NASBITE Partner Organizations

NASBITE recognizes the importance of collaboration to promote mutual objectives. NASBITE is particularly proud of its affiliations with some of the leading U.S. and international organizations in the trade education and assistance field (listed below). Many NASBITE members belong to these organizations and several are represented on NASBITE’s Board of Governors.

Business & International Education (BIE), U.S. Department of Education. BIE is the funding source for the Title VI B grants of particular interest to NASBITE members and their 4-and 2-year institutions. The BIE Program Manager, currently Tanyelle Richardson, regularly attends the annual NASBITE Conference and typically leads a breakout session on how to apply for and manage these important grants. Tanyelle and her two predecessors, Susanna Easton and Sarah Beaton, are all past recipients of NASBITE’s Trade Educator of the Year award.

U.S. Commercial Service (USCS), U.S. Department of Commerce. The USCS is part of the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration (ITA), the lead U.S. Government agency responsible for assistance and promotion of U.S. exports of manufactures and services. USCS directs the worldwide network of domestic U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACs) and U.S. commercial offices at over 100 U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad. USCS also manages ITA’s trade information, trade event and matchmaking services, as well as the export.gov Website. USCS is an ex-officio member of the NASBITE Board of Governors, currently represented by its Deputy Director, Tom McGinty.

Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), U.S. Department of Agriculture. FAS bears the primary responsibility for USDA’s overseas activities -- market development, international trade agreements and negotiations, and the collection and analysis of statistics and market information. It also administers USDA's export credit guarantee and food aid programs, and helps increase income and food availability in developing nations by mobilizing expertise for agriculturally led economic growth. The FAS enhances U.S. agriculture's competitiveness by providing linkages to world resources and international organizations. The agency has 80 offices around the world primarily in U.S. Embassies. The FAS is an ex-officio member of the NASBITE Board of Governors, currently represented by the Director of the Office of Outreach & Exporter Assistance, Dale Miller.

State International Development Offices (SIDO). SIDO is the premiere U.S. organization dedicated to supporting state international trade agencies. SIDO is the only national organization focused exclusively on state international trade development. SIDO helps state international trade agencies better serve American exporters by sharing innovative ideas and resources, developing the skills of state trade professionals, advocating the interests of states in trade promotion, and facilitating multi-state collaboration.

Centers for International Business Education & Research (CIBERs). The Centers for International Business Education and Research (CIBERs) are administered by the U.S. Department of Education to increase and promote the nation’s capacity for international understanding and competitiveness. The CIBERs serve as regional and national resources for the teaching of international business, culture, and foreign languages to students and executives. The thirty-one CIBER’s form a powerful network focused on improving American competitiveness through education and research. Susana Easton, past recipient of the NASBITE International Trade Educator of the Year Award, administers the CIBER program.

International Association of Trade Training Organizations (IATTO). IATTO has members across all continents and strives to facilitate the dynamic exchange of information and opinions on various trade topics, while also setting quality standards in respect of the design, delivery and assessment of programs and other practical initiatives in the international trade training and education spheres. IATTO provides a forum to exchange information and ideas on techniques in training and education; stimulates awareness of the need for, and the criteria used in defining, quality in the delivery of international trade training and education; equips members and other interested parties with the knowledge and tools to enhance the professional development of trade practitioners in their respective countries; and adds to the body of knowledge about international trade by engaging in and/or supporting relevant research initiatives and international collaborative ventures.

Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). The Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) equips businesses and individuals with the skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive global marketplace. As Canada’s international trade training and professional certification authority – and the leading organization of its kind in the world – FITT sets the standards and designs the training programs for the professional designation, Certified International Trade Professional (CITP). Centred on international trade best practices and delivered by a broad network of educational partners, FITT’s highly regarded training programs impart knowledge and practical skills that trade practitioners can apply immediately – providing competitive advantage and elevating their position in world markets. FITT and CITP: strengthening your hand in international trade.