Unlock Global Growth: CMGC Announces Free Webinar to Help Maine Businesses Slash Import Costs and Boost Cash Flow
Learn how Maine’s only user active Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ #186) has generated over $30 million in trade and how local companies can leverage it to gain a global competitive edge.
Maine businesses looking to reduce import costs, improve cash flow, attract Foreign Direct Investment, and gain a competitive international edge are invited to attend a free Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #186 Informational Webinar on Thursday, April 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT. Hosted online by the Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC), the one-hour live event will feature nationally recognized trade expert Wayne Coleman of C3 Associates, LLC.
Designed for manufacturers, distributors, and import-dependent companies, the webinar will delve into specific, federally backed cost-saving mechanisms. Attendees will learn how participation in FTZ #186 allows businesses to leverage:
- Duty Deferral: Delaying customs duties until imported goods formally enter the U.S. market, keeping cash on hand longer
- Duty Exemption: Eliminating customs duties on goods that are imported into the zone and subsequently re-exported internationally
- Inverted Tariffs: Allowing manufacturers to pay the lower duty rate of a finished product rather than the higher duty rate of its imported raw materials or components
- Weekly Entry Savings: Consolidating customs entries into a single weekly filing, which can drastically reduce Merchandise Processing Fees (MPFs) and administrative overhead
Nationally, the FTZ program is an economic powerhouse, supporting over 540,000 jobs and processing nearly $1 trillion in shipments annually. Locally, the impact is growing rapidly.
“Foreign Trade Zones are a powerful, yet underutilized catalyst for Maine businesses competing on the global stage,” said Garvan Donegan, President and CEO of CMGC. “As the state’s only FTZ with an active user base, FTZ #186 proved its economic impact in 2024 alone by processing $25 million in merchandise, driving $5 million in exports, and sustaining 150 local jobs. We are seeing a surge of momentum right now, stimulating Foreign Direct Investment across our textile, seafood, medical, and aerospace sectors. By helping companies reduce costs and improve cash flow, FTZs strengthen our entire state and regional economy. Our goal with this webinar is to take these strategic advantages and make them clear, practical, and accessible to every globally minded, growing company in Maine.”
Who Should Attend
This webinar is essential for any organization or business involved in or supporting international trade. It is particularly designed for importers, exporters, and manufacturers seeking to reduce customs fees, optimize weekly entry processes, and leverage inverted tariffs for imported components. Additionally, logistics leaders, port developers, and economic development professionals focused on attracting Foreign Direct Investment will find immense value in learning how FTZ benefits can enhance operational efficiency and regional competitiveness.
Expert Guidance & Webinar Agenda
Led by Wayne Coleman of C3 Associates, LLC, an industry expert with decades of experience, the webinar will break down the mechanics of Foreign Trade Zones and share real-world success stories. Coleman will identify which business profiles benefit most from FTZ activation and detail how to utilize the Alternative Site Framework (ASF) for existing warehouses and manufacturing floors. Attendees will also learn best practices for navigating U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) compliance and leave with a practical, step-by-step roadmap for activating within FTZ #186.
How to Attend
The webinar is free, but advance registration is required. Participants can join from anywhere with an internet connection. Register now to learn how FTZ #186 can save your company time and money: https://www.centralmaine.org/foreign-trade-zone/ftz-webinar/
About Central Maine Growth Council
Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC), located in Waterville, Maine, is a public-private collaborative regional economic development partnership funded by municipalities and businesses who share a common vision of economic prosperity for our region. CMGC is committed to fostering a robust regional economy.
About Foreign Trade Zone #186
Foreign Trade Zone #186 serves businesses across nine counties in Maine and is administered by the Central Maine Growth Council in partnership with the City of Waterville. As part of the federally managed U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone program, FTZ #186 provides Maine businesses with a more competitive operating environment in the global marketplace.
Last modified: April 1, 2026
