To cap off what’s expected to be a record-breaking year
for Missouri export sales, a state trade official was recognized for her
achievements.
Ann Pardalos, the state director of international business
development, was given the “Champion of Trade” award last week by SIDO,
a non-profit, nonpartisan organization comprised of international economic
development practitioners and professionals from state and related
organizations across the country.
Pardalos said the award distinguishes her work advancing the objectives of SIDO, and promoting state exports and best practices. The
award is given annually to two state-level state directors. This year, Pardalos
was joined by North Dakota’s representative as award winners.
According to Pardalos, the award has special significance because the winners are selected by fellow members of SIDO.
“It’s recognition by your peers, that just says more than
any other type of award,” she said. “When you have respect from your colleagues
that do the same job, it’s pretty cool.”
Although this year seems to be the Missouri moment in the
international trade arena, the award and record-pace export numbers didn’t happen
overnight. These recognitions are a result of years of work.
“A few years ago, we revamped all of our global offices,”
Pardalos said. “We assessed what we had and hired the best with regards to
representing Missouri.”
The governor's office made trade and exports a top priority for his administration. In 2013, Gov. Jay Nixon launched Export Missouri, the state’s premier international program to help more businesses engage in exporting. As part of the state’s strategic initiative for economic development, Pardalos said Missouri delegates and businesses she visited and made deals with countries around the world, including recently trade missions to United Arab Emirates, China and Cuba.
“It’s one of those things where we’re drawing attention to the state of Missouri,” she added. “We have an outstanding trade program and a lot of that is due to the resources the governor’s office found necessary for exporting and trade promotion. We are recognized as a top ten best partnership state.”
Pardalos said at the end of the day, the award is another testament to those on her staff.
“I thank my staff for carrying the water on a daily basis,” she added. “You’re only as good as your staff. We have a great team who do everything possible to advance trade for the state.”
Are you ready to start engaging in international trade? For more information on the state’s global trade efforts, visit the Missouri Export Portal.
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