Julie Monahan is the outreach and communication manager at the Washington State Department of Commerce, responsible for promoting the SBA’s export promotion program, STEP. Julie is a former business journalist with special expertise in small business development and marketing.

We recently had the opportunity to meet with Sam Kaplan, President of the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle. With the Office of Textiles and Apparel coming to our Fall 2012 show to discuss the National Export Initiative Mr. Kaplan was very excited to learn of our show, and our efforts to revitalize the trade in the Puget Sound region. So excited in fact that the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle is now a co-media sponsor of the Seattle International Textile Expo.

The Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle promotes and connects Greater Seattle to opportunities with international markets, educates our region on the importance of international commerce, and grows regional prosperity through building and leveraging international connections.

Mr. Kaplan will be joining Kim-Bang Nguyen of the Office of Textiles and Apparel with the U.S. Department of Commerce for our panel on How To Increase Your Bottom Line with Exports. Mr. Kaplan will be discussing what’s happening at the local level to support regional businesses grow their international market.

The Trade Alliance is a regional partnership of the City of Bellevue, City of Everett, City of Seattle, Pierce and Snohomish Counties, the Port of Everett, Port of Tacoma, Port of Seattle, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber and union leadership.

We are pleased to announce our newest co-media sponsor the Puget Sound Business Journal. The Puget Sound Business Journal is the region’s premier source of business information. But it is more than just a news source. It’s an invaluable resource, full of sales leads, information on competing companies, prospective hires and local trends.

If you would like to learn more about using the Business Journal to grow your business, we encourage you to attend one of our FREE Inside the Business Journal workshops. For dates, locations and to register, please visit pugetsoundbusinessjournal.com/events

You’ll find out why over 111,740 readers get their local Puget Sound business news from the Puget Sound Business Journal. Each issue features Seattle’s best business journalists, along with hundreds of the freshest leads available. Included is the digital 2012 Book of Lists and 2013 hardcopy of the Book of Lists. Puget Sound Business Journal Book of Lists provides you with listings of hundreds of the hottest area companies in their fields, by ranking. You’ll also receive the names of key decision makers, along with their titles and complete contact information.

Supporters of the Seattle International Textile Expo can subscribe to the Puget Sound Business Journal and save over 20% off the regular price.

Subscribe today here: https://secure.bizjournals.com/promotion/georget

Retail Minded Magazine is the only trade publication dedicated to the entire lifestyle of retail for independent retail owners. We deliver NEWS, EDUCATION & SUPPORT for boutique businesses, offering practical solutions, expert advice and realistic insight to the daily demands of retailers.

Each issue delivers news on inspiring boutiques, industry trends, tips to manage your business, affordable marketing ideas and much, much more! We don’t represent just one retail category, but instead represent the business of independent retail stores at large.

What does this mean?

• RM looks at the responsibilities of retailers both in and out of their stores.
• RM considers that indie retailers have a lot to do, so it’s our goal to provide real life, practical tips on accomplishing your goals.
• RM understands it takes an army to be successful – which is why we have a nationally recognized Advisory Board to share their wisdom.
• RM has your best interest in mind in all aspects of your life, so our support overlaps into your health, wellness and total lifestyle.
• RM wants you to lean on us for your store issues – it’s as if we are your own private coach, leading you step by step through your retail goals.
• RM supports you as an entrepreneur and is dedicated to helping you reach your dreams!

Retail Minded Magazine is unlike anything in the market and was inspired by the small, retail store owner. And like you, we’re “boutique” ourselves. We’re chasing our own dream in producing a quality publication that delivers no-nonsense support with a twist of fun for indie stores everywhere.

Use our promotion code TEXTILES, and get $20 off your annual subscription. Click HERE to subscribe today!

To effectively grow your apparel, or sewn goods product line you will eventually need to add some level of automation to your processes. This is even more true if you plan to sell in to major retailers like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, or Macy’s. Products like AIMS 360′s Apparel Software System will making communicating with common EDIs, automate production, manager your inventory and customer relationships all from an integrated solution.

Check out the video below to learn more, and stop by the AIMS 360 booth at our upcoming show!

We recently discovered Uber and it has changed the way we think about getting around the city. Using your iPhone/Android app, text message, or m.uber.com, you can request a swanky car and professional private driver to pick you up and take you anywhere you want to go.

The drivers arrive in just minutes, you can watch them approach on the map within the app, and payment is automatically charged to a credit card on file, with tip included. The best part? If you sign up using our invite link below, Uber will credit your account for $10 off your first ride:

http://www.uber.com/invite/ubersite

You can also download and sign up from the Uber iPhone or Android app, and just enter this invite code on the sign up screen: ubersite

We hope you enjoy your first ride!