Join the Transportation Diversity Council (TDC, Inc.) on a TEAM TDC DELEGATION to CUBA AUGUST 2-9, 2015
An invitation from Dwayne C. Sampson TDC, Founder and President / CEO Dear TDC Member: I am pleased to invite you to join me for the upcoming TDC delegation to Havana, Cuba on. Cuba is a country with nearly 500 billion dollars GDP and is in dire need in all infrastructure areas ie: roads, power, water, transportation, telecommunications, agricultural products, medicines and many other areas. In light of President Obama's executive order removing many restrictions on visiting and doing business with Cuba, this is an opportunity for TDC to assist our Nation, Cuba, as well as Transportation, Engineering, and Construction companies to engage in potential business with Cuba. Recognizing the tremendous potential for expanding United States and Cuba ties, TDC, will bring together a high-level delegation of business leaders desiring to foster the exchange of business ideas and related services between the United States and Cuba. Mr. Nathaniel P. Ford, CEO, Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) and TDC Advisory Board Member will lead the delegation, representing the Public Sector. The Presenting Sponsor will lead the delegation, representing the Private Sector. This mission is part of a strategy to help pave the way for TDC member companies to enter the Cuban market. This first trip is necessary to understand the market, the society and the culture, as well as initiate those important relationships. The mission will include special meetings, site visits and networking events designed to connect the companies with the Cuban government and business leaders, to set the stage for future efforts between the United States and Cuba. As President and CEO of TDC, I ve made it my priority to make our organization a trailblazer in the industry. I look forward to sharing this unique and historic business experience with you. About TDC The Transportation Diversity Council is a 501 (C) (3) not-for-profit corporation and is led by seasoned executives from the worlds of transportation, education and construction who are dedicated to ensuring that every individual and company has the opportunity to fully contribute to America s future. TDC was formed in 2010 to meet the growing need for leaders, technical professionals, educators and construction workers in the transportation and construction industries. Those needs can only be met by engaging and developing a large and diverse workforce. TDC reaches out to students of all ages to provide exposure to engineering and construction trades, provides development programs to individuals, companies and agencies to ensure that all talents are recognized and nurtured, and helps bridge the gaps between needs and opportunities for the entire industry. I encourage you to accompany me on this important mission as we continue the work of creating more jobs in our country and promoting international business relations. Warmest regards, Dwayne C. Sampson
TDC DELEGATION TO CUBA AUGUST 2-9, 2015 A-9, 1025 CUBA About the Country Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba, is an island country in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba comprises the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud and several archipelagos. Havana is the capital of Cuba and its largest city. The second-largest city is Santiago de Cuba. To the north of Cuba lies the United States (150 km (93 mi) away), the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands are to the northeast, Mexico is to the west (210 km (130 mi) away), the Cayman Islands and Jamaica are to the south and Haiti and the Dominican Republic are to the southeast. The island of Cuba was inhabited by numerous Mesoamerican Indian tribes prior to the landing of explorer Christopher Columbus in 1492, who claimed it for the Kingdom of Spain. Cuba remained a colony of Spain until the Spanish American War of 1898, after which it gained nominal independence as a de facto U.S. protectorate in 1902. The fragile republic endured increasingly radical politics and social strife, and despite efforts to strengthen its democratic system, Cuba came under the dictatorship of former president Fulgencio Batista in 1952. Growing unrest and instability led to Batista's ousting in January 1959 by the July 26 movement, which afterwards established a government under the leadership of Fidel Castro. Since 1965 the country has been governed as a single-party state by the Communist Party. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, and with over 11 million inhabitants, is the second-most populous after Hispaniola, albeit with a much lower population density for the region. It is a multiethnic country whose people, culture and customs derive from diverse origins, including the aboriginal Taíno and Ciboney peoples, the long period of Spanish colonialism, the introduction of African slaves, a close relationship with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, and proximity to the United States. Cuba today is the only remaining communist state to receive a "very high" human development ranking from the United Nations, and ranks well in measures of health and education. Economy The Cuban state claims to adhere to socialist principles in organizing its largely state-controlled planned economy. Most of the means of production are owned and run by the government and most of the labor force is employed by the state. Recent years have seen a trend toward more private sector employment. By 2006, public sector employment was 78% and private sector 22%, compared to 91.8% to 8.2% in 1981. Any firm wishing to hire a Cuban must pay the Cuban government, which in turn will pay the employee in Cuban pesos. The average monthly wage as of July 2013 is 466 Cuban pesos, which are worth about US$19. Cuba has a dual currency system, whereby most wages and prices are set in Cuban pesos (CUP), while the tourist economy operates with Convertible pesos (CUC), set at par with the US dollar.[166] Every Cuban household has a ration book (known as libreta) entitling it to a monthly supply of food and other staples, which are provided at nominal cost. Before Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution, Cuba was one of the most advanced and successful countries in Latin America. Cuba's capital, Havana, was a "glittering and dynamic city". The country's economy in the early part of the century, fueled by the sale of sugar to the United States, had grown dynamically. Cuba ranked 5th in the hemisphere in per capita income, 3rd in life expectancy, 2nd in per capita ownership of automobiles and telephones and 1st in the number of television sets per inhabitant. Cuba's literacy rate, 76%, was the fourth highest in Latin America. Cuba also ranked 11th in the world in the number of doctors per capita. Several private clinics and hospitals provided services for the poor. Cuba's income distribution compared favorably with that of other Latin American societies. A thriving middle class, according to PBS, held the promise of prosperity and social mobility. According to Cuba historian Louis Perez of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, "Havana was then what Las Vegas has become. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cuba#economy, In addition to infrastructure needs, Cuba is literally in need of a vast quantity and large variety of U.S. goods. Products that fall under the categories of agriculture, food, medicine (both prescription and over the counter), medical and surgical supplies and equipment, as well as raw materials used in food and medicinal production are eligible. This is a market in need of the most basic items first, and U.S. companies should think of this as a market ripe for consumption of staple items, and goods in the medium quality range. This also can be a market for upgraded, gourmet, or luxury items used in the tourist sectors. Because Cuba purchases goods in cash, and because some products will be completely new to the Cuban consumer, many times initial orders are in conservative quantities, with the exception being those products of large-scale use and of great need. In addition, those items that are not available or not competitive in other countries will have an extra advantage. For those companies who have patience, perseverance, as well as a true interest in Cuba, this is an opportunity to build a long-term relationship that will do well in the long run. http://www.gshi.com/
PLANNED DELEGATION ITINERARY Saturday, August 1 Arrive in Miami, FL Overnight stay Sunday, August 2 Attend mandatory Cuba workshop Depart Miami Florida, 1:00pm Arrive in Havana, Cuba Transfer to hotel for check-in Welcome dinner event hosted by TDC Monday, August 3 The United States Interests Section (USINT) Site visits Cultural Activities event hosted by Presenting Sponsor Tuesday, August 4 Business Briefing on Opportunities in Cuba Socio-economic discussion with urban planner Site visits Wednesday, August 5 Ministry of Foreign Relations (MINREX) Site visits - Cultural Activities Thursday, August 6 Day trip to Santiago, Cuba Site visits Rail & Infrastructure Friday, August 7 Site visits - Cultural Activities Evening social events Saturday, August 8 Site visits Evening social events Sunday, August 9 Transfer from hotel to airport Arrive in Miami, Florida 4:00pm Meetings requested with Cuban: Transportation Professionals, Government consultants, contractors, Trade Associations, Chambers of Commerce, Public Works, Local Contractors, Civil Engineering (associations), Technical Universities & Colleges, Urban Planning Organizations, and Independent Business Owners. Transportation Professionals These meetings will be coordinated and scheduled between the U.S. Cuban Interest Section in Washington, D.C. and the Cuban Government. Itinerary is subject to change.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES TDC Cuba Delegation Hosted by the Transportation Diversity Council (TDC), this delegation to Cuba will provide the opportunity to meet face-to face key contacts in Transportation, Infrastructure, Construction, Power, Career and Technical Education. The purpose of this trade mission is to promote goodwill and also create business development opportunities for delegation participants. TDC is proud to provide a resource for fostering the exchange of business ideas, commerce, and related services between the United States and Cuba. Financially supporting the trade mission to Cuba is an excellent way to showcase your company or organization s products and services to trade mission participants and foreign hosts, while supporting the global economic development objectives of potential new or existing business clients. Benefits of Sponsorship: Extend your marketing dollars through numerous publicity opportunities, Reach different enterprises and institution in Cuba, Build your corporate image in association with the Cuban economy and culture, Experience the satisfaction of contributing to help in growing the Cuba economy, Partner with TDC in fostering a relationship between the United States and Cuba GOLD PRESENTING SPONSOR ($15,000) Package includes: (2) Full Registrations Most Prominent listing as Gold Presenting Sponsor Recognition as delegation co-lead with Mr. Nathaniel P. Ford, CEO, JTA Recognition as the primary contributing author of post trip report to U.S. Government Most Prominent recognition on event materials by including name/logo pertaining to event posters, event brochure, program, banners, save-the-date emails and postcards, etc. Logo placement on TDC website for 1 year Most Prominent inclusion for planned follow up initiatives post trip CEO (or appropriate person) invited to speak at Welcome Reception event Quote from sponsor s CEO (or appropriate person) posted on TDC Website Recognition/placement on event promotional materials SILVER SPONSOR ($7,500) Package includes: (1) Full Registrations Recognition as Silver Sponsor Recognition as contributing author of post trip report to U.S. Government Sponsor name and logo displayed on event materials such as mass e-newsletter/email communications, posters, brochures, banners, save-the-date emails, postcards, etc. Recognition/placement on event promotional materials BRONZE SPONSOR ($1,000) Package includes: Recognition as Bronze Sponsor Sponsor name and logo displayed on event materials such as mass e-newsletter/email communications, posters, brochures, banners, save-the-date emails, postcards, etc. Recognition/placement on event promotional materials If you re interested in becoming a sponsor of the 2015 TDC Cuba Delegation or if you have any questions, please contact Dwayne Sampson at (917) 776-7273.
SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT CONTRACT TDC Cuba Delegation SPONSOR LEVELS: (PLEASE CHECK ONE) GOLD PRESENTING SPONSOR - $15,000 SILVER SPONSOR - $7,500 BRONZE SPONSOR - $1,000 Organization Authorized Contact Title Address City State Zip Code Bus Phone Fax Email Business Type Sign: Date: The deadline for submitting sponsorship forms is April 5, 2015. Mail sponsorship contract and fee to: Transportation Diversity Council (TDC), Attn: Cuba Delegation Sponsorship, P.O. Box #3362, New York, N.Y. 10008-3362
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION FORM TDC Cuba Delegation A separate registration form for EACH person registering is required TDC DELEGATION REGISTRATION FEE Havana, Cuba ( ) TDC MEMBER DELEGATE $5,000.00 ( ) MWDBE DELEGATE $4,000.00 Fee includes: (1) night hotel in Miami, FL, Roundtrip chartered f light from Miami, FL to Havana Cuba, (7) night hotel stay in Cuba, Day trip to Santiago, Cuba, Admission into all mission events, Meals, Translation services during the appointments, Ground transportation to all mission events. (Travel to/from Miami, FL is NOT included in Registration Fee above) Name: Title: Company: Address: Telephone: Email: Mother s maiden Name: Emergency Contact Name: Emergency Contact Phone #: Please include the following with your registration form: Company/Organization Profile Professional Bio (2) COLOR copies of the main page of your passport In a short paragraph or less, tell us your reason for wanting to visit the Republic of Cuba.
DELGATION INFORMATION TDC Cuba Delegation CONTACT Sponsorship, Payments, TDC Membership Sheila Jordan sjordan@k-archllc.com (404) 849-2122 Delegation info Dwayne Sampson DwayneSampson@msn.com (917) 776-7273 General info/registration Submission Aisha Eccleston aishaeccleston@gmail.com (904) 535-7817 FOR DELEGATES Delegate Package Registration Deadline: April 5, 2015 Registration deposit: $1,500.00 is required with registration Registration will not be considered final until registration forms and deposit payment has been received. The registration fee is a deposit of $1,500 per person. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS The Trip is being facilitated through The Larry Jacobs Foundation Incorporated and Jacobs International Group Incorporated. Special group discounted airfare and hotel rates have been negotiated for this event. The fee for The Larry Jacobs Foundation is the same as yours and will be paid for equally among the members of the Delegation. HOW TO REGISTER (1) Complete the official registration form (2) Include brief company bio, professional bio, two color copies of passport main page (3) Write one-three sentences on why you want to visit Cuba (4) Mail application package and submit $1,500 payment in the form or credit card, check or money order to TDC OR (5) E-mail application package to aisha.eccleston@gmail.com and submit $1,500 payment in the form or credit card, check or money order to TDC PAYMENT OPTIONS Credit card payment option is available on the TDC website Events Page. http://tdc-ntl.org/events/tdc-delegation-havana-cuba-august-2-9-2015 Check or money orders should be mailed to the below address *there is a $50 returned check fee MAIL COMPLETED REGISTRATION PACKAGE AND/OR PAYMENTS TO: Transportation Diversity Council (TDC) P.O. Box #3362 New York, N.Y. 10008-3362 Transportation Diversity Council (TDC) P.O. Box #3362 New York, N.Y. 10008-3362 Phone: (917) 776-7273 www.tdc-ntl.org