PORT OF LOS ANGELES ‘TRADE CONNECT’ PROGRAM EARNS MORE AWARDS
NASBITE International Recognizes Program for Excellence and Commitment to Advancing International Trade
SAN PEDRO, Calif. — April 8, 2014 — The Port of Los Angeles’ signature export education program Trade Connect has received two prestigious awards from the global business education organization NASBITE International (National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators). Presented this past week at the 27th Annual NASBITE International Conference held in Memphis, Tennessee, these awards come on the heels of two others received this past year highlighting Trade Connect’s continuing role in advancing international trade.
“We’re very proud of what the Port’s TradeConnect program has been able to accomplish over the past seven years,” said Ambassador Vilma Martinez, President of the Los Angeles Harbor Commission. “Trade Connect has become a successfuland globally recognized model on how ports can promote and enhance international trade opportunities across the board.”
Trade Connect received the NASBITE “Program Excellence Award,” which recognizes specific programs developed by institutions that meet a particular identified need in the global business community. Trade Connect also received NASBITE’s “Advancing International Trade” award, which commends the dedication and service of those that are advancing international trade.
In May 2013, Trade Connect earned the President’s “E Star” Award for Export Service, the nation’s highest honor for promoting American export trade. Later in 2013, the program also earned the City of Los Angeles Quality & Productivity Award, the City’s highest award for superior public services and programs.
Trade Connect at the Port of Los Angeles was established in 2007 to fill a void in the marketplace for small and midsize business new-to-export training. The program conducts workshops and seminars that help educate regional companies about how to export Made-in-America goods and services to international consumer markets. Topics covered include information on export opportunities and foreign markets, exporting costs and requirements, financing and insurance, documentation and logistics, among other subjects. To date, Trade Connect programs have drawn more than 17,000 attendees.
NASBITE International is an organization focused on advancing the global business practice through professional development, education and training. The organization also promotes the exchange of information and resources among global business education and assistance professionals, and coordinates and administers the Certified Global Business Professional credential.
The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves. As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates more than 830,000 regional jobs and $35 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. The Port of Los Angeles – A cleaner port. A brighter future.