Unlocking Global Opportunity: International Trade 101

    

Presented by the Fauquier Chamber Economic Development & Legislative Affairs Committee and the Fauquier County Department of Economic Development

Unlocking Global Opportunity: International Trade 101 is your gateway to the world of international business! In today’s technology-driven marketplace, the opportunities to reach global customers have never been more plentiful—and yet, doing business on a global scale can feel more complex and risk-filled than ever. Whether you’re just starting or ready to expand, this dynamic event will show you how to navigate importing and exporting, discover ways to stay compliant, and tap into powerful trade resources. Hear from a leading international trade attorney, an experienced customs broker, and experts from VEDP, America’s SBDC Virginia, and VDACS. The event will conclude with a collaborative panel discussion featuring all presenters.
 

• Market Expansion Potential: Learn how to tap into global markets and reach new customers beyond your local area—even from right here in Fauquier County.
• Business Stability & Resilience: Expanding into international markets isn’t just about growth—it’s about stability. Global trade helps businesses weather local market shifts and seasonal slowdowns.
• Expert Guidance & Compliance Support: Get clear, expert guidance on navigating international trade laws, logistics, and compliance requirements with confidence. There are expert advisors ready to walk you through every step. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
• Programs & Long-Term Opportunity: Discover state and federal programs, funding sources, and hands-on support available to help small businesses grow through exporting. Even if you’re not ready to export tomorrow, understanding opportunities now can help shape smarter long-term strategies.

Speakers:
 

Mary Ann Ring
International Trade Manager
Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Mary Ann Ring is an International Trade Manager with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). She helps companies in the northern part of the state pursue their international sales plans, though VEDP trips and trade shows, market research, grants and other programs. Mary Ann has over 20 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, such as General Electric and Thermo Fisher Scientific, helping them win contracts in international markets in the health and energy sectors. She has significant experience harnessing U.S. Government export promotion tools, e.g., grants, advocacy, and financing, and navigating international donor funded projects. Mary Ann also held trade and investment promotion roles, respectively, in the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Commercial Section of the Brazilian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Mary Ann received her BA from Tulane University and her MA in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas.
 

Aaron Miller

Director, International Trade

Virginia Small Business Development Centers (Virginia SBDC)
Aaron Miller is the Director of the International Business Development program at the Virginia Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) at George Mason University. In this role, Aaron and his team work with small businesses to help them increase sales through exports, access capital and financing, comply with U.S. regulations, and build or augment export competencies. As Director, Aaron also leads an interdisciplinary team of undergraduate and graduate students at Mason who provide customized research for Virginia firms. Students under his leadership have gone on to careers at the World Bank, government, venture capital and private equity, consulting firms and small businesses, as well as top 25 law and business schools.
 

Phoenix Global Shipping

At the helm of Phoenix Global Shipping is Sumeya Gibril, a Licensed Customs broker with over a decade of experience in the supply chain industry. Her journey is nothing short of inspiring—an immigrant to the U.S. at the age of 11, the youngest of eight siblings, a U.S. Army veteran, and a former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer. Sumeya’s deep-rooted expertise in global trade stems from her family’s longstanding involvement in the import-export business. Today, she channels that knowledge and experience to help businesses streamline their global operations with confidence. Navigating the complexities of international trade requires specialized knowledge. As a Licensed Customs Broker, Sumeya Gibril and her team ensure that all imports comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations. From documentation and tariff classification to customs clearance and compliance, Phoenix Global Shipping provides businesses with a streamlined, stress-free importing experience.
 

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John M. Huddle
Founding Partner, CEO
The Global Law Group, PLC
Mr. Huddle is the founder and CEO of The Global Law Group, PLC, a boutique law firm providing highly specialized and proactive solutions to the needs of businesses in today’s challenging, but lucrative, global marketplace. In his 35+ years of practice, Mr. Huddle has represented a diverse group of non-U.S. and U.S. clients in regard to international transactions and business law matters. His U.S. practice is national in scope. His foreign clients hail from a wide range of countries, and his representation extends in some cases to lead international counsel on a global basis.
 

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Rob Davenport
Director of Marketing and Development
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
 

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