b'INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENTCONNECTING EXPORTERS ASSISTING MISSOURI BUSINESSESBY JACKIE RASMUSSEN Summit drew the kudos and praise of attendeesIN GOING GLOBALEach fall, the MU International Trade Center, alongthanks to featured sessions such as:with trade assistance partners from across theUS-Mid-America-China Trade Relations andThirty-two University of Missouri & Trulaske College of BusinessJ. Rieger & Company(Kansas City, Missouri)a craft distillery region, hosts the Mid-America Trade Summit.TheInternational Trade and Tourismundergraduate students directed their time and talents over thefounded by Jacob Rieger in 1887. Operations were shut down summit provides a unique opportunity to bringInsights into Export SuccessFall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters to help four small-to-me- in 1919 due to the onset of federal Prohibition. The company was together top exporters, global trade leaders andGlobal Logisticsdium sized companies based in Missouri grow their sales inter- established in 2014 after nearly 100 years of inactivity, becoming trade assistance providers from across Mid-America.Navigating International Regulationsnationally. As interns with the MU International Trade Center, thethe first legal distillery in Kansas City since Prohibition. Outstanding exporters are invited to share their(practitioner-led session)students will be conducting global market research to assist theShow-Me BBQ Sauce(Rocheport, Missouri)a manufacturer export storieshighlighting best practices andLeveraging Resourcescompanies with new market identification and evaluation. All proj- of barbecue sauces and seasonings established for more than lessons learned that have contributed to theirBuilding & Sustaining Successfulects are tailored to the individual companys product and industry50 years.Jackie Rasmussen export success. The event also provides opportu- International Sales sectors of interest. Interns gain valuable hands-on data analysis, nity to recognize the companies who are achievingproject management and presentation experience, along withSpoor Farms Popcorn(Martinsburg, Missouri)a first-generation export success via the annual Outstanding ExporterAs shared by one attendee: This conference is anreal-world insights into global trade. The participating companiesfarmer who diversified their traditional crop production in 2018 to Honoree recognitions. excellent opportunity to learn from successful smalllikewise gain in-depth county and industry sector analysis that caninclude popcorn, offering both Butterfly and Mushroom popping business exporters from a variety of industriesbe used to support and guide future decision-making regardingvarieties.The summit provides a unique opportunity to bringacross the Midwest region as well as connect withinternational market expansion opportunities. Sunnen Products(St. Louis, Missouri)a global leader in honing, expert resources. I highly recommend attending to together top exporters, global trade leaders and anyone interested in expanding their global foot- Companies working with the MU International Trade Centersizing and finishing solutions. With nearly 100 years experience trade assistance providers from across Mid-America. print and wanting to connect with other businessesduring the Fall 2023 semester included:in the industry, Sunnen has delivered the highest level of precision and resources. Edelbrand Pure Distilling (Marthasville, MO), a family-owned andto customers all around the world.The 2023 Mid-America Trade Summit attracted its-operated craft spirits producer of handcrafted European-style largest attendee audience yet, bringing togetherPlease mark your calendarsunaged fruit brandy and bierbrand.andplantojoinusonThe MU International Trade Center utilizes the time and 75 company representatives and trade assistanceWednesday,October2,Innovating Solutions (Kansas City, MO), the manufacturer oftalent of student interns and MU faculty, along with leading providers and an equal number of MU Trulaske2024 (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.Tappecue, a smart electrical temperature monitor that works onmarket research databases, to conduct customized research College of Business students. The 2023 TradeCT)forthe2024Mid-Wi-Fi for BBQ professionals and enthusiasts. to meet your business needs. The research completed helps America Trade Summit.Pets Best Life (Kansas City, MO), the manufacturer of Yummyparticipating companies effectively evaluate global market Combs, a flossing dog treat addressing three key health concernsopportunities in a timely, meaningful and affordable way. for dogs: dental health, nutrition, and safe eating. The goal of the MU International Trade Center is to promote Spirit of 76 Fireworks (Columbia, MO), a premier distributor,economic development and aid in the international deci-sion-making of Missouri businesses, while providing MU importer, and wholesaler of firework supplies. students, tomorrows business leaders, opportunities for Companies benefiting from assistance provided by the MU Interna- experiential learning.tional Trade Center during the Spring 2024 semester included:Fall 2023 MU International Trade Center InternspicturedSpring 2024 MU International Trade Center Internspictured (L-R, Front to Back): Aisling Kerr, Caleb Mitchell, Karlee Rindt(L-R, Front to Back): Aly Edwards, Shiloh Ehlert, Lauren Sherwood, (Student Assistant), Melissa Henderson, Alicia Shane, LibbyNatalie Rush, Joshua Dean, Ryu Taggart, Samantha Elia, Sayed Broadhurst, Mariah Oke-Thomas, Kate Rodgers, Christian Mergia,Zabiullah Sadat, Elaine Roberts, Jack Kish (Student Assistant), Ty Rouse, Even Ghebrai, Peyton Boyd, Dylan Wiles, Devin Bly,Andrew Deyoe Vergara, Josh Pitts, Brady Schroff, Charlie Dake, Jake Wilson, Grant Novinger (Student Assistant) and Sean Michel.McKinley Hopkins, Aaron Alter, Derrick Tatum, Austin Brewer, Not pictured: Anh Ha Nguyen Grant Novinger (Student Assistant)14 2024 MANAGEMENT MATTERSMANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT 15'