Omaha, NE, May 1, 2008—The Midwest International Trade Association (MITA) is celebrating a 40-year milestone this year. 
Back in 1968, a group of young business visionaries formed an organization called the Midwest International Trade Association (MITA), for the express purpose of educating, promoting, and expanding international trade in the Midwest.  With an emphasis on exporting, the association’s programs were focused on educating local companies on the basic logistics and benefits of international trade.
According to Larry Uebner, MITA president from 1973-’74, “most companies were too busy filling domestic orders to worry about the complexities of selling overseas,” which meant international business opportunities were being overlooked.  Uebner identified the most significant changes taking place during the past 40 years as the use of Internet and ease of worldwide communications.  “Conference calling and speed of air travel make international transactions easier,” Uebner said.  “And I believe Nebraska manufacturers now see the advantages of balancing out domestic sales with international sales when the domestic economy is slow.”  
While there have been significant changes in communication, transportation and technology that have eased our ability to trade internationally, MITA’s mission hasn’t strayed far from its founding goals and principles.  Today, MITA continues to sponsor meetings, networking events, educational seminars, and international trade conferences to further the growth and expansion of trade between the Midwest and foreign markets.
This year’s World Trade Conference to be held May 20 in Omaha  will not only provide an historical retrospect of what international business looked like 40 years ago, but fast forward to the future via discussions that focus on the conference theme: “New World, New Challenges, New Opportunities.”  Speakers will share their vision for the next 40 years.  Guest speakers include:  Governor Dave Heineman; Phil Patterson, Phil Patterson Inc; Larry Uebner, US Bank – Retired; Bob Turner, Sr. VP, Union Pacific Railroad; Jeff Fite, District Sales Director, United Parcel Service; Anthony Infiesto, Maersk Line Ltd; Rajive Johri, President, 1st National Bank; Chris Roth, President, Reinke Manufacturing; April Kelly, Director, LinkedIn; and John Kavanagh, Special Agent with the FBI.
“For 40 years, MITA has continued to grow and expand their membership and programs to successfully support local companies competing in the global economy,” said Jim Grewe, MITA president. “International trade has changed dramatically in the Midwest and throughout the world, yet MITA’s vision has kept up with these changes and continues on.”
More information on MITA, including upcoming events, can be found at: www.mitaonline.org.