U.S. & State Agencies
1. Business Tools.
AMEX. American Stock Exchange.
CEO Express. Excellent desktop homepage with links to news, business, travel reference tools, much more. Designed by a busy executive.
Hoovers. This Web site offers addresses, phone numbers, and brief capsules on hundreds of companies doing business in America.
Marketing Directo is the first portal servicing Marketing, Publication and Media in Spanish.
National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotes (NASDAQ).
New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) strives to be an educator and a resource for the investment community. To achieve that goal, we have created a special section for novice investors, a designated area for the press, easy access to market data, and links to NYSE listed company Web sites.
Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) provides access to the documents in its files of publicly traded companies.
Small Business Administration (SBA). The U.S. Small Business Administration site offers excellent information on starting a business, a "Small Business Startup Kit", and a tutorial on preparing a business plan.
Trade & Development Agency (TDA) helps U.S. companies pursue overseas business opportunities through the funding of feasibility studies, orientation visits, specialized training grants, business workshops, and various forms of technical assistance.
University of Michigan Government Documents. The Documents Center is a central reference and referral point for government information, whether local, state, federal, foreign or international. Its Web pages are a reference and instructional tool for government, political science, statistical data, and news.
U.S. Business. A one-stop electronic link to all the information and services government provides for the business community.
WorldBiz provides general information pertaining to executives' view of power and authority of each respective country.
2. Culture & Business Protocol.
Craighead.com provides information on "How-to-do Business" for most countries; broad background on business climate, weather, politics, social and business customs, visas, useful tips of all sorts.
Culture Grams. Country profiles with information on economy, culture, and customs. Travel description. Not free.
Dun & Bradstreet provides comprehensive country-by-country information for over 200 global markets.
Executive Planet. Up-to-date and relevant information on international business culture, customs and protocol, gift-giving, negotiating tactics, business entertainment, cross-cultural communication and more.
Get Customs has tips and articles that can help avoid cultural mistakes. Very detailed and helpful. List of holidays worldwide.
Opacity Index is published by the accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers. It measures how clear, honest, and consistent business and regulatory practices are in a variety of countries around the world. The index considers such factors as the degree of corruption, the legal system and its enforcement, economic policies, accounting guidelines and regulatory framework.
3. Economics & Trade.
Daily Exchange Rates displays exchange rates for over 65 countries.
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has relevant and historical information on economic issues around the world.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) provides country specific, economic information. Standards and codes for commerce and banking transportation of publications.
International Trade Administration (ITA). Similar country guides to those of the CIA. Also, provides U.S. and State export/ import data for individual countries.
IDRC Mercosur is an economic research network for research, reports, statistics, forecasts and news on Mercosur countries: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
National Technical Information Service (NTIS) is a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Technology Administration. It supports the nation's economic growth and job creation by providing access to information that stimulates innovation and discovery.
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has information on its regulations and procedures.
OFFSTATS lists Web sites offering free and easily accessible social, economic and general data from official or similar "quotable" sources, such as statistical offices, central banks, and government agencies. Thorough.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has national information and news, statistics, information on the economic sectors, and regional/ national economic and political articles.
USA Trade. The U.S. Department of Commerce provides commercial country guides on economic marketing U.S. products and services, political environment, investment, etc.
Virtual International Business & Economic Sources (VIBES) provides over 1,600 links to Internet sources of international business and economic information that are in English and available free of charge. Maintained by the University of North Carolina-Charlotte Library. Truly comprehensive.
World Bank has information on regions and countries and sector information, on national economics and on economic development. Newsletters, data and maps.
World Trade Center Association (WTCA) reviews trade opportunities and access to international trade databases.
4. Government Economic Development Offices.
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York State's economic development agency. Their organization, with co-headquarters in Albany and New York City, is supported by a network of 18 additional ESD offices throughout the state and around the world.
5. International Political Situation.
Janes analyzes the current political, governmental and defense news and events.
Stratfor microanalysis of current events.
Transparency International has news and statistics on national corruption and investment climates. Extensive links to IGO's, NGO's, private sector, government, and other organizations.
The World Trade Centers (WTC) is an organization of over 300 World Trade Centers in almost 100 countries, connected to expand global business.
6. International Organizations & Non-U.S. Governments
Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat (APEC) is the trade promotion council formed by 18 countries of the Pacific Rim to promote free trade within the region. Information on country contacts and profiles of member economies, tariff database with member tariff schedules, concessions and prohibitions, government procurement information on each member country.
Association Francaise de Normalisation. (AFNOR) is the French authority that coordinates the establishment of standards.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASAN) provides general information on Asian and non-Asian countries including, travel guides, customs regulations, etc.
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (formerly Revenue Canada) provides general and personal tax and customs information.
Danish Postal Service.
Danmarks Stateslik.
Deutscher Paketdienst (DPD). The first privately-held parcel service in Germany. One of the leading transportation service providers in Europe.
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has relevant and historical information on economic issues around the world.
Embassies on the Internet. Now, most of the embassies have homes on the Internet to complement their addresses on Embassy Row.
European Union (EU) is the portal site of the European Union providing up-to-date coverage of European Union affairs and essential information on European integration.
The French Census is much broader than just a headcount and economic data. It also has professional articles, generally in French, that analyze trends. Some of the site is in English.
Hieros Gamos is a legal Web site that contains country-specific guides compiled by local firms on trade-related issues, as well as up-to-date information on the country.
Internal Revenue Services (IRS) U.S. Federal Tax Office.
International Labor Organization has annual statistics on employment, unemployment, hours of work, wages, labor cost, consumer price indices, occupational injuries, strikes and lockouts, as well as other monthly statistics for up to 200 countries. Copies of legislation regarding employment, social security and related human rights issues.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) provides country specific, economic information. Standards and codes for commerce and banking transportation of publications.
Mouvement d'Entrepreneurs de la France (MEDEF) provides a list of professional associations.
OCA provides information on Web sites and contact information for companies. In Spanish only.
Onafhankelijke Post en Telecommunicatie Autoriteit(OPTA) is the regulator of postal and phone services in the Netherlands.
Organization of American States (OAS) has information on American states. Political and economic information as well as treaties and conventions.
Statistics Netherlands is a government institution. From macro-economic indicators such as economic growth and consumer prices, to the quality of life of individual people. Survey results provide a wealth of information about Dutch society.
Udenrigsministeriet. The Royal Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the governmental site pertaining to the culture, economic and political behavior of the Danish Government.
World Bank provides key demographic, economic and social information about every country recognized by the World Bank. This data includes historical data and trends for population, gross domestic product and balance of payments for each country.
World Trade Organization (WTO) was created in 1995 as the primary international body dealing with the rules of trade between nations. WTO agreements are the legal ground-rules for international commerce and for trade policy.
7. Internet & E-Commerce Data.
E-Marketer contains proprietary and borrowed survey and research results on the nature of Internet market and consumers, all aspects. Useful.
Emerging Markets Directory provides background information on emerging markets, which are defined as countries that are making an effort to change and improve their economies.
Forrester an independent research firm that analyzes the future of technology change and its impact on businesses, consumers, and society.
Global Reach contains numerous articles, discussion boards and links relating to preparing an e-commerce Web site to service international customers.
The Internet Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is a nonprofit, volunteer-based professional organization, which helps the business, government and academic community maximize the opportunities of Internet technology through education, information resources and networking.
International Trade Data Systems (ITDS) has a goal to implement an integrate government-wide system for the electronic collection, use, and dissemination of international trade data. This Web site also provides a map of resources covering topics such as the mechanics of exporting, payment methods, customs and tariffs, and export documentation.
Nua is similar to Forrester. Its core area of expertise is managing and publishing information online.
University of Pau in France links to journals on all aspects of direct marketing and e-commerce research. Site is in French.
8. Legal, Tax & Finance
United States
Data Protection General & Specific has separate database of links to privacy sites and search vehicles on The DMA Web site.
Findlaw has resources that provide legal information, business tools, business news, online reference materials and databases and links to federal and state laws online. Some useful non-U.S. sources.
Foreign Agriculture Services (FAS) provides country-specific statistics and outlooks for exports of U.S. agricultural products, including the best prospects for food and fiber exports to the United States' top 20 agricultural trading partners.
Law.Com. A well-known site used by legal professionals.
'Lectric Law Library provides a vast array of information on legal topics.
Lexis One brings together legal research, practice management tools and expert advice.
Georgetown University Law Center (GULC) provides links to a variety of legal sources relating to a state.
WestLaw is West Group's premier online research tool for the legal community. It provides the capability to retrieve cases, statutes, and other documents from West's vast library of legal and business materials in a matter of seconds. Fee-based.
Non - U.S.
Information Commissioner is the Web site for the U.K. Data Protection Commission. It provides a range of information including good data handling practices and codes of practice for data controllers. Searchable database of registrations of data controllers and processors.
Department of Trade and Industry - U.K. offers a range of information for consumers, small businesses ,employees, and others.
European Union (EU) is the portal site of the European Union providing up-to-date coverage of European Union affairs and essential information on European integration.
Office of Fair Trading-U.K. provides guidance on advertising, monopoly and merger regulation, information on the rights of UK consumers, copies of reports, and information leaflets.
Office of Telecommunications-U.K. is the regulator for the UK telecommunications industry. The Web site offers information on advisory committees for the Office of Telecommunications, market information, current events, and more.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has national information and news, statistics, information on the economic sectors, and regional/ national economic and political articles.
Taxman International. A gateway to Tax and Customs Administrations on the Internet.
9. Market Research Sources - U.S.
United States
Credit Card Research Group informs, lobbies and promotes the credit and debit card industry to the media. Monthly statistics on credit and debit card expenditures broken down by type of outlet. Primarily U.K. data.
Gallup. A management consulting firm that features industry and political news as well as Gallup Polls.
International Trade Administration provides resources and advice for U.S. companies that export goods providing assistance in dealing with foreign governments and complex regulations.
Marketresearch.com offers services and products to help business managers and information professionals keep abreast of new research and products.
Port Import Export Reporting Service (PIERS) offers statistics about international shipments of goods. Customized reports are available for a fee.
Secondary Data offers organized, indexed and annotated links to sources of free economic and marketing research data available on the Web.
Non - U.S.
EuroPages is a directory of European businesses which can be searched by product or service and company name. For example, it lists over 2,800 direct marketing agencies.
Organization for Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD) is a superb resource for comparative data on 30 member countries of OECD: economics, demographics, investment, trade in goods/ services, health standards, etc.
United Nations' statistics division publishes numerous surveys. Some data is accessed through subscription only. Global coverage is broader than OECD. Links to statistical offices in nearly all UN member countries.
10. Postal, Mail & Telecom.
The Association for Postal Commerce is a national association of businesses and organizations that use or support the use of mail as a medium for business communication and commerce.
Canada Post provides information on the Canadian Postal system.
Correo Argentina is the Argentinean Post. It contains information on all services, contact information and general tariffs. In Spanish only.
European Express Organization (EEO) provides general and specific information on the express industry to the institutions of the European Union, national governments, NGO's, educational institutions, businesses, the media and the general consumer.
Danish Postal Service.
Global Mail is the English version of Deutsche Post site. Describes products and services. Also excellent links to postal sites resources, address hygiene products, postal rates, post codes, phone books, statistics, language translation, tips and guides to improve international direct mail techniques and response rates.
International Mailers' Action Group (IMAG) is an organization of large U.S. cross border direct mailers, sponsored by the USPS, The DMA and member companies. IMAG's mission is to provide direct mail marketers in the United States with research, education and action steps to improve the infrastructure for cross-border marketing.
International Post Corporation (IPC) provides international postal services and information.
International Telecommunications Union (ITU) an international organization within which governments and the private sector coordinate global telecom networks and services.
Japan Guide. A useful site for those interested in knowing about the postal system in Japan. Furthermore, it offers information on how to obtain phone and addresses in Japan.
La Poste is the French post.
Postage Rates Worldwide. The current postage rates (standard rates Domestic, Europe and USA) worldwide are listed on this Web site.
Postal News.com. Changes and events are occurring in the various postal systems and how they are effecting businesses around the world.
PostCom. The association for postal commerce. Many direct links to access highly technical USPS information need by postal professionals. Very good front page of news on postal related matters in the U.S. and abroad.
Post Info links to address management companies, postal resources, postal authorities, postal code search tools in many countries. Very useful tools for the international mailer.
Post Insight is a reference resource devoted to news and research about the postal industry. Sponsored by Pitney Bowes. It has speeches and presentations from major postal conferences. Useful postal link.
Royal Mail is the British Post.
United States Postal Service (USPS) is the U.S. Post.
Universal Postal Union (UPU) is the second oldest international organization. With 189 member countries, the UPU is the primary forum for cooperation between postal services and helps to ensure a universal network of up-to-date products and services. Useful data and links to postal sites.
World Pages is a great site to find businesses, persons, directions and products in numerous countries.
11. Publications, Media & Libraries
ABYZ News a portal site to every newspaper and online news source worldwide. Phenomenally thorough.
Catalog Age. A magazine covering all aspects of catalog marketing, including lists, distribution, copy writing, trends and new resources.
Catalog Success Magazine. A magazine for catalog professionals, products, and rate information in Canada.
DM News. The online newspaper of record for direct marketers.
EuropeMedia.net is a free daily newsletter, published by Van Dusseldorp & Partners Research, that covers the main developments in the TMT and online markets around Europe.
Infoplease has useful and interesting facts on a wide range of topics.
The Journal of Commerce. A journal covering all aspects of commerce, including news, statistics, resources, trends and contacts.
My DMA Newsletter. My DMA newsletter is FREE. It is an e-mail newsletter that will provide you with information about DMA events, news, research and other direct marketing information. Both DMA members and non-members may subscribe.
North American Publishing Company (NAPCO) provides online connection to news, resources, and the direct marketing industry.
Target Marketing Magazine. A magazine covering all aspects of how to reach your market.
United Nations Publications. United Nations' Web site with a list of catalogues, periodicals, textbooks that are available and can be purchased online.
12. Purchasing Behavior-Products, Payment Means & Return Rates.
Credit Card Research Group informs, lobbies and promotes the credit and debit card industry to the media. Monthly statistics on credit and debit card expenditures broken down by type of outlet.
13. Trade & Investment Promotion Agencies.
Federation of International Trade Associations (FITA) has an International Trade/ Import-Export Portal that is a content-rich source of news, information, products, and services needed by exporters and importers. The site contains thousands of links to associations, clubs, service providers and other next-step resources.
Finland links to information about Finland such as conversion and transfer policies, foreign trade zones, free ports.
Invest in U.K. A fact finder of resources on relocating business to the U.K. or for expanding. Provides package of locations and financial incentives as well as product sector advice for free.
Invest in Sweden Agency has information and contact services for foreign investors evaluating investment opportunities in Sweden.
My Export trading companies and export management companies will undertake detailed market research for a straight fee or as part of a revenue-sharing partnership.
The U.S. State Department's official Web site provides links to the domestic organizational components of the State Department.
The U.S. Trade Representative is America's chief trade negotiator and the principal trade policy advisor to the President. In this role, the USTR and the Agency's staff are responsible for developing and implementing trade policies which promote world growth, and create new opportunities for American business, workers and agricultural producers. Texts on all free trade agreements. News on negotiations of Free Trade Agreement of the Americas and WTO.
14. Trade Shows & Exhibitions.
List of International Events information for trade shows worldwide
Euro Expo has a listings of major European trade shows/ fairs/ exhibitions with related links.
Exhibitions 'Round the World. A search engine of international trade shows. Most thorough listings for Asian shows.
Expo Base. An exhibition databank containing more than 15,000 exhibitions worldwide. It also includes a databank of more than 25,000 service providers.
Expo Guide. A listings of trade shows in the U.S. and other countries.
International Fairs in Europe has a list of most major industrial trade fairs in Europe.
Trade Show Central is a free Internet service providing information on more than 30,000 trade shows, service providers, venues and facilities around the world.
Trade Show Glossary. A glossary of terms important in trade shows.
15. U.S. Associations.
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). The ASAE has many useful links in their International Council section.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest not-for-profit business federation representing:
* 3,000,000 businesses
* 3,000 state and local chambers
* 830 business associations
* 94 American Chambers of Commerce abroad
United States Council for International Business (USCIB). Advocates the interests of United States business abroad. Provides information on policy and business issues affecting U.S. business.
World Bank provides key demographic, economic and social information about every country recognized by the World Bank. This data includes historical data and trends for population, gross domestic product and balance of payments for each country.
16. U.S. & State Agencies.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private, nonprofit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. The Institute's mission is to enhance both the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, and safeguarding their integrity.
Census. The preeminent collector and provider of timely, relevant, and quality data about the people and economy of the United States. Huge researchable economic and trade database.
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) provides an overview of history, politics and economy of all countries.
Export.Gov provides international trade assistance by:
* explore exporting
* make export sales happen
* finance your exports
* find a partner in the U.S.
Foreign Agriculture Services (FAS) provides country-specific statistics and outlooks for exports of U.S. agricultural products, including the best prospects for food and fiber exports to the United States' top 20 agricultural trading partners.
Internal Revenue Services (IRS). The IRS offers a wealth of information about taxes, business, and provides hundreds of forms that can be downloaded and printed.
International Trade Data Systems (ITDS) integrates government-wide systems for the electronic collection, use, and dissemination of international trade data. This Web site also provides a map of resources covering topics such as the mechanics of exporting, payment methods, customs and tariffs, and export documentation.
National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) allows you to link directly to the homepage for each state's secretary of state.
National Technical Information Service (NTIS) is a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Technology Administration. It supports the nation's economic growth and job creation by providing access to information that stimulates innovation and discovery.
U.S. Customs Service. The U.S. site that helps travellers obtain useful and vital information about business, politics and even great traveling discounts of a foreign country. Know before you go.
U.S. Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution. The Library preserves a collection of nearly 121 million items more than two-thirds of which are in media other than books. These include the largest map, film and television collections in the world. In addition to its primary mission of serving the research needs of the U.S. Congress, the Library serves all Americans through its popular Web site and its 22 reading rooms on Capital Hill.
U.S. State Department's official Web site provides links to the domestic organizational components of the State Department.
The U.S. Trade Representative is America's chief trade negotiator and the principal trade policy advisor to the President. In this role, the USTR and the Agency's staff are responsible for developing and implementing trade policies which promote world growth, and create new opportunities for American business, workers and agricultural producers.
