Risky Business

The new year was ushered in with an abundance of risk and uncertainty in global markets. How does your insurance coverage protect you? Keep in mind that some credit insurance policies will not automatically include political risk coverage, for example. Review your policy, then check out Marsh's Country Risk Map 2016 for an interactive tool which outlines the major risks in the regions where you do business.

Drawing on data and insight from BMI Research, Marsh's Political Risk Map 2016 provides country risk scores for more than 200 countries and territories. The overall risk scores are based on three categories of risk - political, economic, and operational - and reflect both short- and long-term threats to stability.

Contact us today if you would like to review your policy and specific coverages.

Global Insolvencies on the Rise?

Euler Hermes' Payment Behavior Index (PBI) is developed using proprietary past due information from policyholders about unpaid accounts receivables. This index points to a significant decline in payment behavior, one of the first indications that companies might be in distress due to worsening economic conditions. Based on this analysis, Euler expects to see a 3% increase in insolvencies in 2016, the first increase after six years of declines. Click here to read the full report.

SBA Size Standards Updated

In order to qualify for support from certain U.S. government programs aimed at assisting small businesses (such as some loans, grants, and credit insurance policies), companies must meet the Small Business Administration (SBA) definition of "small."

For most industries, the SBA defines a "small business" either in terms of the average number of employees over the past 12 months, or average annual receipts over the past three years.

The definition of a small business will vary to reflect industry differences, such as size standards. As of Feb 26, 2016, these size standards have been updated. To see the specific changes to Manufacturing, Wholesale and Retail Trade, and all others, click here.

To see a summary of the SBA's size standards by Industry, click here.

HANNOVER MESSE

The U.S. Department of Commerce invites you to Hannover Messe, the World's Leading Trade Fair for Industrial Technology - April 25-29, 2016 in Hannover, Germany.

For the first time in Hannover history, the U.S. will be the Partner Country, providing unparalleled exposure of U.S. firms to the more than 100 business delegations that will be visiting Hannover ready to buy and make investment deals. The United States and U.S. companies will highlight our leadership in advanced manufacturing, energy efficiency and production, cutting-edge production engineering, smart tech, education, and more. Featured sectors will be: Energy/MobiliTec, Industrial Automation, Digital Factory, Industrial Supply, and Research & Technology. For more information, click here.

Trouble Shipping Overseas?

Are you looking for information about freight delays or port disruptions? Consider turning to our trusted partner and fellow IL DEC member, LR International (LRI), for help. LRI puts out reliable communications to inform their clients about important issues from work stoppages to winter storms. Visit their website at: www.lrinternational.com

for more information and consider joining their mailing list.

As always, we value our relationship with you. If we can be of assistance in any way, please let us know.

Kind Regards,

The TAG Team
Curt, Leslie, Ursula, Jackie, Sara, and Mason

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