Contact: Nicole Hagerman, project manager, Montana World Trade Center, 406-243-5856, nicole@mwtc.org.

GLOBAL TRADE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM GRADUATES 35

More than 35 individuals from a diverse group of Montana and Northwest-region companies recently completed the Global Trade Certificate program, which is offered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the Small Business Administration and the Montana World Trade Center.

Experts presented sessions on topics such as international business trends, managing risk, banking, legal issues, documentation, negotiations and logistics.

“This group has become the core of the most knowledgeable people in the region on global trade” said Arnie Sherman, director of The University of Montana-based MWTC.

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer agreed. “The Global Trade Certificate program is a key effort to create a network of business professionals in the region trained on the impacts and advantages of global trade,” he said. “The certified individuals and companies play an essential role in fostering economic growth in the state of Montana and the region.”

Program participant Kitch Walker, president of Ripple Marketing, which recently launched Flat Earth Imports, said, “The certification program is invaluable for new and growing businesses embracing the challenges and opportunities of doing business in a international business environment. The program greatly expands your global business knowledge and skills. Plus, the certification program fosters and supports public and private sector relationships that will last well beyond the program’s agenda.”

The program was a three-part series held in Bozeman, Missoula and Butte. Those completing the full program will be listed as Certified Global Trade Professionals in a state directory available on the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and MWTC Web sites (at http://www.business.mt.gov and http://www.mwtc.org, respectively).

Participants also received 40 hours of Continuing Professional Education credit or prorated hours for individual sessions completed. The Montana State Bar Association approved the course for nine hours of Continuing Legal Education credits.

The second series of training is slated to begin in April 2008. To learn more about the program or register for future sessions, call Nicole Hagerman at 406-243-5856.