KENTUCKY DISTRICT EXPORT COUNCIL

Member of the National Association of District Export Councils (NADEC)

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WHAT

“Building the Trade DNA” Initiative

Trade should not only be focused on the “now” but also on the future. We must inform and educate our exporters of tomorrow.

A new program being rolled out by the KY DEC called “Building the Trade DNA” focuses on reaching out to youth to expose students to trade. This program reaches youth as young as Middle Schoolers and goes all the way up to MBA students at the University level. This will increase Kentucky’s trade backbone for generations and strengthen Kentucky’s Small and Medium Enterprises.

Some background

As a result of globalization, many companies moved their manufacturing facilities to other countries to take advantage of low wages and treaty incentives, leaving behind shuttered US Factories, unemployed workers, and economically weakened towns throughout the country. International Trade became a dirty word meaning “Loss of Jobs.”

The NADEC noticed that large numbers in our local communities knew little of the economic impact of international trade other than the loss of jobs. This lack of information was not confined to the rank and file but included many local leaders, educators, businesses, and legislators, which would trickle down to their children. The NADEC recognized that international trade needed an image change. The best way to do that would be through education through seminars, public speaking, high school courses, and other programs.

The NADEC supports the local chapters in their mission by increasing awareness and understanding of the importance of exports to the US economy through education, legislative outreach, and engagement.

Local DEC members assist companies throughout the lifecycle of the export. They organize training programs in their regions, offer advice, and often mentor companies in their areas across a wide swath of industries. Many members

have active business relationships and export sales worldwide, while other DEC members, who are service providers, can promote and facilitate trade using their specific expertise.

CONTACT

Please contact us for an explanation of how we may be able to partner with you to facilitate our Trade DNA program.

 

Richard Grana, Chair KDEC

Email: rgrana1@me.com

Susan Parker, Secretary KDEC

Email: susanparker@kenmarkeyewear.com