This registration page may not work well in Internet Explorer. Please use a different browser to complete your registration.

Business Advocacy Speakers Series - Foreign-Trade Zones: A Competitive Advantage for Business & Economic Growth

August 20, 2026 8:45 AM - 10:30 AM (PDT)

Description

International trade and Foreign-Trade Zone expert David Harlow will present "Foreign-Trade Zones: A Competitive Advantage for Business and Economic Growth" during this Business Advocacy Speakers Series session.

Harlow will discuss how evolving global supply chains are driving the strategic use of Foreign-Trade Zone programs to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen business competitiveness. He will also provide practical insights into how small and mid-sized businesses can leverage FTZ programs to support growth and operational success.

A Licensed U.S. Customs Broker with more than 20 years of experience, Harlow will discuss how Foreign-Trade Zones help businesses reduce costs, improve supply chain efficiency, attract investment, strengthen manufacturing and distribution operations, and enhance global competitiveness. He will also explore how cities and economic development organizations can leverage FTZs to attract and retain businesses, encourage investment, and support long-term economic growth.

Harlow is President of ITC-Diligence International, a Southern California-based international trade consulting and customs brokerage firm specializing in Foreign-Trade Zones, customs compliance, and global supply chain solutions that help importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, and public agencies compete more effectively in the global marketplace.

He currently serves as President of the Los Angeles Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association, an advocate of the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ), an advisory Board Member of the Global Chamber, and Chairman of the District Export Council of Southern California.

The presentation will conclude with an interactive question-and-answer session with Harlow, followed by legislative and agency updates from elected officials' offices and government partners.

The Greater Irvine Chamber's Business Advocacy Speakers Series is a forum where members gain practical, executive-level insights into the public policy, economic, and business issues that directly affect business growth, competitiveness, and long-term success. Featuring industry leaders, policymakers, and subject matter experts, the series helps businesses stay informed, anticipate change, and make better strategic decisions in today's evolving business environment. The Business Advocacy Speakers Series is provided at no cost and is exclusively available to members and invited guests of the Greater Irvine Chamber and its partnering chambers and business organizations with advance registration.

Time

• 8:45–9:15 a.m. – Check-in, networking, and breakfast bites • 9:15–10:30 a.m. – Program and Q&A, followed by updates from the offices of elected officials and local agencies.

Location

Greater Irvine Chamber

Convenient, Free Parking.
View Event

Contact Information

Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce
Name: Laura Perdew
Phone: (949) 502-4122
Email: lperdew@irvinechamber.com
We're sorry. No registrations are currently available. You may wish to contact the event organizer for assistance.
{{ vm.EventInfo.ErrorMessage }}

Select Registration Options

Edit
{{vm.regWarningMessage}}
{{vm.regAlertMessage}}

Exhibitor Opportunities

Name Price Att Qty
{{ et.Name }}
{{ et.IncludedAttendeesCount }} {{ et.AttendeeRegType.RemainingPerType }} Remaining {{ et.AttendeeRegType.RemainingPerType * -1 }} on Waiting List {{ et.AttendeeRegType.RemainingPerType * -1 }} Over Limit
{{ et.Remaining }} Remaining
 Sold out

Attendee Registration Options Total Remaining: {{ vm.EventInfo.VacantSpotsPerEvent }}

Waiting List Available
{{ vm.stats.totalAttendeesCount }} Registered , {{ vm.OverallOverAmount() }} on Waiting List , {{ vm.OverallOverAmount() }} Over Limit
Name Price Qty
{{ rt.Name }}
{{ rt.IsMemberOnly ? ' (Members Only)' : '' }}
Limit: {{ rt.LimitPerPurchase }}
Included Attendees: {{ rt.AttendeesCountPerOneRegistration }}
{{rt.Price | currency }} {{rt.PriceAfterDiscount | currency }} {{ rt.Price | currency }}
{{ rt.RemainingPerType }} Remaining
{{ rt.RemainingPerType * -1 }} on Waiting List
{{ rt.RemainingPerType * -1 }} Over Limit

{{'[[Sponsorship]] Opportunities' | localizeString:'['}}

Name Price Att Qty
{{ st.Name }}
{{ st.IncludedAttendeesCount }} {{ st.AttendeeRegType.RemainingPerType }} Remaining {{ st.AttendeeRegType.RemainingPerType * -1 }} on Waiting List {{ st.AttendeeRegType.RemainingPerType * -1 }} Over Limit
{{ st.Remaining }} Remaining
 Sold out
Continue

Registration Information

Edit

Exhibitor - {{er.Name}}

Exhibitor #{{ $index + 1 }}

Total: {{exhibitor.TotalPrice | currency}} {{ exhibitor.IsBenefit ? "- Included as a Benefit" : exhibitor.IsDiscounted ? "- Discounts have been applied" : ""}}
Exhibitor Directory
Primary Contact
Booth Information
Additional Information
Additional Items

Attendee - {{er.Name}}

{{ att.getAttendeeTerm(vm.EventSettings.AdditionalAttendeesTerm, $index) }} #{{ att.getAttendeeIndexDisplay(vm.EventSettings.AdditionalAttendeesTerm, $index) }}

Total: {{att.TotalPrice | currency}} {{att.DiscountMessage | localizeString:'['}}
A No Show fee is being assessed for {{fee.EventName}} on {{fee.EventStartLocalTimeString}}.
More Information Less information

Address

Phone

Additional Information
Event Sessions

{{slot.Name}}

{{$select.selected.SessionName}}
(full)
{{slot.SelectedSession.SessionDescription + (slot.HasFees ? " (Price: " + (slot.PriceTotal | currency) +")" : "")}}
Additional Items

{{'[[Sponsorship+]]' | localizeString:'['}} - {{er.Name}}

{{'[[Sponsor]]' | localizeString:'['}} #{{ $index + 1 }}

Total: {{sponsor.Price | currency}}
Continue

Additional Items

Edit

{{(vm.EventInfo.Terms.Donation || "Fundraising") + " Opportunities"}}

Campaign Name Item Description Amount
{{item.CampaignName}} {{item.Description + (item.ShowMinimumPrice && item.MinimumPrice ? " (Min: " + item.MinimumPrice + ")" : "")}}
Continue

Complete Registration

Edit

Terms & Conditions

No Show Policy

{{ vm.EventInfo.EventSettings.NoShowPolicy }}

Enter Promo Code

Billing Contact

Registration Protection
This event is synced to a webinar so no confirmation email will be sent from GrowthZone.

Thank you to our {{'[[Sponsor+]]' | localizeString:'['}}