Ray Bowman to provide international trade expertise

CAMARILLO, Calif. – Secretary of Commerce John Bryson recently appointed international trade expert Ray Bowman, director of EDC-VC’s Small Business Development Center, to the prestigious national District Export Council, Southern California Chapter.

As a DEC member, Bowman will counsel small- to medium-size businesses on the exporting process, and provide trade education and community outreach.

“The DEC is fortunate to have members with such a broad knowledge of international business as demonstrated by Ray,” said Gerald Vaughn, Director of Commercial Service, Ventura County ITA/US Department of Commerce, who nominated Bowman for the position. “Ray has accumulated extensive knowledge of international trade, which makes him a valuable asset for companies in the U.S. wanting to find new markets globally. His experience in all facets of the exporting process makes him an excellent counselor for exporters who need help with all their export-related needs.”

There are 40 business executives in the DEC Southern California Chapter and approximately 1,800 members nationwide. Each member undergoes a vetting process of up to a year before being appointed.

Bowman has more than 24 years of experience in international trade and logistics, and has worked with some of the world’s largest banks and freight forwarders. He has developed courses on international trade for Santa Barbara City College, EDC-VC’s SBDC, Centers for International Trade Development, Economic Vitality Corporation, the Export Small Business Development Center and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Bowman has an MBA from Thomas Edison State College and is certified in NX-Level training, BIS export licensing, team building and online education.

The SBDC is funded by the SBA and provides professional business assistance at no cost to businesses. Participating businesses are required to follow a well-defined scope of work and report their economic successes. These SBA milestones are defined as job creation, increase in sales, capital investment, jobs retained and business started.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center, loan programs, the Manufacturing Outreach Program, Global Entrepreneur Training in Trade (G.E.T. Trade) program, or other services available to small businesses through EDC-VC, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 24 or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Or visit www.edc-vc.com.