Three Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center consultants have earned an international business credential held by only a handful of Arkansans.

 

Liz Russell, Rudy Ortiz and Kelly Massey completed the requirements for the Certified Global Business Professional credential from NASBITE International, the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators, in May.

 

Russell and Ortiz are business consultants at the ASBTDC Lead Center at UALR. Massey is center director/business consultant at the Henderson State University ASBTDC office.

 

NASBITE began offering the CGBP credential in 2005. Nationwide, 1,075 people - including just nine from Arkansas - have earned the CGPB distinction.

 

"As holders of the prestigious CGBP credential, Liz Russell, Rudy Ortiz and Kelly Massey are in elite company," said Janet Roderick, ASBTDC state director. "We are proud of their accomplishment and pleased that their expertise is available to Arkansas companies interested in exporting."

Foreign markets represent growth opportunities for Arkansas companies, and ASBTDC wants to help the state's small businesses explore their international opportunities, Roderick said. For example, the center's extensive market research capabilities can identify new foreign and domestic markets for Arkansas-based companies' products. 

 

CGBP recognizes an individual's ability to conduct global business including trade finance, global business management, global marketing and supply chain management. To receive the CGBP designation, candidates must pass the CGBP exam and have two years of college-level education or global commerce experience.  

 

Arkansas firms interested in receiving international business consulting at no charge through the ASBTDC can call 501.683.7700 for an appointment.

 

Contributed by Gwen Green, ASBTDC Communications Coordinator

 

Many businesses that are new to exporting can become overwhelmed by the process of identifying and selecting buyers and distributors in foreign markets. But many federal and state agencies offer assistance in this area at a surprisingly low cost. 

 

One notable program offered by the U.S. Commercial Service, a division of the Department of Commerce, offers assistance in arranging meetings with foreign buyers. Through its Gold Key Matching Service, agents conduct market research, contact pre-screened potential buyers, arrange meetings, provide meeting space, conduct orientation briefings, and arrange for translation services.

 

The program fee varies by market but generally ranges from $350 to $700 a day. Exporting businesses find this service works especially well when combined with participation at international trade shows. While foreign travel is by far the most effective strategy, businesses with restraints on their schedule or budget have the option of participating via videoconference. Commercial Service staff are housed at U.S. embassies abroad, but the Arkansas Export Assistance Center can provide customized information.

 

Contributed by Liz Russell, Business Consultant, UALR ASBTDC Lead Center

Software giant Microsoft recently announced a corporate commitment to becoming carbon neutral by July 1, joining the growing list of tech companies trying to reduce their environmental footprint. The shift results from three years of internal discussions within the company to improve Microsoft's environmental performance. 

 

Large corporations' interest in carbon neutrality has benefited a number of Arkansas landowners who have discovered that money really can grow on trees.

 

The emerging carbon offset market allows forestland owners the opportunity to sell forest carbon credits onto the voluntary market, in which businesses and individuals voluntarily buy credits to offset the emissions of business operations. Though this market isn't regulated by government, forest carbon credits that meet high standards can generate significant revenue. Today, there are many forest carbon "protocols" developed by non-profit organizations to quantify, track, and manage voluntary carbon reductions according to rigorous standards. 

 

If you own and manage forestland, you may be able to sell carbon credits generated from management activities on your land. In order to help landowners participate in these growing opportunities, Ecotrust has created an online guide, which gives a background on existing markets and helps landowners take an initial look at what's involved in selling forest carbon into the markets.

 

A Landowner's Guide to Carbon Offsets

 

 Contributed by Maradyth McKenzie, Training Coordinator, UALR ASBTDC Lead Center