The Award was presented to Robert Scherer (left), Dean of the College of Business, by Ro Khanna, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Commercial Service (center). Also pictured is Sue Whitney (right), Office Director, U.S. Commercial Service - U.S. Dept. of Commerce.

For outstanding service to the Northeast Ohio business community in the arena of global trade, Cleveland State University’s Nance College of Business was honored by the U.S. Department of Commerce with a Certificate of Appreciation for Achievement in Trade.

The award is the first ever given to a college or university in Northeast Ohio. It recognizes the ongoing, positive impact that the Nance College’s GlobalTarget Program has on helping local companies expand their products and services internationally. Ro Khanna, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Commercial Service, presented the College with the award on April 6 at the Union Club. He also discussed the National Export Initiative recently announced by President Obama.

“GlobalTarget was cited as a model program for business schools that other schools should consider adopting,” said Robert Scherer, Dean of the College of Business. “We’re very proud that our program was recognized for its outstanding results in assisting businesses. We’re also proud of all of our participating firms who help make the program a success.”

The Certificate of Appreciation for Achievement in Trade recognizes foreign business partners, trade associations, U.S. government agencies, and other qualified recipients for supporting U.S. export development and creating opportunities for U.S businesses through trade.

GlobalTarget is a low-cost, interactive membership program for small- and medium-sized enterprises that are ready to expand their global presence and become successful global enterprises. The program provides a portfolio of international business practice and services that allow companies to enter new global markets quickly and with greater knowledge.

The Nance College’s Global Business Center has successfully operated GlobalTarget since 2005; more than 30 companies have increased their capacity for success in global business. GlobalTarget is now in its second year of a successful partnership with FedEx and the U.S. Commercial Service. With this new alliance, members receive even greater benefits.

GlobalTarget features include:

• Customized discussion topics that address your company needs and provide relevant information to help you more effectively enter new global markets.
• Monthly meetings with distinguished experts that address aspects of international business.
• Site visits to area companies that have achieved a sustained competitive advantage through global innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Faculty-led student teams that provide market research assistance.
• Admission to Nance Global Business Center programs such as the GlobalReach Series, Global Gateway Series and Noon@Nance.
• U.S. Commerce Service Gold Key or International Partner Search (IPS) services.
• Gold Key Matching Service: customized, one-on-one appointments with pre-screened agents, buyers, distributors, sales representatives, association and government contacts, and licensing or joint venture partners to help you find the right business partners in your targeted market.
• International Partner Search (IPS): a report that identifies and secures pre-qualified global partners through high-quality market information on the sales potential for your products and services in an international market.

For more information on the GlobalTarget Program, please visit www.csuohio.edu/business/global or contact Marie Herlevi at the Global Business Center at 216.523.7278 or m.herlevi@csuohio.edu.

About Cleveland State University

Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution that provides a dynamic setting for engaged learning. With an enrollment of more than 16,000 students, 8 colleges and more than 250 academic programs, CSU provides a hands-on learning environment that connects students, ideas and real-world experience.

# # #