SPOKANE – All four international trade specialists with the Washington Small Business Development Center Network (Washington SBDC) have earned certification through the North American Small Business International Trade Educators professional association.
The Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) designation is a nationally recognized professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s competency in international trade. The exam-based certification process was created in 2005. Since then, only about 900 global business experts across the country have earned passing scores to demonstrate their proficiency in global business management, global marketing, supply chain management and trade finance.
Washington SBDC International Trade Program Director Terry Chambers said the certification is confirmation that the SBDC international trade specialists understand the demands and requirements of global commerce.
“These four trade specialists have more than 100 years of experience working in the global marketplace,” Chambers said. “Their practical, in-country experiences, coupled with extensive training and continuing professional development ensures they are well-prepared to assist new-to-export business owners in all facets of export trade. This certification validates their expertise and I could not be more pleased with their achievements.”
Washington SBDC international trade specialists Vern Jenkins and Katerina Korish are based in Eastern Washington at the Export Readiness Center on the Riverpoint Campus at WSU Spokane; Joe Vogel and Stan Lance are located in Western Washington at the Export Readiness Center on Interurban Avenue South in south Seattle.
Opened in 2011, the two Washington SBDC Export Readiness Centers assist Washington business owners to prepare for or expand their export capabilities.
“The real magic occurs with the two new centers joining an existing statewide network of 24 centers and 26 seasoned certified business advisors,” Chambers said. “The experience and knowledge of this statewide network is a powerful resource to assist new-to-export and existing exporters build a sustainable export program to grow their revenue and profits.”
The Washington SBDC Export Readiness program is part of a statewide export initiative sponsored through a grant by the Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board which is administrated by the Washington Department of Commerce.
The Washington SBDC has also partnered with the Washington State University Impact Center to assist with agricultural research and with the International Trade Alliance in Spokane to offer export workshops across the state.
The Washington SBDC promotes economic vitality within Washington communities by providing expert business advising, demand-driven training, and applied research to existing businesses and entrepreneurs. The Washington SBDC is a cooperative effort of WSU, other educational institutions, economic development organizations and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
For more information on the mission and services of the WSBDC visit the network web site at wsbdc.org or visit the new export assistance portal at http://export.wsbdc.org.
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