| International Trade Awards Honoree & Benefit Dinner Guest Speaker |
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2008 Friends of International Trade Honoree
Mr. George A. Welch, Owner
Self Improvement Educational Center
Mr. George A. Welch is the owner of the Self Improvement Educational Center (SIEC), a bookstore and cultural awareness center located in Norfolk, Virginia. Mr. Welch has been providing his African-centered services to the City of Norfolk and surrounding communities for over 25 years. SIEC provides educational and ethnic products useful not only to the African American community, but to anyone interested in learning more about African culture and business.
Mr. Welch’s customers include people from all backgrounds including high school students, college students and military personnel. A military veteran, Mr. Welch has traveled the world and understands the importance of educating and expanding Americans knowledge on cultures outside the United States and merging this knowledge in a business format. When asked what motivates him to operate his business for so many years, he says his driving force is helping the community and the real spiritual connection with people who are in need, and what I have to offer and make connections with them.
Diversity Restoration Solutions, Inc. salutes Mr. George A. Welch, owner of the Self-Improvement Educational Center, as its 2008 Friends of International Trade Award honoree.
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Benefit Dinner Guest Speaker
Ms. Jessica Arnold, International Trade Specialist
U.S. & Foreign Commercial Services - U.S. Department of Commerce
Ms. Jessica Arnold is an International Trade Specialist for the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Services, an international trade division at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Ms. Arnold recently organized and led a delegation of U.S. corporations on a trade mission to sub-Saharan African (Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa) in March 2008.
As an international export trade promotions director, Ms. Arnold helps U.S. businesses understand the why’s and how’s of exporting Having led a trade mission to emerging markets sub-Saharan Africa, Ms. Arnold brings unique perspective on U.S.-Africa global economic ties and the vast opportunities available to American businesses in the 21st century.
In addition to her position at the Department of Commerce, Ms. Arnold is the owner of JMA Global Consulting, an international trade development consulting firm and a member of the Association of Women in International Trade organization. Ms. Arnold received her Master's degree in International Trade Police from the George Mason University's School of Public Policy in Arlington, Virginia.
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