Van Andel Global Trade Center celebrates 15 years

Grand Valley's Van Andel Global Trade Center is celebrating 15 years of helping companies increase international business and become more competitive in the global marketplace. A ceremony will take place February 6, at L. William Seidman Center on Grand Valley’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

VAGTC, an outreach center in the Seidman College of Business, offers international market research, consulting, import/export training and educational programs. 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 businesses and Grand Valley faculty on trade missions to China, Canada, India and Brazil.

The center is named for Jay Van Andel, co-founder of Amway Corporation; the Jay and Betty Van Andel Foundation was a key financial contributor to the center.

VAGTC 15th Anniversary Celebration
February 6
3:30-6 p.m.
L. William Seidman Center, 50 Front Ave., Grand Rapids

In 1999, Van Andel Global Trade Center became the grantee-administrator for the Kent-Ottawa-Muskegon Foreign-Trade Zone. In 2005, the center received the Exporter of the Year award for outstanding contribution and commitment to international trade from the West Michigan World Trade Association, and became a City-State Partner of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, providing expertise and resources for businesses in need of financing options for international sales.

Van Andel Global Trade Center facts:
• 405 international events and trainings
• 6,843 businesses trained
• 205 VAGTC members
• 86 college classrooms visited to discuss international business opportunities
• 32 students employed at the center, gaining international experience

For more information, contact the Van Andel Global Trade Center at (616) 331-6811.