ears!! Lastly, I want to continue to encourage every member to recruit and sign just one new member in 2010.

Sincerely,

Carlo De Atouguia

President