The AlabamaInternational Trade Center was created in 1979 as one of the first international SBDCs. Since its inception, the AITC has provided export trade research, education, finance, and training throughout Alabama.
History & Personnel
Dr. William R. Bennett, Emeritus Professor of Marketing and International Business at the University of Alabama, founded the Trade Center in 1979. AITC was one of the first university-based small business development centers in the country that focused specifically on international trade. Following Dr. Bennett's retirement in 1983, Ms. Nisa Miranda, who had helped Bennett establish the Center while completing her MBA, was promoted to Director. Miranda would oversee the Center's growth and development for the next 21 years, helping the Center become designated as SBA's State Model of Excellence in International Trade. and NASBITE International. In addition to serving on the University's Advisory Board for International Business, Davis also teaches an import-export class at the Culverhouse College of Commerce & Business Administration. AITC currently employs several consultants:
Michael J. Brooks, Assistant Director - Research & Training
In addition to the professional staff, AITC employs up to 20 Research Fellows as part of its research staff. The Research Fellows are hired on a competitive basis, and consist of graduate and undergraduate students with expertise in market research, business strategy, foreign relations, political science, and foreign languages. Mr. Brooks has been in charge of hiring and training the research staff since 1998; Brooks also serves as the Center's Senior International Trade Specialist. The Trade Center is part of the Alabama Small Business Development Center Network, a statewide network of 10 management and technical assistance centers. The Small Business Administration is a United States government agency that provides support to small businesses. The SBA was created by way of the Small Business Act of July 30, 1953.
Export Alabama Trade Alliance
The Alabama International Trade Center is a founding member of the Export Alabama Trade Alliance. Export Alabama is a group of government agencies, business and professional associations, and economic development entities in Alabama that share the fundamental goal of helping Alabama companies to grow their business internationally. The list of Export Alabama partners includes:
