Illinois Extension to offer webinar on international trade and small business development

[April 04, 2018]    URBANA - University of Illinois Extension’s Community and Economic Development team will host a free webinar on international trade and small business development, presented by Kathie Cravens, an international trade specialist from the Illinois Small Business Development Center in Champaign, Illinois.

The webinar is from noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, April 12.

“Local officials and economic development professionals will learn about what they can do to assist small business expansion into the international market, international trade opportunities in Illinois, and business retention,” says Nancy Ouedraogo, Extension specialist in community economic development.

Kathie Cravens, CGBP, MIEx, a seasoned international trade specialist with years of exporting experience, has traveled and lived abroad, worked closely with numerous international dealers and distributors, owned export-management company BritAm International, and attended several international trade shows. She has advised small- to medium-sized companies on their export practices and has been directly involved with exporting numerous shipments of U.S. manufactured goods to every continent around the world.

Before accepting her new position as international trade specialist for the September 2013 opening of the new International Trade Center (ITC) in Champaign, Cravens was employed at the GSI Group as an international logistics specialist, exporting product from Taylorville and Assumption to every continent of the world.

“Cravens provides in-depth advice on international trade techniques, export processes, and international market opportunities to local companies. In addition, she provides research support for new markets and products and referral assistance for export-related activities, licensing, certification, legal and financial consultation, logistics and customs issues,” Ouedraogo says.

There is no cost to attend the webinar; however, registration is required. Register online or contact Nancy Ouedraogo at [e-mail] for more information.

[Nancy Ouedraogo]