July, 2006

Dear Colleague:

This is to serve as an invitation to you or your representative to attend the upcoming conference, “Doing Business in Cuba,” to be held on July 20, 2006, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.

The special feature will be several live presentations via teleconference direct from Havana and you will have the chance to ask questions directly to the following Cuban officials in Havana:

Pedro Alvarez, Chairman of Alimport
“Current Status of US Trade in Agriculture and Medical Products”

Rafael Tenreyro, Vice President of CubaPetroleo
“Cuba’s Energy Operations”

Maria de la Luz B’Hamel, Dir. of North America, Ministry of Foreign Trade
“Overall State of Cuba’s Worldwide Trade and Business”

Miguel Figueras, Senior Advisor to Minister of Tourism
“Potential for the Travel Industry”

This will be the second of a conference series being sponsored by the U.S.-Cuba Trade Association. Cosponsors of the event in Washington are Port of Corpus Christi, National Foreign Trade Council, USA*Engage, The Stephens Group, and Alamar Associates. A third conference will be held in Little Rock, Arkansas, in late September.

The US-Cuba Trade Association was formed in April 2005, and now has 54 members from 24 different states. Its purpose is to facilitate legal trade between the US and Cuba, to educate companies on the potential for business in and with Cuba, and to support efforts to normalize trade between the US and Cuba.
This day long event is not about politics; it is about business – what is happening, what can be done, what are the laws and regulations, and what the potential is or could be for your firm.

The View From Congress will be presented by Representative Jeff Flake (R-AZ), sponsor of HR5353 which would exempt US energy firms from the embargo. We have also invited Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) who is cosponsor of S2787, the companion bill in the Senate, and sponsor of the successful amendment to the agriculture appropriations bill which calls for a general license for all those who wish to travel to Cuba to discuss sales of agricultural products.

Companies which are doing business with Cuba will discuss their experiences and tips on a panel chaired by Ruben Bonilla, Chairman of the Port of Corpus Christi.

On this web site using the toolbar above you will find the draft agenda, speakers, conference registration form, and credit card payment options through Paypal. The fee for an individual to attend is $195.

There are also still sponsorships available for this event. As a sponsor, you will be recognized for your leadership role and may invite your associates and clients as your guests. Your name will appear on all press releases, signage, and conference documentation.

There are three levels:

Premier Sponsor - $5,000

• Ten tickets to the conference to invite clients and associates.
• Will automatically give you a one-year membership to the US-Cuba Trade Association, which normally costs $2,000.
• Includes your company’s logo on all printed materials.
• Gives you sponsorship of the lunch or reception, allowing your company to hang banners and distribute brochures.
• Allows your company to make brief remarks and introduce a speaker.

Executive Sponsor - $3,500

• Five tickets to the conference.
• Company logo on all conference materials
• Includes your one-year Association membership fee.

Sponsor - $1,000

• Two tickets to the conference.
• Company logo on all conference materials
• Sponsorship fee will be applied to your annual Association membership fee.

I hope you will be able to join us for this important event. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or Conference Coordinator, Eva Boster, at 202/234-5506.

Sincerely yours,

Kirby Jones
President, US-Cuba Trade Association