Three Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center consultants have earned an international business credential held by only a handful of Arkansans.

Liz Russell, Rudy Ortiz, and Kelly Massey completed the requirements for the Certified Global Business Professional credential from NASBITE International, the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators, earlier this month.

Russell and Ortiz are business consultants at the ASBTDC Lead Center in UALR’s College of Business. Massey is center director/business consultant at the Henderson State University ASBTDC office.

NASBITE began offering the CGBP credential in 2005. Nationwide, 1,075 people – including just nine from Arkansas – have earned the CGBP distinction, the only professional certification in international business offered through a U.S. agency.

“As holders of the prestigious CGBP credential, Liz Russell, Rudy Ortiz, and Kelly Massey are in elite company,” said Janet Roderick, ASBTDC state director. “We are proud of their accomplishment and pleased that their expertise is available to Arkansas companies interested in exporting.”

Foreign markets represent growth opportunities for Arkansas companies, and ASBTDC wants to help the state’s small businesses explore their international opportunities, Roderick said. The center’s extensive market research capabilities can identify new foreign and domestic markets for Arkansas-based companies’ products. This spring, ASBTDC partnered with the Arkansas District Export Council and the Arkansas U.S. Commercial Service to offer “Export U” training for small businesses interested in exporting.

CGBP recognizes an individual’s ability to conduct global business including trade finance, global business management, global marketing, and supply chain management. To receive the CGBP designation, candidates must pass the CGBP exam and have two years of college-level education or global commerce experience.

Arkansas firms interested in receiving international business consulting at no charge through the ASBTDC can call (501) 683-7700 for an appointment.

The ASBTDC program is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the UALR College of Business. The program assists new, existing, and expanding small businesses and innovation-based ventures through a statewide network of seven offices.