Celebrate World Trade Month

Since 1935, May has been designated World Trade Month in the United States, a month that is focused on helping importers and exporters learn more about the many aspects of global business and international trade. Following a year marked by supply chain struggles, international conflict and soaring U.S. trade, the theme of this year’s World Trade Month has been dubbed “Overcoming Challenges, Unleashing Growth.”

In support of World Trade Month 2022, federal agencies, state trade offices, SBDCs, trade associations and other public and private organizations are hosting an array of events, many of them free and online.

The SBTDC’s International Business Development team and our partners will participate in numerous events this month, including MFGCON (May 18-19 in Durham), MEP Export Education: International Documentation Training Webinar (May 18), and the National District Export Council's Annual Export Conference (May 19-20 in Washington, DC).

Click here to see all the World Trade Month events. 

Fun Fact: The United States exported $2.53 trillion in goods and services in 2021, an increase of 18.5% over 2020. Of that, $1.76 trillion were goods. (Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis and U.S. Census Bureau)

SBA Exporter of the Year:

National Drug Source, Inc.

During National Small Business Week, National Drug Source, Inc. received the SBA’s 2022 Exporter of the Year award. Georges Neuenschwander, IBD Counselor in Charlotte, nominated the company and introduced owners Jason and Ethel Torres during the ceremony. Ethel was a registered nurse in critical care and surgery and Jason was in pharmaceuticals when they decided to partner with health care providers around the globe 18 years ago. Their primary focus was to improve patients' outcome by giving them access to medicines and treatments not available in their own countries but could be sourced in the U.S. 

Ethel and Jason leveraged federal, state, and local resources, including the SBA International Trade Loan program, U.S. Commercial Service, EXIM Bank, EDPNC/STEP Grant, and the SBTDC to strengthen their knowledge of international trade and their ability to practice global business on a professional level in today’s competitive environment. Ethel and Jason attributed the SBTDC with helping them achieve an export sales increase of $1.5 million in 2021. Almost 100% of their revenue comes from exports.

This marks the ninth consecutive Exporter of Year awardee nominated by SBTDC’s International Business Development team!

NC World Trade Association's Annual Conference a Success

Following a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the North Carolina World Trade Association (NCWTA) held its annual conference for a packed house of attendees in Pinehurst on April 25 and 26.

Highlights of the event included a Monday Evening Reception and Dinner titled "Growing International Business with NC” with North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and a Tuesday morning conference on “Duty Assessment and Avoidance” led by three customs lawyers with Barlow & Company, LLC in Washington, DC. 

During a NCWTA board meeting held prior to the conference, members of the SBTDC's International Business Development team were confirmed as officers for the 2022-24 term. These include Mike Seibert (President of the NCWTA), Owen George (Triad Chapter President), Georges Neuenschwander (Charlotte Chapter Secretary), and Ginny Vaca (Triangle Chapter President).

NCWTA was established in 1964 to serve North Carolina professionals involved in the trade of goods and services internationally and to promote the growth of international commerce between North Carolina and the world.  Over the last six decades, NCWTA has played a key role in the growth of North Carolina’s global trade, supporting thousands of jobs and increasing international understanding.

Become a Certified Global Business Professional

The Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) credential confirms knowledge in international trade and assures that you are able to practice global business on a professional level in today’s competitive environment. Our Online CGBP Program is designed to help individuals working in the field of international business successfully prepare for, and pass the CGBP Exam or re-certify their existing CGBP credential.

Business owners and their managers also benefit from taking the CGBP Program by learning ways to help their firms become more competitive and profitable.

Registration is $499 for the entire 5-module CGBP Program (a $973 value). Individual CGBP modules can be purchased separately. Eligible small businesses may qualify for a $225 STEP Grant reimbursement from EDPNC. All the modules run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the dates listed below. 

• Global Business Management: July 6
• Global Marketing: July 13
• Supply Chain Management: July 20
• Trade Finance: July 27
• CGBP Exam Review: August 3

Included with your full CGBP Program registration:

• CGBP Exam Study Guide ($199 value)
• CGBP Practice Exam ($50 value)
• Trade Passport on-demand trade training webinars
• On-demand access to all CGBP session video recordings

CGBP Exam Windows:

• September 7-28, 2022 (Registration Deadline: August 7, 2022)
• November 16-December 14, 2022 (Registration Deadline: October 16, 2022)

Click here to view registration options for the CGBP Program. For more information, contact Dr. Mike Seibert.