Kellen Spence, now an Account Manager with the Erb Group in Kitchener, Ontario, got his start in international trade while working in manufacturing and quality control at BlackBerry.

“I have always been interested in international trade and global supply chains. I worked for BlackBerry after high school and I watched the supply chain gradually become global, and then the manufacturing activities were outsourced to foreign markets as well. It was at that time I decided to jump straight into the international trade industry.”

After nearly five years there, Kellen accepted a new position with Farrow, one of North America’s largest logistics, customs broker and compliance companies, as a Customs Release Agent. In this role, he worked with clients to facilitate the release of their goods from customs, ensured all shipping and customs documents were completed and filed properly, and dealt directly with CBSA to solve any client issues.

As his responsibilities evolved, he then took on a new Business Development Analyst position. He helped research and prospect qualified leads, analyzed client activities to find new ways to assist, built relationships with new clients to meet their logistics needs.

Since evolving job responsibilities are increasingly common, trade continues to change at a rapid rate and resources are available, he recommends other trade professionals in a similar situation do everything possible to stay up to date however possible.

“Read! Consume as much industry content as you can get your hands on. With the advent of Youtube and other video recording platforms, I now watch as much industry related content as I can as well.”

Applying his skillset to a diverse set of logistics experiences

Over the past few years, Kellen has tackled a varied set of challenges within the logistics industry. When he first started with the Erb Group, his current employer, he worked with truckers to ensure their manifests and other documents were accurate, plan shipments based on availability, and assist them in other ways, including speaking to CBSA and CPB on their behalf regarding border crossings and compliance questions.

As an Account Manager, he now works with clients to find the best solutions to their specific opportunities and problems, and foster productive long-term business relationships with a multitude of companies.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to work on a couple of projects with a large fair trade retailer based in southern Ontario,” he explained to illustrate the kind of projects he works on. “Combining my passion for global trade and fair trade has by far been the best story to come of my career so far.”

As he worked with clients, he wanted to expand his knowledge into other areas of international trade and maximize his potential opportunities, so he took the FITTskills courses online.

FITTskills was a great experience and has given me the knowledge needed to leverage my career and develop brand new opportunities.

“I enjoyed the International Trade Finance course the most. Understanding different insurances and financial instruments that can be used to mitigate and eliminate risk is an area not usually explored within the logistics industry. It allowed me to bridge the gap between the finance and logistics business functions.”

Matching experience with the education and credentials to back it up

Once he completed all six FITTskills courses to earn his FITT Diploma, Kellen successfully applied to become a CITP (Certified International Trade Professional) to prove his competency and skills in global trade and continue to help his company achieve their goals.

“I feel extremely optimistic about the potential opportunities that the CITP designation will bring in my career. I plan to help my company build brand new services and solutions that focus on global markets. I strongly believe that the CITP designation is my platform to achieve this.”

His CITP designation, along with his other credentials, experience and education, now serve as a point of pride as he continues to make new strides in his career.

“I’m most proud of the diverse experience and education that I’ve gathered so far in my career. Having the opportunity to work in customs brokerage, international freight forwarding, and trucking has allowed me to package that knowledge along with my Certified Customs Specialist designation, an advanced certificate in freight forwarding from the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association, and now the CITP designation. I now have an excellent hand of knowledge cards to play as my career progresses.”

The post Kellen Spence, CITP|FIBP – Account Manager appeared first on Trade Ready.

Leslye has risen quickly up the international trade ladder in the past few years, with experience in both the public and private sector.

Her first role was with DxRAD Solutions, a company exporting medical equipment to South America, which presented a chance to prove herself and the challenge of learning on the job. While she was initially hired as an executive assistant, she was promoted to project manager within four months. This first experience in global business is what would drive the rest of her career.

Her work involved several high-level responsibilities such as identifying new suppliers, preparing business plans, identifying and securing countries as new markets, and coordinating the company’s participation in multiple trade shows.

“I was always attracted to the idea of working with different cultures, travelling around the world and promoting international investment. My first job was very complex and interesting as it involved dropshipping from Korea and Spain to Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and Chile. After that, I decided to focus my career on international business, which led me to pursue positions with the Canadian Border Services Agency and Global Affairs.”

These opportunities were not without their challenges though, and looking back she realizes how far she’s come in her career.

“I wish I had known how complex international business can be, and known more of the concepts. I didn’t yet know how important it is to research countries before entering them. To learn the different cultures and ways of doing work. Not to mention being aware of customs requirements and how quickly they can change. I was constantly dealing with problems as they arose and researching to find new solutions. Looking back, I wish I had that knowledge and had known about the research resources I have developed through my FITTskills training and work experience.”

Studying for clarity and future success

With this in mind, Leslye enrolled in Mount Royal University’s international business program, where she took the FITTskills courses and earned her FITT Diploma in International Trade as well as her Bachelor’s degree.

I highly recommend the FITTskills courses because they encompass everything that you will encounter in international business.

“They help develop your awareness of possible problems and how to plan accordingly. By my final course, I had the knowledge and research resources to develop international business plans, and it was exciting how all the concepts were starting to be part of my natural thought process.”

It was during her studies that she also first learned about the CITP®|FIBP® designation.

“It was my mentor and chair of my program, Halia Valladares, CITP, that first made me aware of the designation. She has the designation and highly recommended it. Throughout the courses, I saw the value of the knowledge I was gaining, and the value of the designation.”

With her education in hand, Leslye grew her experience with positions as a Senior Trade Officer with the CBSA, and a Trade Commissioner Assistant with Global Affairs Canada (GAC). Her work with the CBSA focused on investigating cases related to cross-border compliance to determine whether everything was in order or if sanctions were required for violations.

Working with GAC gave her the chance to help companies access markets worldwide, including one incident she considers to be one of the highlights of her career so far.

“When I was working at Global Affairs (DFATD back then) I had the opportunity to find companies for a lead in Kuwait. Being able to identify Canadian companies capable of pursuing the opportunity and connecting them to a prospective client was exciting and rewarding. Especially as the opportunity included contracts for 150 different hospitals.”

Taking the next step helping others achieve their dreams

In those positions, the value of the CITP®|FIBP® designation was further reinforced and it became clear that earning the certification would be important for her to continue down her desired career path.

Some of my coworkers at CBSA had the designation, and at GAC the Trade Commissioners were required to take the FITTskills courses. More and more employers were starting to recognize it as an industry-leading designation, so it became a must-have for me.

Earning her CITP®|FIBP® designation then became not only an event for celebration, but an important step towards earning her current job with Small Business BC as an International Trade Advisor.

“I was extremely happy, proud and excited to earn my CITP®|FIBP® designation. I have dedicated myself to gaining as much experience in the field, so to have my skills confirmed with the designation was a great achievement. My job requires FITTskills training and my employer was impressed by the fact that I have the designation. The knowledge I gained through the courses has prepared me to deliver seminars, advisory sessions, and guest lectures at small universities, as well as participate in international trade conferences.”

Getting to speak with business professionals has been one of the biggest positives of her current role, as she knows her work can help them achieve their short-term and long-term objectives.

“One of the most interesting parts of my job is being able to deliver seminars on import and export to entrepreneurs in BC. I enjoy doing this because I not only transfer knowledge, but also get to live a little bit of the entrepreneur’s dreams, hear their great ideas and enjoy their enthusiasm. For some clients, it is their life project to create their own international ’business empire’ and it is nice to know that your guidance is helping with that dream.”

The post Leslye Sanguino – CITP|FIBP – International Trade Advisor appeared first on Trade Ready.

Countless products traverse the globe every day, moving from one country to the other as trade is carried out. Many of the array of items that are shipped from nation to nation can be shipped by any person or company who wishes to do so.

However, there are some specific products that require parties to have import and export licenses to ship products or materials across national borders.

Wondering which items require some extra paperwork? Here is a look at some materials that may require an import or export license for shipping.

Which exports fall under government control?

There are a number of factors that can determine whether or not an item will require a license from a government agency in order to be shipped internationally. These include the materials used in the product, its destination, the party who will receive the product, and the manner in which the export will be used.

Many countries have lists of export product types that require a license for shipment. Countries typically put items on these lists for security purposes or to protect intellectual property. If a product ends up on this list, it would be illegal to ship it without a license.

For example, in the United States, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) maintains a Commerce Control List. Items on this list require licensing from companies in order to be exported. The list includes:

• Nuclear Materials and Equipment
• Electronics
• Chemicals, Microorganisms, Toxins
• Computers
• Materials Processing
• Sensors and Lasers
• Telecommunication and Information Security
• Navigation and Avionic equipment
• Propulsion Systems, Space Vehicles and Related Equipment

Most of the items on this list could potentially be used for nefarious military purposes, or pose a threat to national security if exported without controls. That’s why it’s important that the government knows exactly who is shipping them, where they are being shipped to, and why they are being shipped.

Without this information the movement of these materials could be a major concern for the U.S. government.

Items that do not fall on the commerce control list are typically classified as NLR, which means “No License Required.” This includes a vast number of items, like food or clothing, which have been not been deemed a security threat upon leaving the country.

Every country has its own regulations for export licenses, however, many of the same exports are viewed as potentially dangerous worldwide.

Import licenses in the U.S. aren’t quite as straightforward

The requirements for imports coming into a country are often quite different than the requirements for exports leaving it, due to national regulations on everything from environmental standards to food safety guidelines.

For example, in the United States, the Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP), does not require people or companies who import items to have an import license.

Instead, other U.S. agencies like the FDA, EPA, DOT, CPSC, FTC, Agriculture, etc., set their own regulations on goods like agriculture, livestock and food products, which then require licenses from those specific agencies.

This does not mean imports to the United States aren’t heavily screened and regulated by the CBP. The CBP takes many precautions to ensure that every import to the U.S. is appraised and the required duties are paid. The country of origin is also noted.

Just as there is a Commerce Control List that regulates exports leaving America, there is a list of items that are forbidden from being imported into the U.S. This list includes:

• Arms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Implements of War
• Conflict Diamonds
• Pesticides, Toxic and Hazardous Materials
• Counterfeit Products
• Wildlife and Pets
• Obscene, Immoral, or Seditious Matter
• Illicit Drugs

The U.S. also has a number of sanctions and trade embargoes in place for specific nations such as North Korea, Iran, and Sudan.

Like exports, every nation has its own policies and licensing requirements for imports. However, anything that poses a security threat or represents a conflict of interest, such as conflict diamonds, is likely to be heavily regulated, or restricted.

Get started on obtaining the license you need

First, do the proper research to ascertain whether or not a license is required for your specific product. If you’re importing or exporting activity does require a license, then your next step will be to figure out which government agencies handle the licensing for the products that you want to import or export.

For example, in the United States, the Bureau of Industry and Security handles licensing for exports, and more information on licensing generally is available through USA.gov. In Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Global Affairs Canada have information on export/import permits.

After you have figured out which government agency handles licensing, your next step is to go through the process of applying for a license. There may be a number of steps that you have to go through and regulations you’ll need to comply with during this process.

Finally, once your import or export license is approved and issued, you will be free to import or export those goods. Of course, you will have to do so in full accordance with national and international law.

The post Want to export or import these products? You’re going to need a license appeared first on Trade Ready.

Jonathan Steblin, CITP|FIBP, is a Trade Commissioner at the Pacific Regional Office of Global Affairs Canada located in Vancouver, BC.

He first gained an interest in pursuing a career in international trade through his experience working on the front line at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

No better place to learn challenges of global business than the border

“Working with CBSA was particularly beneficial in understanding the practical challenges that many SMEs face when trying to trade across a border.”

After almost four years as a student border services officer at the CBSA, Jonathan got his first big global business opportunity when he was invited to join the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (now Global Affairs Canada), as a co-op student in trade policy in 2013.

He was well-qualified for the position, having earned a B.A. in Political Science and French from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Carleton University. Jonathan was promoted to the position of Trade Commissioner in June, 2014.

Focusing on the innovation, science and environmental stream of studies, I was given the flexibility to conduct research on various topics, from the Canadian biofuel industry to the management of non-renewable resource wealth.

“Completing my Masters of Arts in Public Administration at Carleton University provided me with the opportunity to gain sector knowledge in clean technology before becoming a Trade Commissioner.”

Making all the right connections

In Jonathan’s role as a Trade Commissioner responsible for clean technology in Canada’s regional network, he works with Canadian SMEs to facilitate their entry into new markets through the Trade Commissioner Service’s network of more than 160 trade offices around the world.

Daily, he works head-to-head with partners in other departments of the government, as well as private sector associations, to look for ways they can work together to better support his clients.

“A typical day for me includes responding to requests from new and existing companies for assistance with their business development, attending in person client meetings to gain a better understanding of their good or service, and arranging B2B opportunities for Canadian businesses to sell those products abroad.”

Beyond providing insightful support and assistance to his existing clients, Jonathan also works toward bringing in new clients through targeted outreach programs designed to help even more SMEs discover the benefits of the T.C.S.

“I also support the development of domestic outreach programs for senior officials in the department who have planned travel to British Columbia and Yukon.”

Jonathan enjoys that his position as a Trade Commissioner sometimes brings opportunities to travel and network representing the T.C.S., and also learn more about the broader impacts of trade policies around the world.

My role has given me the opportunity to complete a temporary work assignment with the Consulate General of Canada in Seattle, in order to prepare for several events important for the departments advocacy priorities.

“One highlight of this experience was being able to manage the Canada booth at the National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit. This conference included over 5400 attendees from across the United States and 22 other countries and provided the excellent opportunity to gain experience on how trade issues impact broader foreign policy objectives.”

Offering the best service means getting the right tools

As a Trade Commissioner, Jonathan was motivated to complete the FITTskills training to ensure he could offer the highest level of practical knowledge and expertise to his clients. He completed the program through an instructor-led program in 2016.

“The FITTskills instructor was very flexible and encouraged questions, allowing us to learn from their knowledge, but also incorporate the knowledge of their peers in the classroom.”

Jonathan found practical aspects of the course material to be especially helpful in offering the best advice to his clients looking for guidance with logistical issues.

“The FITTskills courses were interesting and condensed a lot of useful information into relatively small textbooks. Some of the information that has particularly improved my current service offering to clients were the practical issues faced by actively trading SMEs, such as required documentation, administration authorities and INCOTERMS.”

Upon successfully completing the FITTskills program, Jonathan didn’t hesitate in applying for the elite CITP®|FIBP® designation.

I decided to pursue the CITP®|FIBP® designation as it was a great way to highlight my credibility in serving companies entering global markets.

“I am very optimistic that the CITP®|FIBP® designation will be useful in my career advancement. It is widely recognized throughout Global Affairs Canada, and in today’s increasingly competitive workforce there is a real benefit to obtaining professional certifications to strengthen future job applications.”

Jonathan’s hard work and experience certainly seems to be paying off for him in his promising career with Global Affairs Canada, and for his clients, getting the support they need to go global for the first time. If you are a small business owner considering expanding into new markets, he may be just the person to help you get there.

The post Jonathan Steblin, CITP|FIBP – Trade Commissioner, Pacific Regional Office appeared first on Trade Ready.

Jim Clark, CITP|FIBP is the CBSA director responsible for trade operations in Prairie region. He oversees the customs officers who are responsible for conducting compliance verifications on companies who participate in importing and exporting.

Jim has an immense appreciation for the challenges, complexity and opportunities that the global trade industry brings to those who participate in it.

However, when he first began his long career of almost three decades in public service, Jim had no idea he would end up working in this sector.

Jim began his career as a social worker with the Government of Alberta, after graduating with a diploma in social service and social work from Mount Royal College in 1985.

In 1989, Jim moved on to take on the role of Area Counsellor for Veteran’s Affairs Canada, a position he held until 1997 when he entered a federal management development program called the Career Assignment Program.

“The Career Assignment Program’s mission was to identify people with “executive potential” and give them training and learning assignments to help them be successful in executive level competitions. The program has since been discontinued due to budgetary issues.”

Jumping at the chance to tackle trade

At the end of the program, Jim was offered a chance to switch gears and take on a role at the Canadian Border Services Agency, working in customs compliance.

It was his first taste of global trade and he found himself enjoying this new foray into a complicated, challenging and dynamic industry.

Prior to 2001, I had always worked in health and social programming for a variety of departments, and when I was given the chance to work in trade in customs, I jumped at it.

“Up until this point, my career had been very focused on human services. This was a significant departure for me, a job working in an enforcement/compliance organization and trade is huge.”

“There is always a different, new problem every day. The intellectual challenge was always apparent.”

Jim says what he enjoys most about working in global trade is the variety and complexity found in his everyday work experience. No two days are the same.

“I have found the challenge of the work to be an amazing experience. I enjoy the fact that you have so many different issues to deal with. Every day you might talk about horses, hinneys, auto parts, furniture, grains, jet engines, pumps, clothing and textiles – and everything is treated slightly differently.”

“Since 2001, I have worked exclusively in dealing with trade issues at the regional, national and occasionally international levels.”

“Every day there was something new to learn, and as we looked at the different goods and commodities and the issues that we faced, I knew early on that I was hooked.”

Meeting fascinating people in exotic locations

Over the course of his trade career, Jim has had the opportunity to do several international assessment missions, taking him to places as diverse as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Colombia, Peru, El Salvador and Costa Rica.

“Kabul was intense. Islamabad was beautiful – our embassy driver assured us that Islamabad was not the ‘real Pakistan’. When we told him that we would be going up to Peshawar, he said ‘that is the REAL Pakistan’.”

These missions were carried out on behalf of the Government of Canada in support of customs modernization, and were linked to trade facilitation.

Each mission had a particular focus, such as a post-clearance audit. Others were on authorized economic operators (trusted trader programs) or sometimes a review of business processes and other capacity building and strengthening.

Jim says of the experience,

It is amazing to work with people from around the world and to see the challenges that many of our colleagues face as we work to keep the global economy moving.

“We met with people who work in the various administrations, as well as with consultants and other government departments working to improve the functioning of the various governments. In some parts of the world, corruption is so commonplace that it is the number one concern of government managers and at times they feel powerless to deal with it.”

After nearly fifteen years, working as Director of Trade Operations, Jim still finds his work rewarding.

“I still find everyday working in the trade environment interesting and challenging.”

“On any given day I may speak with managers about contentious files or issues and talk to importers or other members of the trade community about a variety of issues related to customs clearance and compliance with trade, customs and tax rules, laws and regulations.”

Reinforcing 15 years of hard work and leadership

In 2015, Jim decided to seek his elite CITP®|FIBP® designation to signal his commitment, proficiency and leadership in international trade.

He successfully earned his designation in August 2015, joining his peers in the global trade elite community.

“I took the executive route to my CITP®|FIBP® designation because of the amount of time and the breadth of experience I have gained in this area. I believe it adds credibility and it adds valuable connections to my network. I am pleased to say that some of my current and former colleagues are also CITP|FIBP’s, which was part of the reason it interested me.”

I chose to apply for the CITP®|FIBP® designation because it is the hallmark of trade professionals, and to me, a valuable credential that will help me with my current career, as well as for my future plans when I leave the public service.

On top of earning his designation, Jim has been honoured for his work in trade by being awarded the Queen’s 50th Jubilee medal in 2003, as well as a Queen’s 60th Jubilee medal in 2013.

The medals “honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians,” and are administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall.

They were awarded to 60,000 citizens and permanent residents of Canada who made a significant contribution to their fellow countrymen, their community, or to Canada over the previous sixty years.

As for Jim’s future in global trade, he will continue to be a leader in his international trade community and serve the public capably and expertly.

“I have been involved with IPAC, I look forward to working on trade and leadership past the finish of my public service career. I would be very interested in consulting opportunities on customs and trade as well as management and leadership, particularly in relation to public service.”

The post Jim Clark, CITP|FIBP – Director, Trade Operations appeared first on Trade Ready.

Greg Gerritsen, CITP|FIBP is the Global Logistics and Trade Compliance Manager at Phoenix Technology Services, an international oil and gas services company based in Calgary, Alberta.

He has over fourteen years of diverse experience within the manufacturing, customs and logistics industries.

A favour from a friend turns out to be a twist of fate

Greg got started in international trade by accident, taking a job a friend had recommended him for as a way to make money towards his education and living expenses while studying.

He was attending college at the time, trying to figure out what he wanted to do in life, something to which many of us can relate.

He was originally taking courses in subjects as diverse as organic and inorganic chemistry, psychology, and fine arts when a friend helped him land a job at a global air freight forwarder. At first, Greg loaded aircraft trucks and ocean containers, and then moved his way up to planning international shipping and distribution for various global industries.

It started out as a good paying job to get me through school, and turned out to be the best job and decision I have ever made.

Before he knew it, he was organizing shipping for companies that had distribution centres all around the world, and managing various country customs laws and requirements for customers. Greg held the position as Logistics and Customs Specialist with Haworth from 1998-2003.

“It was with this hands-on global supply chain and logistics experience and training that I became focused not only on the international requirements for supply chain management (SCM) logistics, but began my specialized focus on International border compliance, import/export laws and regulations and SCM coordination with these regulatory bodies.”

“I thank my old college hockey buddy to this day for getting me that job.”

Building knowledge and experience side by side

He soon took a position as Customs and Logistics Specialist for Agrium, a major retail supplier of agricultural products and services in North America, South America and Australia.

While working hard at his full-time job, Greg also studied Canadian customs laws and regulations to further his knowledge, passing the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Customs Professional Exam in 2005.

Continuing to add to his international education in 2006, Greg took an intensive weeklong study program at York University’s Schulich School of Business, staying in residence on campus and earning a Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

In 2007, Greg moved on to a position as Trade Compliance and Customs Manager, taking on more responsibility and complex projects with Plains Midstream Canada, the Canadian subsidiary of Plains All American Pipeline L.P., providing solutions to logistical challenges in the crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) businesses.

He then moved up in the international trade industry again in 2013, as a Trade Compliance Manager with Baker Hughes Canada, a company with an intriguing history.

Now a powerhouse oil and gas solutions company, Baker Hughes Canada formed from legendary American business tycoon and inventor Howard Hughes’ company “Hughes Tool Company” and Baker International.

A demanding but rewarding new position

In 2015, Greg became Logistics and Trade Compliance Manager at Phoenix Technology Services, where he is responsible for supervising logistics and trade processes to develop and implement the best practices to ensure global trade compliance.

“I am responsible for international logistics, customs & tax compliance, and many other federal agency trade regulatory requirements that impact the organization’s import and export activity.”

A typical day for Greg consists of engagement with multiple departments at all levels throughout the organization, and advising and consulting on international trade issues, customs compliance and logistics business requirements.

He also oversees the compliant creation and flow of efficient U.S. and Canadian shipments, including regulatory documentation for all modes of transport (truck, rail, pipeline, ocean, air) and liaising with those various internal groups to ensure efficiency, cost effectiveness and compliance to cross border trade law and regulations.

It is undoubtedly a demanding role, but Greg takes satisfaction in rising to the challenges and excelling in his work.

Finding solutions and developing cost effective, compliant and efficient processes keeps me motivated and adds to my passion in the field of international trade.

“Every day is a new and exciting challenge and opportunity, from coordinating efforts to move equipment in and out of various regions, such as Russia, Albania, Egypt, Columbia or Peru, to supporting various tax or marketing initiatives for the business.”

Sharing his global trade expertise by taking on important leadership roles

Greg fits naturally into management and leadership roles, speaking at national logistics conferences, seminars and advisory committees on the subject of trade facilitation and cross border strategies.

“I am very active with many industry associations, such as the Canadian Association of Importers & Exporters (IECanada) as a Co-Chair for the Mining, Oil and Gas Committee, and am proud to have been on the Board of Directors for the past 5 years.”

“I enjoy mentoring those around me, and applying my knowledge and experience daily in the operations.”

Greg was also involved in one of FITT’s major initiatives over the past few years.

“I recently had the honour of being part of a National Steering Committee from 2010-2012 with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and FITT. The focus was on providing overall guidance, insights, advice, and input regarding the conditions that have the greatest impact on the international trade sector in Canada.”

“Working with FITT and HRSDC on the Pan-Canadian industry sector initiative, I became aware of the strong FITTskills program, CITP®|FIBP® designation, and FITT’s core values.”

Greg was ready to demonstrate his level of expertise and commitment to international trade by establishing himself as a leader in the industry, applying for his elite CITP®|FIBP® designation and earning it through the executive path in 2012.

I am very proud to have obtained my CITP®|FIBP® designation with FITT and my Canadian Customs Broker Professional and Licensed status with the CBSA.

“I very much enjoy applying my practical and formal training knowledge and experience daily.”

Greg also finds the time to co-direct Cross Check Cancer (CCC), a large charity organization and annual hockey tournament dedicated to raising funds through the exciting sport of hockey, for the fight against cancer.

This year, Greg spearheaded the first Annual Golf Classic branch of the CCC brand. It was a huge success, with over 75 participants enjoying one of the finer links style golf courses in the Calgary area.

Greg is now looking into kicking off a new foundation focusing on local community needs and benefiting cancer and Alzheimer’s research, both of which have directly impacted Greg’s family.

When he isn’t working tirelessly for the charity or the international trade industry, Greg can be found spending time with his wife Jan and two boys, Rowan and Seth, or playing hockey with friends and family.

With Greg’s expertise, passion and leadership in global trade, we know we can expect great things from him in the future.

The post Greg Gerritsen, CITP|FIBP – Global Logistics and Trade Compliance Manager appeared first on Trade Ready.

Ann Archer, CITP|FIBP, is an International Logistics Specialist for General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada (GDLS-C), a company based out of London, ON which manufactures light armoured vehicles (LAVs) and provides full fleet life cycle support including upgrades, repair services and training. Its global customers are governments and armed forces around the world.

With twenty-three years of experience in international trade, Ann is capable of taking on even the largest projects, ensuring that the goods she is responsible for will reach their destination without issue anywhere in the world.

From small-town Ontario to global markets

Ann’s global trade career began in 1992, working as an Export Sales and Marketing Manager for Cold Springs Farm Ltd. in Thamesford, ON. In the role, she was responsible for the international exports of turkey commodities.

It required close coordination with both the Canadian Turkey Marketing Board, to ensure all production quotas were met at a national level, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), to ensure all documentation and quality inspection met regulations.

It was during Ann’s years in this role that she first encountered FITT, and decided to take FITT courses.

She says that taking the courses made her feel confident that her skills matched up against the highest competency standards for international trade professionals.

In 2006, she earned her elite CITP®|FIBP® designation, and feels that having the designation has had an enormous impact on her career, particularly in proving her expertise in the industry.

Being a CITP®|FIBP® has numerous positive influences. For example, it is a symbol of competency and credibility when working with other trade partners.

She also says that completing FITT courses has similarly proved her international trade knowledge and commitment to it as a career.

“Education teaches discipline, provides self-esteem. Education tells your employers that you can work hard to accomplish things. Employers look for people who have stuck with their education. They want an employee who they know is going to be able to discipline themselves to come in to work, set goals and achieve them.”

Meeting new challenges in a new industry

After spending fifteen years with Cold Springs, Ann decided to move to GDLS to accept her current role in 2007.

As an International Logistics Specialist, Ann is responsible to ensure both import and exports of material and vehicles reach their international destinations compliantly, meeting cost, schedule and performance.

One step for Ann is dealing with ITAR (International Trade and Arms Regulations) compliance, TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods), Canadian import-export controls regulated by  Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, and ensuring all regulations set out by the Canadian Border Security Agency  and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are met.

Along with compliance documents, Ann has also had to execute and support letters of credit for foreign government agencies.

Another of her responsibilities is negotiating contract air charters to take vehicles or related equipment like turrets to countries like Switzerland, South Africa or Saudi Arabia for demonstrations or exhibitions to government officials.

Ann frequently uses different temporary export methods to send vehicles to trade shows in countries like the UAE, France, Australia and India, as well as for demonstrations for government officials in Europe, Africa, South America and the Middle East.

She must balance the pros and cons of air, ocean and ground transportation to find the best single or multi-modal method of sending the goods to their intended destination, while working with the necessary freight forwarders and all levels of government officials needed to approve the exports.

Speaking the languages of her trade

Ann says that one of the challenges of her position is remembering not only the terms and acronyms of international trade, but also those of the customer.

“We ship a lot of unique material and use various acronyms and often make reference to military terms.  One day I received an email that simply stated that according to Hoyle, this is how it should work.

“Puzzled, I read it a couple of times, wondering to myself if Hoyle might be a reference to a customer or Army representative. Finally I turned to my coworker who was copied on the same email and asked who or what is a Hoyle? Their response was “You’re asking me? I am from Europe.”

“My supervisor had overheard the question and stated, “Isn’t that an old rule book on card games?” Sure enough, it was.”

It turned out that the phrase “according to Hoyle” now means the speaker is asserting their authority on the subject.

The moral of the story is if you want people to understand you the first time, please be clear and concise and don’t use slang or acronyms.

If you do need to use acronyms, spell them out the first time you use them.  Remember we work in a diverse environment, with different age groups, backgrounds and ethnicities.”

The right people create the right results

Since Ann started her current role, she has managed to achieve major goals.

Ann was able to synchronize the company’s scheduling production with their ocean transportation and end user delivery requirements, saving the company over $6 million.

She is also proud of her ability to play a role in the company’s larger objectives, such as being awarded contracts with the Colombian Government, the Peruvian Government, and Saudi Arabia.

For her efforts, Ann has won several major company awards, being on the team receiving the GDLS Global Supply Chain Management Council Excellence Award twice, as well as “several Spontaneous Recognition awards for cost avoidance, outstanding efforts and going above and beyond expectations” in her role.

She credits the quality of professionals in the company for her personal and team success.

“In today’s global environment, competing against or working with several strategic partners, under a strongly regulated environment, companies cannot afford to be complacent. The strength is in the people.

Having a well-educated, diversified group of people, I believe, has helped carry us forward, and remain strong and ahead of our competition.

After completing her FITT courses and having her CITP®|FIBP® designation for over eight years, there is no doubt that Ann has the education and expertise necessary to continue to excel in global trade, and to help her company stay ahead in international markets.

The post Ann Archer, CITP|FIBP – International Logistics Specialist appeared first on Trade Ready.