The Kentucky World Trade Center's 17th annual World Trade Day was attended by over 400 guests, including over 45 foreign dignitaries from 20 countries. These countries represented some of Kentucky's most important trading partners. The event featured a morning educational program, an international trade fair, and an awards luncheon. Morning breakout sessions featured panel discussions on doing business with China and Asia, as well as export financing structures.

The keynote address was given by Dr. Chris Neely, an economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Other luncheon speakers included Mayor Jerry Abramson of Louisville, Mayor Jim Newberry of Lexington, Congressman John Yarmuth, KWTC Chair and Former Governor Martha Layne Collins, Michael Francesconi of UPS, Commissioner Jim Navolio, and KWTC President & CEO J. Edwin Webb.

Dr. Neely's presentation, "Prosperity in a Challenging Global Economy," discussed the current economic outlook and the benefits of international trade. Dr. Neely received his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and his undergraduate degree from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. He has spoken on a number of trade-related matters, and his publication topics include technical trading rules, foreign exchange intervention and financial market volatility.

There were three winners of the Governor's Award for International Trade Excellence (GAITE): Link-Belt Construction Equipment Company, PHOENIX Process Equipment Company, and Zoeller Company. All were recognized for their success in international trade.

Above: Governor Collins and Jim Navolio with Roy Burger of Link-Belt (center).

Above: Governor Collins and Jim Navolio with John Waugh of PHOENIX (center).

Above: Governor Collins and Jim Navolio with Billy Walker of Zoeller (center).