Burkett Elected as Chair of National Association of District Export Councils (NADEC)

HUNTSVILLE, AL, October 2024 – The North Alabama International Trade Association (NAITA) is pleased to announce that its Executive Director, Anne Burkett, has been elected to serve as the 2024-25 Chair of the National Association of District Export Councils (NADEC). NADEC’s mission, similar to that of NAITA but on a national scale, is to assist businesses, primarily SMEs, in becoming successful exporters. This mission is accomplished by increasing awareness and understanding of the importance of exports to the U.S. economy through education, legislative outreach, and engagement with local District Export Councils (DECs) and other relevant stakeholders.

“I am honored to serve this national trade organization that supports export development and provides assistance to DECs across the U.S. to inform, educate and advocate for trade,” said Burkett. “Educating our SMEs, stakeholders, and the public on the importance of exports and supporting SMEs in growing their markets internationally is the driving force for all of NADEC’s programs and initiatives.”

District Export Councils are comprised of business leaders and trade professionals from local communities, appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, whose expertise in international business provides a source for professional advice for firms at the local grassroots level. Affiliated with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Export Assistance Centers and the U.S. Commercial Service, over 60 DECs across the nation support America’s exporters and potential exporters. Burkett has been an active member of the Alabama District Export Council for many years and has represented the Southern Region of DECs on the NADEC Board for the last 6 years serving as the national Communications Officer, Secretary of the Board, and Vice Chair.

The Alabama District Export Council is especially pleased that Anne Burkett has been elected as Chair of the NADEC! “Anne understands the critical importance of a level global playing field so our businesses can be competitive in the global marketplace. The Alabama DEC fully supports her engagement at the national level,” said Mike Lee, Alabama DEC Chair.

NAITA President Daryl Davis enthusiastically supports this opportunity for trade collaboration. “Anne will have the opportunity to gain insights on trade from business professionals and like-minded organizations across the nation that will ultimately benefit NAITA’s trade development initiatives,” said Davis.

NAITA and the Alabama District Export Council are pleased to have a leadership connection to this influential national network of international business professionals to provide greater benefit to our local and state economy for trade development and support of our SMEs.

About NAITA
The North Alabama International Trade Association (NAITA) is a business-driven trade organization committed to increasing knowledge, interest, and activity in international trade in North Alabama for more than 40 years. NAITA’s mission is to provide international trade education, advocacy, and connections to promote economic growth in North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. Further information on NAITA is available at https://naita.org.

About NADEC
The National Association of District Export Councils (NADEC) is a non-profit corporation that increases awareness and understanding of the importance of exports to the U.S. economy through education, legislative outreach, and engagement with DECs and other relevant stakeholders. NADEC works to support the regional District Export Councils throughout the United States.

About the Alabama District Export Council
The Alabama District Export Council (DEC) is one of 61 DECs throughout the country charged with encouraging and supporting the export of goods and services that will strengthen individual companies, stimulate U.S. economic growth, and create jobs. The Alabama DEC is a non-profit organization composed of experienced exporters and businesspeople who regularly provide support services to exporting companies. Each DEC member has been appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce because of his or her recognized real world expertise in international trade matters and commitment to volunteerism on behalf of the local exporting community. DEC members share their time and specialized expertise with small- and medium-sized businesses that are interested in starting to export or expand into new markets.