SNUG HARBOR; SHIP COMES IN FOR PORT TRADE OFFICE.

Byline: Gregory J. Wilcox Staff Writer

Opportunity docked in the San Fernando Valley on Thursday for area companies seeking to ply the lucrative waters of international trade.

The Port of Los Angeles San Fernando Valley Trade Office, the first facility of its kind in the metropolitan area, opened with the promise of becoming a passport to international growth. It is being operated in conjunction with the Los Angeles Office of International Trade, a public-private partnership.

``This office we are opening today will help to increase the awareness of the opportunities of international trade and the resources available through a port-related network of foreign and domestic businesses,'' said Harbor Commission President Ted Stein Jr., an Encino resident.

The goal is building upon what is already a powerful local economic engine.

About 1,000 companies between Glendale and Ventura are involved in international trade, according to R. Vance Baugham, vice president of trade development at the World Trade Center Association, who will manage the Valley office.

Baugham said he will work directly with local companies and groups like the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley and the Valley Economic Development Center on expanding the region's international trade role.

He will be in the office on Tuesdays but will be available the rest of the week via phone and the Internet and plans numerous on-site visits to local companies.

That way, he will be able to determine what their needs are and then make sure they are met.

Baugham will also set up various workshops on international trade.

``Because of the combination of businesses in the region a high percentage of them have the potential for international trade,'' he said, ``and the Valley is a significant consumer of goods that come through the port.''

The Valley was selected for the first port satellite office because of its economic importance to the entire region.

Jack Kyser, chief economist for the Economic Development Corp. of Los Angeles County, said that the Valley is fertile ground for this type of effort.

``There are a lot of firms around the Valley that sell into the international market and having a facility like this may get people to think a little harder about getting involved in international trade,'' he said. ``It's definitely a market that any manufacturing firm should look at, especially if they have somewhat of a unique product.''

Deputy Mayor Rocky Delgadillo has often likened Los Angeles to a modern day Rome in that it's the world's major trade center. And the Valley plays a big role in that endeavor.

``There is no place in the city where the entrepreneurial spirit shines better than in the Valley,'' he said. ``I actually think that Valley businesses brought us back from the recession and now is the time to expand on our great resources here in the Valley.''

Officials on Tuesday credited Harbor Commissioner Carol L. Rowen with helping the Valley get a trade office.

``Just because the port is physically located some 40 miles from here doesn't mean we aren't a player in the Valley business community. We are definitely a regional resource and we want Valley businesses to know that we are here to help,'' she said.

The Port of Los Angeles is one of the world's busiest seaports. It covers 7,500 acres and spans 35 miles of waterfront. The value of two-way trade through the Los Angeles Customs District topped $181 billion in 1998, tops in the U.S.

DOCKSIDE IN VAN NUYS

Here are some of the services that will be offered at the new Port of Los Angeles San Fernando Valley Trade Office and key facts about the facility.

EXPORT/IMPORT TRAINING:

Companies will be able to learn the basics of international trade and get help developing market research and import/export plans.

TRADE FINANCING ASSISTANCE:

Programs will include loan counseling and packaging and access to state and federal government trade finance services.

TRADE OPPORTUNITIES NETWORK:

The office will make available an online compendium of market research and economic data as well as provide businesses with trade leads.

WHERE: Fourth floor of the Valley Municipal Building, 14410 Sylvan St., Van Nuys.

WHEN: Weekly on Tuesdays.

PHONE: [phone]

SOURCE: Port of Los Angeles San Fernando Valley Trade Office

CAPTION(S):

Photo, Box

Photo: (Color) R. Vance Baugham, vice president of trade development at the World Trade Center Association, will manage the Valley port office.

John Lazar/Staff Photographer

Box: DOCKSIDE IN VAN NUYS (See text)