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The Impact of Culture on Business in International Markets: India 

This webinar was recorded on October 15, 2025.
For upcoming events and webinars, please visit our calendar.

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Practical Insights for Success in India.

In today’s interconnected world, cultural awareness is no longer optional—it’s a critical factor in international business success.

Join Marvin Hough, as he returns to share his extensive firsthand experience in major market—India, where he will dive into India’s dynamic cultural landscape and its influence on business practices.

Through practical examples and real-world insights, we’ll explore how culture shapes key business elements, including relationship-building, marketing, negotiation, contracts, human resources, and business ethics. Additionally, we’ll examine how the rise of digital trade and e-commerce platforms is intersecting with cultural considerations, creating new opportunities and challenges.

Key Takeaways 

  • Understand how culture impacts business in today’s evolving global landscape
  • Go beyond national stereotypes to grasp deeper cultural nuances
  • Discover the wide-reaching effects of culture on negotiation, marketing, HR, and ethics
  • Explore the intersection of culture and digital trade in an era of e-commerce
  • Insight into how some aspects of business culture in India are changing
  • Learn practical strategies to sensitize and prepare yourself for global business success

 

Whether you’re expanding into international markets or strengthening existing global partnerships, this discussion will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate business culture with confidence and sensitivity.

Presented by

Marvin Hough

President of Marvin Hough International Research and Analysis Ltd. (MIRA)

Marvin Hough draws on 30 years of experience with Export Development Canada (EDC), Canada’s official export credit agency. He served in various locations with EDC including Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Beijing, New Delhi and Mexico City. His senior roles included Regional Vice-President, Asia and Regional Vice President, Latin America.

Mr. Hough has previously taught courses on international business at Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, in the MBA and Undergrad programs.

Mr. Hough has published two books related to the international business domain – “A Career in International Trade” and “The International Business Culture Pathfinder” which have been endorsed by the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT).

Via MIRA, Marvin provides international research and analysis services to Canadian companies, educational institutions and government departments focused on key strategic markets including India, China, and Mexico.

Incoterms® 2020: Unlocking Global Trade with Confidence

This webinar was recorded on November 4, 2025.
For upcoming events and webinars, please visit our calendar.

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The International Chamber of Commerce’s Incoterms® rules are more than just legal jargon—they’re the beating heart of global commerce.

These internationally recognized terms serve as the foundation for cross-border sales of goods, ensuring sellers and buyers operate with transparency and trust. By clearly defining obligations, costs, and risks involved in the transportation and delivery of goods, Incoterms® streamline trade and eliminate costly misunderstandings.

In this recorded introductory webinar, Lora Rigutto, CITP of FITT (Forum for International Trade Training), provides a clear and practical overview of the Incoterms® 2020 rules, which came into force on January 1, 2020. The session offers strategic insight to help businesses confidently apply Incoterms® in real-world trade scenarios.

In this session, participants will learn how to:

  • Embed Incoterms® 2020 into pro forma invoices and sales contracts to align with international best practices
  • Design corporate sales strategies that minimize risk and reduce costs across borders
  • Select the right Incoterms® rule for each transaction—whether shipping by air, sea, or land
  • Clarify obligations, manage risks, and allocate costs efficiently between trading parties
  • Avoid costly pitfalls by recognizing common errors in the use of Incoterms®
  • Leverage Incoterms® as a competitive advantage, unlocking smoother operations and better client confidence

 

With real-world examples, practical insights, and expert guidance, this presentation is ideal for exporters, importers, logistics professionals, and contract negotiators seeking to sharpen their global trade game.

Presented by

Lora Rigutto, CITP®

Partnerships and Community Lead, Forum for International Trade Training (FITT)

Lora Rigutto, CITP®, is the Partnerships and Community Lead at FITT with over 25 years of experience in international trade. Formerly a Trade Advisor with ProChile – Trade Commission of Chile in Toronto, she has helped businesses navigate global markets and export challenges. As a CITP and ICC-certified Incoterms® 2020 Trainer for Canada, Lora brings deep expertise in trade practices and is passionate about sharing FITT’s renowned training programs with students and businesses.

Unlock Your Workplace Rights: Manitoba Employment Standards Essentials

This webinar was recorded on December 09, 2025.
For upcoming events and webinars, please visit our calendar.

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Curious about the legal landscape of work in Manitoba?

Whether you’re an employer or an employee, understanding your rights and responsibilities is essential. This recorded webinar provides a clear, plain-language overview of Manitoba’s Employment Standards legislation to help you better navigate workplace requirements.

In this recording, you’ll explore:

  • Who is covered under the Employment Standards Code
  • Current minimum wage requirements and how overtime is calculated
  • Key information about general holidays and vacation entitlements
  • What to know when an employment relationship ends

 

What you’ll gain:

  • A practical understanding of legal rights and responsibilities in Manitoba workplaces
  • Guidance on where to find reliable information and additional support resources

This webinar recording serves as a helpful reference for employers, employees, and HR professionals seeking clarity on employment standards in Manitoba.


This session is led by a knowledgeable Employment Standards Officer from the Manitoba Employment Standards Office—bringing you real answers to real questions

Unlock Global Markets with FITTskills for Manitobans

This webinar was recorded on June 25, 2025.
For upcoming events and webinars, please visit our calendar.

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International Trade has always been important, but with the ever-changing discussion on tariffs, now more than ever is the time to enhance your trade skills to stay competitive, optimize success in existing markets, or expand into a new one.

In partnership with the Forum of International Trade Training (FITT), we’re offering FITTskills for Manitobans Powered by World Trade Centre Winnipeg. These six courses provide a valuable opportunity to gain critical knowledge in international trade, on your way closer to earning Canada’s most prestigious trade certification: the CITP®—a credential recognized worldwide for trade professionals.

Curious about how FITTskills and the CITP® certification can advance your career or business? Join Silvia Baptista, Vice President at FITT, as she discusses:

  • Why international trade is essential for businesses in Canada and Manitoba
  • How upskilling can set you apart in competitive markets
  • Everything you need to know about FITTskills and FITT Credentials
  • How to get started on your path to CITP certification

Presented by

Silvia Baptista

Vice President | Forum for International Trade Training (FITT)

Silvia Baptista is the Vice President of the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT), the global leader for international trade training and certification. She has dedicated over 20 years to advancing international business education and empowering professionals and organizations to be successful in global markets. As FITT’s Vice President, Silvia leads FITT’s day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives across certification, training, and accreditation.

She holds the Certificate as a Credentialing Specialist from the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (I.C.E.), providing third-party validation of her skills in developing and maintaining rigorous, defensible certification programs – most notably FITT’s CITP® designation.

How Tariffs Are Shaping Business Operations in 2025 — And What You Can Do About It

This webinar was recorded on June 17, 2025.
For upcoming events and webinars, please visit our calendar.

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Tariff tensions are rising — and your operations could be at risk. Understanding how tariffs may impact your business, and what proactive steps you can take, is critical to minimizing disruption and seizing new opportunities.
 
In this recorded webinar, Victor Leitao, SCMP|CITP, and Tim Brewer, CCLP, from CentreCan Supply Chain Solutions explore:
 
  • The North America tariff landscape – How tariffs are affecting integrated North American economies.
  • Risk to opportunity – How to mitigate, reduce, or avoid the risk.
  • Leveraging supply chains to benefit in moments of uncertainty.
  • Case studies showcasing resilience and adaptability in real the world.

Presented by

Victor Leitao

Co-Owner & Founder | CentreCan Supply Chain Solutions Inc.

Victor is a seasoned Supply Chain professional with over 15 years of expertise in supply chain management and international trade, having held strategic positions throughout his career. His extensive experience spans global operations, delivering significant cost reductions and operational enhancements.

Notable achievements include outsourcing an entire Distribution Centre and spearheading international strategic sourcing projects in Europe, the USA, and China. Additionally, he has successfully implemented technology to enhance logistics and transportation efficiencies.

Victor holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, a Diploma in Business Administration, and two professional designations: SCMP (Supply Chain Management Professional) and CITP (Certified International Trade Professional). He is a committed professional with a critical-thinking mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for improvement.

Victor is eager to share his knowledge and coach individuals in the field, fostering growth and innovation.


Tim Brewer

Co-Owner & Founder | CentreCan Supply Chain Solutions Inc.

Tim Brewer is a highly experienced logistics and supply chain professional with over two decades of expertise in transportation, warehousing, and operations management. As the Co-Owner and Founder of CentreCan Supply Chain Solutions Inc., he specializes in optimizing supply chains, implementing industry-leading logistics strategies, and mentoring the next generation of supply chain leaders.

With a track record of leading large-scale projects, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and driving operational efficiency, Tim has built a reputation for delivering strategic solutions that enhance business performance. His extensive experience spans trucking, rail, air, warehousing, distribution, and specialized freight, making him a trusted advisor for companies seeking to streamline their operations and improve supply chain visibility. In 2014, Tim was hired by The History Channels “Ice Road Truckers” as a Transportation Consultant during the 8th season.
Tim has held several senior leadership roles, including Director of Operations, Western Canada, Senior Director of Logistics & Warehouse, and Senior Director of Operations.

Tim has successfully led a variety of high-impact projects, notably during the Covid-19 pandemic where he designed and executed the logistical framework throughout Western Canada for time-sensitive sample collection and shipping to testing facilities in Winnipeg and Brampton. Tim worked closely with provincial governments, Transport Canada and all major airlines during the pandemic to ensure that Covid samples and Variants of Concern were shipped according to IATA standards. During this time over three million critical sample shipments with precision and compliance.

Co-Owner & Founder | CentreCan Supply Chain Solutions Inc.

How Advertising does NOT Generate Revenue, and Why You Still Need it to Grow

This webinar was recorded on June 19, 2025.
For upcoming events and webinars, please visit our calendar.

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To continue to scale, every business needs to find higher volumes of business opportunities. But how do you generate leads? There are many myths about how to generate demand for your business. Based on consumer research, advertising is actually a weak influence on convincing someone to buy something.  

In this session, presented by Drew Friesen, you’ll learn how B2B and B2C buyers decide what to buy, how to improve the likelihood they choose your business, and how while advertising is weak at convincing buyers, you still absolutely need it to grow. 

Key Takeaways: 

  • Dispelling the myths of what advertising is good at, and what it can’t do 
  • Learn the best way to increase leads for your business based on consumer behaviour science 
  • Learn how to find the root problems behind your lead generation hurdles 

Presented by

Drew Friesen

Drew Friesen Marketing Inc

Drew Friesen is a fractional CMO focused on providing marketing leadership for businesses in the ag and manufacturing space. With a focus on data and customer insights, Drew works to build a marketing strategy aligned with your business goals, and then works along side you to execute it with your team, leveling up your team along the way.

Over the last 3 years, Drew has worked with businesses to create $23million in marketing-generated revenue, and recouped and reallocated $150k+ of wasted ad spend.

drewfriesenmarketing.com

The Impact of Culture on Business in International Markets: Mexico 

This webinar was recorded on June 12, 2025.
For upcoming events and webinars, please visit our calendar.

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Practical Insights for Success in Mexico.

In today’s interconnected world, cultural awareness is no longer optional—it’s a critical factor in international business success.  

Join Marvin Hough, as he draws on firsthand experience in major global markets, with a special focus on Mexico, where he served in trade facilitation roles. 

Through practical examples and real-world insights, we’ll explore how culture shapes key business elements, including relationship-building, marketing, negotiation, contracts, human resources, and business ethics. Additionally, we’ll examine how the rise of digital trade and e-commerce platforms is intersecting with cultural considerations, creating new opportunities and challenges. 

Key Takeaways 

  • Understand how culture impacts business in today’s evolving global landscape 
  • Go beyond national stereotypes to grasp deeper cultural nuances 
  • Discover the wide-reaching effects of culture on negotiation, marketing, HR, and ethics 
  • Explore the intersection of culture and digital trade in an era of e-commerce 
  • Learn practical strategies to sensitize and prepare yourself for global business success 


Whether you’re expanding into international markets or strengthening existing global partnerships, this discussion will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate business culture with confidence and sensitivity.

Presented by

Marvin Hough

President of International Research and Analysis Ltd (MIRA)

Marvin Hough draws on 30 years of experience with Export Development Canada (EDC), Canada’s official export credit agency. He served in various locations with EDC including Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Beijing, New Delhi and Mexico City. His senior roles included Regional Vice-President, Asia and Regional Vice President, Latin America.

Mr. Hough has previously taught courses on international business at Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, in the MBA and Undergrad programs.

Mr. Hough has published two books related to the international business domain – “A Career in International Trade” and “The International Business Culture Pathfinder” which have been endorsed by the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT).

Via MIRA, Marvin provides international research and analysis services to Canadian companies, educational institutions and government departments focused on key strategic markets including India, China, and Mexico.

RST 101: An Overview of Retail Sales Tax

This webinar was recorded on May 27, 2025.
For upcoming events and webinars, please visit our calendar.

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Strengthen your understanding of Manitoba’s Retail Sales Tax and manage your business obligations with confidence. 

The Retail Sales Tax (RST), commonly referred to as Provincial Sales Tax (PST), is a 7% tax applied to the retail sale or rental of most goods and certain services in Manitoba. Staying compliant with RST regulations is crucial for businesses operating within the province. 

This session provides a comprehensive overview of Retail Sales Tax, tailored for businesses selling goods, offering services, or both. Learn the registration requirements, understand how RST applies to your operations, and gain insights to avoid common compliance pitfalls. Practical examples and actionable guidance will help you confidently navigate your RST obligations. 

From this recorded webinar, you will learn: 

  • How retail sales tax applies to goods and services. 
  • Common errors in RST compliance and strategies to avoid them. 
  • Registration requirements and key processes. 
  • Filing and remittance procedures to ensure compliance. 

Presented by

Elisha Angela

Tax Compliance Officer, Department of Finance, Government of Manitoba (Manitoba Taxation Division)

Elisha has been a Tax Compliance Officer for close to 3 years.

Tax Compliance Officer, Department of Finance, Government of Manitoba (Manitoba Taxation Division)

Developing Your AI Copilot Strategy

Stay ahead of the curve by exploring the latest trends in AI adoption, including how many employees are using unsanctioned AI tools in the workplace.

This webinar will guide you through the essential steps to develop a practical AI strategy for your organization. You’ll learn how to prepare your team, ensure data security, and build user-readiness for a successful Microsoft 365 Copilot rollout.

Presented by Ryan Bialek and Kyle Braun of Clear Concepts, this session is ideal for managers and leaders looking to navigate the future of AI in the workplace.

To learn the basics of Microsoft 365 Copilot, please be sure to join us on October 17 for our ‘Introduction to Microsoft 365 Copilot‘ webinar.

Speakers

Ryan Bialek

Clear Concepts

For most of his life, Ryan has been enthusiastic about technology — but he never thought he would build a career from his love of computers. Today, Ryan is a recognized advocate for the Microsoft Cloud, using his passion to help organizations digitally transform. Ryan has spent the last four years at Clear Concepts leading a Modern Workplace practice that has assisted hundreds of organizations realize the full potential of Microsoft 365.


Kyle Braun

Clear Concepts

With an extensive background in data dashboarding, marketing research, data science and AI, Kyle has been helping organizations across multiple industries discover the power of data for over 10 years. Kyle is a strong advocate of data-based decision making and works with clients to uncover actionable insights that elevate organizational effectiveness and adoption of AI tools.

Comprehensive Insurance Solutions for your Business: Life, Critical Illness & Disability 

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Join us for an informative session on corporate life insurance and living benefits solutions tailored specifically for Canadian businesses.

This session will cover the strategic tax advantages of corporate-owned life insurance, why critical illness insurance is a no brainer for entrepreneurs, and what to look for and avoid in a disability insurance contract. 

 You are most likely aware that life insurance can be used by individuals to cover debts, funeral expenses and provide a financial support for family members after one’s death. Did you know that life insurance and critical illness insurance can also be purchased and used by your corporation for a variety of business continuity and tax planning reasons?  

Daniel Billinkoff of Pereux Insurance Planning Inc, will cover: 

  1. Corporate Life Insurance:

    • Overview of corporate life insurance and its importance for businesses.

    • Financial and tax benefits of owning policies in a corporation.

    • Business continuity planning and estate equalization strategies.

  2. Critical Illness Insurance:

    • What is critical illness insurance and what it covers.

    • How critical illness insurance can support business continuity and personal financial stability during recovery.

  3. Disability Insurance:

    • Understanding disability insurance and its role in protecting income.

    • Key considerations when choosing a disability insurance plan.

If you’re a business owner or an executive, don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into how corporate life insurance, critical illness insurance and disability insurance can be powerful tools for your business and family. 

Date: Tuesday, April 8th, 2025

Time: 12 – 1:30pm
Location: Virtual
Cost: Discounted to $0.00 thanks to our funders 

Presented by

Daniel Billinkoff

Daniel is an independent life insurance advisor who works with businesses of all shapes and sizes. Whether your aim is to safeguard against financial obligations, prepare for future tax responsibilities, fund a buy/sell agreement, or ensure a smooth transition of your company to the next generation, Daniel can be instrumental in reaching these business objectives.

You’ve put your heart and soul into building your business – Daniel will put the same level of expertise and effort into helping you protect it.