World Trade Center Alaska.

• Author: Pollock, Rick
• Position: Special section: WORLD TRADE CENTER ALASKA 25th Anniversary

Dear Alaskan Executive:

I am proud to serve as the chairman of the World Trade Center Alaska (WTCAK) board of directors during 2012, the organization's 25th anniversary year. It's an exciting time to be involved with the Center. Alaska's international trade economy continues to grow and the state, despite significant headwinds as a result of a sluggish global economy, achieved a new record for exports to markets around the world over the last year. These export activities support thousands of high-paying jobs, generate significant investments in our natural resource industries, and help to diversify the state's economic base.

For the past quarter century, WTCAK has worked with its members and community partners to explore and pursue international trade opportunities. On a daily basis, we are involved with companies from across the state, small and large, that share an interest in building their businesses by exporting products or services to customers overseas. In addition, companies that provide services to the exporting community, such as banks, freight forwarders, law firms and customs brokers, also benefit from Trade Center membership.

Over the years, we have helped introduce Alaskans to new markets, such the Russian Far East and, more recently, to China--Alaska's fastest growing, and now largest, trading partner. With an eye toward the future, the Center...