CHAMBER PLANS PROGRAM IN THE NETHERLANDS

A group of Cape Girardeau area businessmen will have an opportunity to learn more about European Community business and marketing under a "Business Potential in Western Europe" program being developed by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce.

"We're looking at the possibility of an international business program to be held at Maastricht, The Netherlands," said John Mehner, chamber president. "The EC has become the largest market in the world and has profound economic implications."

The local chamber is working with the International Network for Education & Training Inc., an international consulting firm serving universities and other educational institutions and chambers of commerce in the United States, Europe, Latin America and Asia.

INET and the European Orientation Center of Maastricht will make all the arrangements for the 10-day program tentatively scheduled for April 12-21, 1996.

"The program promises to be productive in terms of making business contracts, exchanging ideas and gaining a better understanding of other cultures and business practices," said Mehner. "It can valuable for our cities and companies, in addition to our own professional developments."

Maastricht is a short drive from both Belgium and Germany.

"The U.S. delegation will visit chambers and businesses in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany," said Mehner.

Arrangements will be made to interact with European executives and business people, both professionally and socially. There also will be time for sightseeing, shopping and cultural activities.

As tentatively planned, the group will leave St. Louis April 12, and return April 21.

Depending on final arrangements, the charge for the program will be $1,843 each for 15 participants, to include ground transportation, hotel, some meals, lectures and other activities. Group airfares will be arranged later.

Each participant will pay for their own trip. Spouses are welcome. "Special activities may be planned for them," Mehner added.

The European Community is a trading bloc finalized in 1992 and comprising 12 nations -- Britain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Denmark, Spain, Portugal and Greece. It allows for free movement of goods, people and capital between the member nations.

There are no customs duties between the countries.

Prior to creation of the trading bloc, trucks carrying goods had to go through customs every time they crossed the border into another European country. With creation of the European Community, goods can flow freely between the member nations.