The Hawaii Pacific Export Council, (DEC) is a non-profit organization of local leaders and experienced international business professionals who provide assistance to local businesses expanding in international markets. We work closely with the U.S. Commercial Service, DBEDT, SBDC, Innovate Hawaii, and other organizations to train Hawaii and Pacific Island companies on issues of exporting. There are 56 councils in the U.S. with over 1,800 volunteers representing businesses, universities, and government. Members are appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce based on their knowledge and professional experience with trade. Activities of individual DEC’s are tailored to address community needs. DEC’s establish committees for specific international trade topics and priority objectives of local business and the Commerce Department. This includes establishing speakers’ bureaus and speakers kits, conducting export seminars and workshops, organizing export promotion programs, and sponsoring trade missions or hosting international buyers’ delegations.