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 benefits of international trade.
Notice of incorporation was published in the Daily Record of Omaha on April 18, 1968. The first MITA board meeting was held the following day on April 19, 1968. Attending were the founding members: Fred Chase, A.M. Greenberg and Joseph Hallas. Six additional board members were then elected bringing the number of board members to nine. Annual dues were set at $10.00/person.
Over the years, MITA has been an active member of the international business community in the Midwest. Its leadership and activities not only support the expansion of international trade but assist in developing a network of information, collaboration and education.
With expressed interest and support from MITA, the U.S. Department of Commerce (USDOC) opened a “satellite office” in Omaha bringing George Payne, director of the Kansas City Field Office, to Omaha, in 1972.
With support from the USDOC and Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NDED), MITA organized the first trade mission from Nebraska. The mission was scheduled for October 17-30, 1976, traveling to Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. Estimated cost for the mission was $1200 – $1350. Estimated hotel costs for 13 nights was $369.00 total.
In 1995, MITA secured a bus and took it’s one and only overnight “road trip.” MITA members traveled to Kansas City for a joint meeting with the Kansas City Trade Club and visited the Kansas City Board of Trade and U.S. Foreign Trade Zone in Kansas City prior to returning.
In 1997, MITA established Nebraska’s Importer and Exporter Awards which are now presented at the World Trade Conference in May of each year as part of World Trade Week.
MITA members were instrumental in the redevelopment of the Omaha Foreign Trade Zone culminating in a reactivation ceremony in 2006. The FTZ has positioned Nebraska as a key location for central distribution for North America.
Throughout its history, MITA has sponsored and co-sponsored events to educate and enhance our ability to do business internationally, providing networking opportunities for companies experienced in international trade, and those just starting their journey. These programs utilize visiting dignitaries, veteran exporters, service companies and educational institutions. MITA has partnered with the US Export Assistance Center (USDOC) and Nebraska Department of Economic Development to co-sponsor country specific focused seminars, training in Incoterms, export compliance, and international payment terms, along with their signature World Trade Conference and other state-wide and community events. Over the entirety of MITA’s existence, the international business community across the Midwest has continued to grow and expand into international markets.
The COVID pandemic forced MITA to conduct all of it’s meetings (including board meetings) online through Zoom. This helped MITA to continue offering it’s important programming, and extended the organizations reach. It also was informative that we could continue to recruit excellent speakers from anywhere in the world to join our online meetings. Most of the MITA content that is done in the winter months will continue to be virtual for the foreseeable future.
The number of board members was increased to 12 in 1972; to 16 in 1974; and in 1977 the number was up to 24! By 1995 the number had been reduced to 11. In 2001, MITA created an Advisory Council of 5 members, to give insight into the international needs of the business community and increase the involvement of MITA in other international programs and organizations. Today, the current Board of Directors has been increased to 13 and the Advisory Council to 7.
“To foster the development and expansion of international trade in the Midwest; discover and encourage new foreign markets for our products and services; promote better understanding and appreciation of the significance of international trade in our economy; and provide a forum for members to share ideas on common international trade problems and solutions.”
Our research indicates that the idea for World Trade Week was conceived in 1926 by Stanley T. Olafson, then manager of the World Trade Department of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. It was first observed in 1927 in Southern California.
In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially proclaimed World Trade Week as a national observance by the U.S. Government and selected the third week in May each year to recognize the many benefits of international trade and trade relations. (This period also includes May 22, National Maritime Day.)
Initially, Stanley Olafson’s purpose of World Trade Week was simply the promotion of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach California in promoting international trade. However, the continuing growth of our economy after World War II and increased involvement in world trade expanded World Trade Week activities to include a recognition and celebration of the many faces of international trade promotion and development in both the public and private sector. World Trade Week activities across the U.S. now highlight the many organizations, private companies, communities and individuals involved in world trade.
Historically, the U.S. Department of Commerce in Omaha took the lead in organizing World Trade Week events in Nebraska. However, World Trade Week in Nebraska has become a partnership between the U.S.
MITA is a member of the Federation of International Trade Association (FITA)
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