- 2008
Through the efforts of Congressman Denny Rehberg and his staff, along with the support of the Congressional delegation, the Montana World Trade Center receives a $583,000 grant in the SBA 2009 budget to help operate EnterpriseMontana. Through the EnterpriseMontana Program, the Missoula Children’s Theatre made its historic debut in Limerick, Ireland. The successful venture should lead to further expansion in the Emerald Isle, as well as the greater European market. The Montana World Trade Center, Governor's Office of Economic Development, and Small Business Administration continue the Global Trade Certificate Program, which provides professionals and business with the tools and resources needed to compete in the global market and adapt to globalization. Every semester students receive hands-on practical training through Montana World Trade Center's internship and practicum programs.
- 2007
Congressman Rehberg and Arnie Sherman lead trade msisions to Italy (February) and South America (August). Millions of dollars in sales expected, as well as additional export-related jobs. The Montana World Trade Center, Governor's Office of Economic Development and Small Business Administration launch the Global Trade Certificate Program, which provides professionals and business with the tools and resources needed to compete in the global market and adapt to globablization. Certified service providers and business will be listed in a state directory hosted by the Governor's Office of Economic Development. The program is a three part series with sessions througout western Montana. Upon completion of the course, professionals can recieve upto 40 hours of Continueing Education Credit, as well as 15 CLE credits approved by teh Bar Association of Montana. State Parks Enterprise Program awards contract to MWTC to provide guidance on how to improve business practices, sales inventory and promotional processes at stores. Every semseter students receive hands-on practical training through Montana World Trade Center's internship and practicum programs.
- 2006
Congressman Rehberg and Arnie Sherman lead trade mission to South Korea and China (August), and MWTC leads second trade mission to Calgary, Alberta (December). Export sales achieved as Montana business continue to explore new markets for their products and services. MWTC announces the Montana Environmental and Engineering Consortium (MEEC), which capitalizes on synergies among its members and applies their unparalleled expertise to environmental and engineering issues around the world. Support from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and SBA allows MEEC to compete on a global scale by bidding on multimillion-dollar projects. MWTC assists with private reception for Irish President, Mary McAleese, who is visiting The University of Montana to launch the new Irish Studies Program.
- 2005
Congressman Rehberg and Arnie Sherman lead a trade mission to Munich, Madrid, and Dublin. The mission, funded by the Department of Commerce's Market Development Cooperator Program, will generate approximately $20 million in sales over the next 36 months. In addition, export-related jobs will be created. The Economic Development Administration is awarded $78,000 to Montana World Trade Center for the development of a comprehensive regional marketing strategy for Montana's creative enterprises, under their Planning Assistance Program. Through the efforts of Congressman Denny Rehberg and his staff, along with the support of the Congressional delegation, the Montana World Trade Center receives a $500,000 grant in the SBA 2006 budget to help operate EnterpriseMontana. Each semester, students receive hands-on practical training through Montana World Trade Center's internship and practicum programs.
- 2004
Montana World Trade Center leads a trade mission to New Zealand and Australia. The mission coincides with the opening of an art exhibit that features Native American artists from Montana. $25,000 of art is sold in total. Montana World Trade Center member companies receive recognition at the "State of Montana Governor's Excellence in Exporting Awards": Fraser McLeay receives the Montana Export Advocate Award; Smith Equipment USA/TowHaul (Bozeman) receives the Montana Small Business Exporter of the Year Award and the Region VIII Small Business Exporter of the Year Award; RM International (Stevensville) receives the Export Marketing Program Award; and Monte Dolack (Missoula) receives the Certificate of Appreciation Award.
- 2003
Montana World Trade Center receives a $500,000 Montana Rural Business Acelerator (MRBA) grant. Montana World Trade Center holds a conference in Kalispell to assist eight rural Montana counties with business development. Entrepreneurs from Montana's most challenged economic areas attend to network and grow their businesses. Trade Mission to Ireland and the United Kingdom, funded by PRESTO, generates $5 million in sales. Trade Mission coincides with the opening of a Montana art exhibit. $20,000 of art sells opening night. The gallery travels the island for six months. As a result of trip, Omega II Hot Tubs ships two container of product a week to London for distribution throughout Europe, while Peanotz Inc. signs a $1 million distribution contract. Montana mining equipment suppliers accompany Montana World Trade Center to AIMEX Mining Trade Show in New Zealand and negotiate multi-million dollar contracts.
- 2002
Montana World Trade Center awarded Montana Action Plan for International Trade (MAPIT) grant, which focuses on organizing and implementing educational training and faculty development activities that will enhance the ability of students and the business community to prosper in the international economy. The University of Montana's School of Business Administration (SoBA) students and faculty are provided wtih the knowledge and experience necessary for gaining a global perspective, a deeper understanding of business needs, and the opportunity to embark on successful international business careers. Thirty food companies and twelve outdoor companies take advantage of test marketing opportunity in Ireland. Mark Porter, President of Planetary Design, took advantage of the unique opportunity: "Being small, you have so much to be concerned about. With this program it will be so great to have other people who have all the know-how and the connections do the leg work and marketing."
- 2001
Montana World Trade Center contracts with a private advisory firm Global Development Services Inc., to provide management services for Montana World Trade Center. Montana World Trade Center receives $1,195,144 Partnership for Retailing and Economic Stimulation through Technology Outreach (PRESTO) grant. PRESTO serves the needs of businesses in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota and Idaho. Program allows disadvantaged small rural businesses in the consumer goods and tourism sectors to introduce products to the Irish and New Zealand/Australian markets.
- 2000
Montana World Trade Center and twenty Montana businesses accompany Senator Max Baucus to pitch products to China, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea, and Australia. Montana World Trade Center receives $952,330 Partnership for Economic Revitalization through Technology (PERT) grant. PERT provides rural SME's access to interactive training and consultancy services, thereby enabling them to use e-business tools and applications to increase their global competitiveness. The Montana District Export Council, in partnership with the Montana World Trade Center, Wells Fargo Bank, and other organizations, implement both the Rocky Mountain Market Business and Rocky Mountain Market initiatives. The Rocky Mountain Business website offers assistance with starting a business, e-Business, and international business. The Rocky Mountain Market website aims to help Montana businesses export products to a particular country.
- 1999
Montana World Trade Center, The University of Montana, Montana Tech and experienced environmental companies join forces to create the Montana Environmental Consortium established to help local environmental firms compete on multi-million dollar development bank projects. Sandy Sprague and Dawn Hogan join the staff and Paige Darden became the center's PR consultant. Senator Max Baucus leads a delegation of 12 Montana businesses on a trade mission to Latin America. The trade mission resulted in one company closing a deal while in country, while others pursued other business opportunities. Top executives and innovative thinkers guide participants through e-commerce and effective strategies in the E-business: Opportunities, Challenges, and Winning Strategies immersion course. Over 100 students received hands on practical training at the center. Arnold Sherman receives the Governor's Excellence in Exporting, Export Advocate Award.
- 1998
Montana World Trade Center receives 1.25 million dollar appropriation initiated by Senator Conrad Burns and supported by Senator Max Baucus and Congressman Rick Hill to fund global trade activities in the region. Brigitta Miranda-Freer joins the staff as the Membership Services Manager. Fraser McLeay joins the staff as Senior Manager for Business Development and Communications. Montana World Trade Center is instrumental in the establishment of Montana's first U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center, which is housed with the center. Center offers Doing Business in Emerging Markets, its first immersion course for graduate credit. Center participates with 12 Montana businesses on a trade mission to Asia lead by Senator Max Baucus.
- 1997
Arnold Sherman, an internationally recognized business advisor, joins the Montana World Trade Center Staff as Executive Director. Karey Shaffer becomes the Operations Manager. Top-notch interns from the University's School of Business Administration and School of Law support the professional staff. Interns from other Montana universities and from abroad augment Montana World Trade Center capabilities. The Montana World Trade Center launches first version of Montana World Trade On-line. The World Trade Center Association opens its first Internet-based electronic communications and information system called WTCA On-line. Center hosts the Inter-American Development Bank for a 2 day event resulting in 120 participants from 7 states and 5 Canadian Provinces to learn about participation in development projects.
- 1996
Montana World Trade Center moves to the new Gallagher Business Building on The University of Montana Missoula campus. Student Practicum Program is created.
- 1995
World Trade Center license is donated to The University of Montana. Center is named Montana World Trade Center. Governor Racicot becomes the Honorary Chair of the Advisory Board. Racicot said, "The Center promises a major export promotion effort for our State and an opportunity for us to respond to the changes in the global market place." Leaders of the business community statewide are appointed to sit on the Advisory Board. The Honorable Charles Courtney, a senior-level American diplomat, volunteers to help establish the Center. Center is housed at the Milwaukee Station. Sponsor and member companies support the Montana World Trade Center. Activities and operations are supported by Dean Larry Gianchetta and School of Business Administration Interns and volunteers.
- 1982
Two entrepreneurs start World Trade Center-Great Falls.