TROY – Automation

Alley will be hosting a trade mission to Cuba in the fall of 2016. But before

the trip begins, the technology networking group will host an event on Aug. 6

where international business experts from the U.S. State Department, the

Cuban-American Chamber of Commerce and the Christman Company will share their

firsthand insights about Cuba’s economic, political and social outlook.

To date,

Automation Alley’s highly successful trade mission program has led more than

170 companies on 24 trade missions around the globe, resulting in $472 million

in export sales for those companies.

“Over the

last half-century, Cuba has been largely isolated from U.S. business, but new

policies are now making it easier for U.S. companiesto expand and

diversify their products, services and technologies into this new and emerging

market,” said Noel Nevshehir, director of international business at Automation

Alley. “Our goal is to provide interested small and medium-sized companies in

our region with the knowledge necessary to thrive in what has largely been

uncharted territory for U.S. business. This event will also help us to gauge

interest among local companies in our 2016 trade mission to Cuba.”

Cuba: The

Next Frontier, will include case studies from companies with operations in Cuba

on how to overcome the common hurdles associated with trading or investing in

Cuba. A key point of discussion is how foreign companies can compete with Cuban

state-owned monopolies and the command structure of the country’s

economy.

Speakers will include:

Noel

Nevshehir, Director, International Business, Automation Alley

Mr. Alex

Lee, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Dana

McAllister, Executive Director, Cuban-American Chamber of Commerce

Ronald

Staley, Senior Vice President, The Christman Company

The cost to attend is $20 for members with pre-registration or $30 at the door.

The cost for non-members is $40 with pre-registration or $50 at the door.

Admission is free for Foundation Members, but pre-registration is required.

Pre-registration closes Aug. 4 at close of business.To register, click onwww.automationalley.com.