Supporting Exporters Across the State
South Carolina International Trade Coalition
The South Carolina International Trade Coalition is an organization made up of associations and organizations that provide export services to companies across the state of South Carolina. Members meet regularly to collaborate on export training events, international trade missions, and company outreach opportunities.
What We Do
Here to Serve You
The South Carolina International Trade Coalition is a one-stop-shop for all your exporting assistance needs. The coalition members are a close-knit group of governmental and non-profit associations and organizations who are prepared to collectively lead companies from step to step in the learning process to succeed at exporting. From expert guidance on crucial matters to strategic advice on important decisions, the coalition members are here to guide you through it all. Contact any of our members today to start growing your exports and expanding your markets.
Export Plan Development
Putting You On the Path to Success
Coalition Members
Dorette Coetsee
U.S. Commercial Service
As director of the U.S. Commercial Service in Columbia, Charleston and Greenville, part of the ITA and linked with 80 trade centers in the U.S. and linked with over 100 overseas offices, Dorette leads a team to assist U.S. businesses with export planning, and locating qualified overseas buyers.
Carla Edwards
SC Department of Commerce
As International Trade Manager, Carla serves both new and established SC exporters looking to grow their sales and revenue internationally. She provides one-on-one export counseling, conducts export workshops, and coordinates trade missions. She serves as the SC director for the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP).
Ray Davidson
SC Department of Commerce
Ray serves as International Trade Coordinator and works with exporting companies throughout the state. He promotes and recruits companies into the South Carolina Export Incentives Program and organizes trade events, including international trade missions and training seminars.
Frank A. Anderson
U.S. Small Business Administration
The SC District Office assists small businesses with counseling, capital access, free training and contracting. The SBA also works with lenders to provide loans up to $5 million and trains socially and economically disadvantaged businesses on federal contracts through the 8(a) Business Development program.
Andy Carr
SC Manufacturing Extension Partnership
As SVP of Operations, Andy helps companies with Competitiveness Reviews, certifications to international standards, and more. SCMEP is a private, non-profit group that serves South Carolina businesses, providing them with a range of innovative strategies and solutions.
Michele Abraham
SC Small Business Development Centers
Michele has served as the director of the state's Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) since 2010. SBDC representatives offer private consulting in all areas of business, including export planning, export market identification, and export financing.
Beth Armstrong Smith
SC Small Business Development Centers
Beth is a NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional and a senior business consultant with the SC Small Business Development Centers. Her areas of specialization include: business strategy/growth; business process, workflow analysis & organizational design; international trade/business diversification; talent assessment, recruitment & development systems
Katie Rees
SC Department of Agriculture
It is the mission of the SCDA to promote and nurture the development of SC's agriculture industry and related businesses while assuring the safety and security of the buying public. As Market Development Director and through her work with the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA), Katie and her team assist South Carolina based agribusinesses promote value-added U.S. food and agricultural products to foreign markets.
Rene Dentiste Mueller, PhD
Global Business Resource Center, College of Charleston
Rene serves as the director of the International Business Program and Global Business Resource Center at the College of Charleston. The center provides export and import planning, market research, and training opportunities.
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Charles Kerekes
SC District Export Council
Charles serves as the treasurer of the South Carolina District Export Council (DEC). DEC members volunteer their time to sponsor and participate in trade promotion activities and to provide specialized expertise and mentoring to small and medium-sized businesses that are interested in exporting.
Margie Hardwick
Charleston Women in International Trade
Charleston Women in International Trade (CWIT) champions the role of international trade professionals, particularly women in Charleston and throughout South Carolina. Programs include monthly luncheon programs, networking opportunities, continuing education scholarships, academic scholarships and recognition for excellence.
Upcoming Events
Global Business Knowledge Workshop
March 17, 2023
8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Workshop participants will have the opportunity to review the four domains, duties, tasks, and knowledge statements
associated with the CGBP national board exam. The course also explores test-taking strategies, how to study and prepare for the exam, and will provide participants access to sample exam
questions that can be used to validate learning/preparation.
Harmonized Tariff System and Schedule B Classification Webinar
April 5, 2023
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
When was the last time you received training on product classification? Are you relying on a customs broker or freight
forwarder with little or no input from your company? How can you prove to customs that you used due diligence and
reasonable care when determining your classifications?
British Consul General Talks Economy & Business
April 13, 2023
8:30-10:00 a.m.
The United Kingdom is a force in the global economy. In 2022, its GDP ranked #6 in the world, and Upstate SC is home to more than 55 United Kingdom-based companies. Consul General Rachel Galloway will provide an economic update on U.K. trade, business, and immigration and how her office helps U.S. companies looking to do business with the U.K.
Building Bridges to Global Markets
April 18, 2023
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Building Bridges to Global Markets brings no-cost, in-person exporting expertise to your community. Addressing issues most common to diverse businesses seeking international sales expansion, this event will introduce reliable contacts, accurate information, and ready-to-use resources that will place you firmly on the road to exporting success.
Featured speaker: Arun Venkataraman, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce
Global Upstate Conference on International Business and Foreign Affairs
October 3-4, 2023
The 2023 Global Upstate Conference, presented by the World Affairs Council Upstate and hosted at the City of Greer Event Hall and the Cannon Centre, is an interdisciplinary event that will bring scholars and leaders together for serious and thoughtful discussions about the most pressing issues and opportunities facing the world.
SCDEC Export Training Classes
December 7-8, 2023
Export Compliance | December 7 | 9:00am –Noon | $395
Int’l Traffic & Arms Regulations| December 7 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm| $395
Incoterms® 2020| December 8 | 9:00am –11:30am | $295
Do you meet the SBA’s definition of a small business? If so, you may qualify for South Carolina Export Incentives Program grant funds to cover your registration fee. Please contact the SC Department of Commerce at export@SCcommerce.com
Contact Us
Need assistance? Contact any of the above members directly.
To stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities, use the subscribe option below. This will notify coalition members to add you to their email notification lists. To unsubscribe, please contact the individual coalition members.