Governor Laura Kelly Congratulates International Division at Kansas Department of Commerce on Receiving Outstanding Service Award

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today congratulated the Kansas Department of Commerce’s International Division for being named an Outstanding Service Provider by the World Trade Center – Kansas City (WTC-KC) for the first time ever.

“Congratulations to the International Division at KDC for receiving this significant and well-deserved recognition – you work is critical to strengthening our economy and establishing Kansas as a leader in the global marketplace,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “From day one, we’ve reinvested in our International Division to expand our state’s export potential and attract international companies to Kansas. This award, and the record levels of economic development we’ve achieved since 2019, are proof that our efforts are working.”

The international division was nominated for the honor by the Greater Kansas City Chamber, and the award was presented at the Go Global KC event this morning at the Summit Tech Academy (STA).

The award is given to just one organization each year. Commerce’s International Division is the sole 2021 recipient.

“This prestigious award is proof that our steadfast and aggressive efforts to focus on increasing exports and international business recruitment are being noticed,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Kansas is rapidly building an international reputation for innovation and creating momentum, especially during this difficult time of disruptions in supply chains.”

The International Division was re-established by Governor Kelly in 2019 with the hiring of International Division Director Jeff Willis. The team supports Kansas’ international businesses by offering export assistance and attracting foreign direct investment into the state. See more about their services and programs at www.kansascommerce.gov/international.

“What a pleasure it is to receive this award on behalf of my colleagues on the International team here at Commerce,” KDC International Division Director Jeff Willis said. “We are honored to have our hard work recognized by a partner trade promotion organization in this way. It’s a clear reminder of just how well our entire community of international trade specialists work together toward our common goal of helping our regional companies export.”

Go Global KC is the WTC-KC’s annual event to promote Kansas City’s international trade economy and ecosystem. The STA located at the University of Central Missouri’s Innovation Campus in Lee’s Summit is a career-focused academy designed to prepare students for the future professional workforce. This year’s STA session focuses on global supply-chain disruptions, lessons learned, and outlooks for the future.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, nationwide and worldwide. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.