Commerce taking California export panel bids

   The Commerce Department is seeking nominations for up to 35 appointments to a new Central California District Export Council (CenCal DEC).
   Nominations must be submitted by 5 p.m. Pacific time on Aug. 17.
   The CenCal DEC is closely affiliated with the Fresno and Bakersfield U.S. Export Assistance Centers of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (US&FCS) and will play a key role in planning and coordinating export activities in Central California communities, Commerce said.
   DEC members must reside or conduct the majority of the work in the territory that the DEC covers, which includes the counties of Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Luis Obispo, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne and surrounding areas, Commerce said.
   District export councils support the mission of US&FCS by facilitating the development of an effective local export assistance network, supporting the expansion of opportunities for local U.S. companies, serving as a communication link between the business community and the agency, and assisting in coordinating the activities of trade assistance partners to leverage available resources.
   Each DEC has a maximum membership of 35 individuals appointed to staggered four-year terms.