Wichita, KS — (May 11, 2022) — Kansas Global Trade Services (KGTS) announces that President and CEO Laura Lombard has been appointed to a federal trade committee that guides the development of trade policies affecting small, minority, and woman-led businesses.
Lombard will serve on the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Small, Minority, and Woman-led Business (ITAC 9) until 2026, representing the perspective of KGTS to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to guide the development of the U.S. government’s international trade policies and trade agreements that benefit U.S. businesses, workers, and the economy.
Ronnie Leonard, President and CEO of Balco and Chairman of the KGTS Board of Directors said, “We are thrilled Laura will be in a position where she has an even greater opportunity to benefit businesses in the heartland by advocating for the best trade policies and increasing access to federal programs and services.”
Lombard was nominated to apply for ITAC 9 by former President and CEO of KGTS, Karyn Page, who also served as head of ITAC 9 until 2021. Lombard completed an application and security clearance before her appointment. ITAC advisors are chosen based on factors such as industry representation and individual knowledge.
Lombard said, “Kansas Global is strongly committed to assisting businesses from underserved communities succeed in international trade and business. It will be my honor to advocate for policies at the national level that will empower small, minority, and women-led businesses throughout the U.S.”
“Laura’s experience in global trade is an asset to ITAC 9 and we look forward to the perspective she will bring to this committee,” said Mark Wingate, President of Maxi-Volt, who also serves on ITAC 9 in addition to the KGTS Board of Directors.
As part of ITAC 9, Lombard will attend meetings, both virtually and in-person, to advise the current Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Trade Representative on trade policies that would benefit small, minority and women -led businesses.
The U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative rely on the network of 15 ITACs to provide private sector input on current and proposed trade policies and treaties. The Biden-Harris Administration emphasizes commitment to a trade agenda that advances racial equity and supports underserved communities.
About Kansas Global Trade Services, Inc.
Kansas Global Trade Services is an international trade consulting firm that provides customized consulting and export services to help businesses, governments, and other organizations establish, expand, and strengthen their presence and participation in international markets. Since 1987, our experienced export assistance professionals have helped our clients design market-entry strategies that cut through red tape, identify, and leverage partnership opportunities, overcome documentation challenges, and fast-track sales and relationships abroad.
