Hartford Agents Have Access to Online Global Business Data Resource

Agents seeking to help their business customers succeed in the global marketplace now can access a wide range of relevant tools and information right from their computer.

Through its sponsorship of the International Trade Data Network (ITDN), The Hartford Financial Services Group now offers its agents and customers free access to the “Members Only” section of the ITDN’s Web site at www.itdn.net, which features timely, detailed information on a wealth of international business issues.

“Whether a business is already operating globally or just entering the international arena, Hartford agents and customers now can tap into the ITDN to research global business issues,” Lauren Berry, emerging markets national director at The Hartford, commented.

Updated several times a day, the ITDN tracks the latest news, market and trade information, export requirements and other resources critical to succeeding in the international marketplace. Businesses can use the ITDN site to research new markets worldwide, conduct foreign economic analysis or even check on travel advisories. Specific resources accessible via the site include:

*Worldwide roundup of the latest news about 39 targeted industries.
*Global business reports on 12 technology-oriented topics, including
computer security and wireless communications.
*Detailed background about more than 40 individual countries and the
European Union, covering such topics as economic outlook, political
situation and import/export requirements.
*Comprehensive listing of overseas trade contacts.
*Library of official speeches on global business topics given by
President Bush and representatives of the U.S. State Department.
*Information about U.S. federal and state government grants to support
overseas business growth.

“We’re offering access to ITDN resources as a value-added service for our agents and customers, particularly those who are looking to expand their operations overseas,” Berry said. The Hartford recently expanded its international coverage offerings through its alliance with ACE International.

To access the “Members Only” section of the ITDN site, The Hartford’s agents and customers should contact their Hartford representative to receive a password and user name. They may also contract with the ITDN for fee-based services such as custom research or Web site development.

Established in 1987 by the U.S. Small Business Administration to help companies enter or expand into global markets, the ITDN is a non-profit service built and maintained within the John H. Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant College in Smithfield, RI.

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