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Welcome Eastern Iowa Chapter & ITI - Drake University Student Chapers!
If you haven’t heard already, ITI is GROWING!
The Des Moines group is currently redrafting the Bylaws to specifically address the addition of Chapters to the organization. This will allow a common Mission, state-wide, for those groups and individuals dedicated to the furtherance of global trade here in Iowa.
We are very pleased to announce that two of our first chapters has been organized in Cedar Rapids and at Drake University and will be formally known as the International Traders of Iowa - Eastern Iowa Chapter and the ITI- Drake University Student Chapter, respectively. This month we will highlight the Eastern Iowa Chapter. Check back in March for details on the ITI - Drake University Student Chapter information and updates.
For many years Cedar Rapids has had an international group sponsored by the City’s Chamber, now Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. Members of the business community were aware of the International Traders of Iowa in Des Moines, a trade group established in 1985, dialogue was started, and in conjunction with the Chamber a Steering Committee in Cedar Rapids began meeting to determine the next route to take with an international group for the community. The group wanted to align with an organization which shared the vision and passion for promoting international trade, and International Traders of Iowa was approached to establish a Chapter that represented more than Cedar Rapids, but included all of Eastern Iowa.
Dee Freeman, President of the EI Chapter and Senior Regional Proposal Specialist with Rockwell Collins recently told the Corridor Business Journal “We know there’s a need in Cedar Rapids for people to get information on international business. It’s something you don’t see many seminars in this area about….it’s really hard to find the information you need. The knowledge is out there….let’s share our data.”
The Chapter will hold monthly meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month featuring guest speakers who will discuss various issues facing those in international business, facility tours and/or discussion panels to name a few. Board meetings will be held the second Tuesday of each month and are open to all members.
The successful Kick-Off Event was held Tuesday, February 7th at the Clarion Hotel in Cedar Rapids. Attendees were treated to food and drink accompanied by warm welcomes from Ms. Freeman and Tim Woods, President of the Central Iowa Chapter.
The International Traders of Iowa (ITI) is an organization whose mission is to serve the businesses in Iowa in their pursuit of world trade. Through forums developed to exchange practical information, ITI works with Iowa businesses to promote exporting, importing and investment in global enterprises.
For a program year that runs annually from September through May, ITI sets a schedule of events. Each month events such as dinner meetings, facility tours, and other forums sharing the "how to's" of international trade offer members the opportunity to network and to learn from the experiences of others.
Changing the way we live
As the adage counsels, nothing is certain but that there will be change. Generations of Iowans have lived and worked providing infrastructure for the global economy in which we today find ourselves navigating. Their preparation and legacy have provided the basis for Iowa's evolution into globalization. In pursuit of opportunity, growth, and competitive advantage, Iowa companies have found it necessary to go outside the borders of our state, and of our nation. In support of doing business around the globe, the International Traders of Iowa endeavor to serve Iowa businesses by making available resources that will assist in understanding and competing within the global marketplace of both today and of tomorrow.
Influencing the world around us
Contributing locally, while acting globally is a good way to think of business in Iowa. From small to large, businesses across the state form a measurable power in international trade. Literally hundreds of Iowa businesses each day focus on trade in a marketplace that now spans the globe. Whether you consider the world flat, reduced in size, or some other metaphor, there is no mistaking today's globalization phenomenon. Across varied sectors, including categories like machinery and agricultural-related products, Iowans are participating in this phenomenon by investing in and influencing world trade. The International Traders of Iowa concentrates its efforts locally in service to businesses throughout the state so that Iowa may continue its positive presence around the world.