Launched last summer, the Arkansas chapter of the Organization of Women in International Trade will host its inaugural events later this month to analyze the U.S. international business forecast for 2022 and a networking seminar for women in the export industry.

Established in 1989, the Organization of Women In International Trade (OWIT) is a global association for women working in international trade and business. OWIT Arkansas' mission is to promote bilateral trade and education for women and students. The OWIT Arkansas chapter is a unique institution as it partners the World Trade Center Arkansas and the U of A. 

The first event, President Biden's Vision for 2022, will be moderated by former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater. An Arkansas native, Slater graduated from the U of A and served in the Clinton administration. He is now a partner at Squire Patton Boggs, a global law firm.

The panelists include two former ambassadors, Matthew Kirk and Frank G. Wisner. 

Kirk is a former British ambassador who spent more than 20 years in the field, with posts in the U.S., Serbia, France and Finland. Wisner served as U.S. ambassador to four countries across four presidential administrations. Today, Kirk and Wisner are international affairs advisers at Squire Patton Boggs.

The webinar will be held from 11 a.m. to noon (CST) on Feb. 22. Register at this link.

The second event, Trade 2022: Where Are We Headed, will be World Trade Center Arkansas' first in-person event of 2022.

Join us from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on March 3 at the Center as we hear from Nicole Bivens Collinson and Angela Marshall Hofmann, two of the sharpest professionals in the field of international trade. Register at this link.

Collinson leads the International Trade and Government relations practice of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., and serves as managing principal of the Washington, D.C., office. She is also a member of the firm's Operating Committee and a commentator on trade matters on MSNBC and NPR.

Hofmann has been a trusted adviser to government officials, CEOs and senior executives for more than two decades. She serves as vice president of International Trade and Supply Chain Resiliency, and with Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg advises and represents clients on global trade and supply chain transparency issues before global policymakers and regulators.

"These events will be beneficial to anyone wanting an expert analysis of international markets and the value of American exports for 2022," said Denise Thomas, CEO of World Trade Center Arkansas.

"If you're interested in growing your small business to a global audience, these events will be your launching pad."

About the World Trade Center Arkansas: The mission of the World Trade Center Arkansas is to grow trade and increase Arkansas exports by connecting Arkansas businesses to the world through international trade services. The center is part of the University of Arkansas and serves as the official trade promotion arm for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. For more information and valuable updates, please follow the center on Facebook and Twitter or subscribe to the World Trade Center Arkansas newsletter.