VAGTC helps thousands with global projects

Students, faculty, staff and members of the West Michigan community gathered at the L. William Seidman Center, February 6, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Van Andel Global Trade Center.

The center, named for Jay Van Andel, co-founder of Amway Corporation, helps companies increase international business and become more competitive in the global marketplace.

“We are proud of the center’s many accomplishments over the first 15 years, assisting the Michigan global trading community and connecting Grand Valley students and faculty to hands-on projects that support global growth,” said Sonja Johnson, director of VAGTC. “The center is prepared to continue to offer new and innovative services to impact global trade for our community in the years to come.”

VAGTC is an outreach center in the Seidman College of Business, offering international market research, consulting, import/export training and educational programs.

Diana Lawson, dean of the Seidman College of Business, said she is impressed with the level of engagement among members of the VAGTC, community and university. “Successful communities around the country have a strong connection to an academic institution,” Lawson said. “Our collaboration has helped area businesses grow and our students to be more global minded.”

The center has supported more than 6,800 businesses and 20,000 people through consulting projects. It has also provided more than 30 Grand Valley students the opportunity to receive hands-on experience conducting international market research and assisting with global projects. VAGTC has taken area business representatives and Grand Valley faculty on trade missions to China, Canada, India and Brazil.

For more information about the Van Andel Global Trade Center, visit www.gvsu.edu/vagtc.