Ottawa, Canada – Members of Canada’s international trade community came together on June 2nd at the 11th Annual FITT Gala Dinner to celebrate the accomplishments of students and professionals alike.
The Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation was presented to newly-accredited CITPs. These individuals join the prestigious group of over 350 CITPs across Canada and around the world who are bringing a new level of expertise and accountability to the profession of international business and trade. As a CITP, these individuals demonstrate that they possess the necessary skills and experiences that today’s businesses are seeking.
“Only a few short days after confirmation of my CITP status, an opportunity came up where I was able to put it to good use. I received an RFP from a large management consulting firm in the Middle East, offering short-term consulting contracts in a sector where I have particular expertise. They responded with great interest asking for more information. Prior to forwarding my CV, I checked their website and felt somewhat intimidated by the level of expertise of their consultants, many of whom were CMCs, MBAs and PhDs. I now feel much more confident knowing that I can add CITP after my name,” says Diane Girard, President of Global Links Network.
“As a CITP, I will be able to leverage my work experience and critical knowledge in very practical ways to develop my career in international business and contribute to my company’s global business goals”, says Amanda Bondar, a Process Specialist with RFind Systems Inc.
The FITT Education Awards were also presented to four students who participated in the FITTskills program, a practical, hands-on series of courses that focus on the fundamental aspects of international business. Presented for the first time, the FITT Achievement Award recognizes a full-time student who demonstrates initiative in promoting international trade in their community, college or university.
“The commitment of our partners – Export Development Canada, Scotiabank and Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology – for these awards helps us to promote quality international trade training”, says Caroline Tompkins, President of FITT. “International trade training benefits the individual, their employer and ultimately, the Canadian economy.”
FITT equips individuals and businesses with the practical skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive global marketplace. As an international trade training and professional certification body – and the only organization of its kind in the world – FITT sets the standards and designs the training programs for the professional designation, Certified International Trade Professional (CITP). Centred on international trade best practices and delivered by a broad network of educational partners, FITT’s quality training programs impart knowledge and practical skills that trade practitioners can apply immediately – providing competitive advantage and elevating their position in world markets.
For more information or to set up an interview, please contact:
Scott C. Ferris, CITP
Director, Business Development, FITT
Tel: +1.613.230.3553 / 800.561.3488
Email: fitt.ca
www.fitt.ca
Among the 2007–2008 Certified International Trade Professionals (CITPs) are:
Trish Tully, CITP of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, who completed her studies at the World Trade Centre Atlantic Canada – a winner of International Marketing Plan Award, presented by Scotiabank:
Elaine Eaton, CITP of Port Williams, Nova Scotia, who completed her studies at the World Trade Centre Atlantic Canada – a winner of International Business Plan Award, presented by FITT
Trish Tully C.I.T.P. – Survival Systems Limited
Trish Tully is VP, Marketing and Sales with Survival Systems Limited (SSL). She has been with SSL for 14 years, and is responsible for new business development, project management, and is one of four managers who operate SSL. She is responsible for strategic and tactical negotiations that lead to secured SSL product and service sales, and has developed a wide array of international business acumen, having traveled abroad extensively.
Ms. Tully is a Certified International Trade Professional and holds an HR Management Certificate, Bachelor of Commerce and Executive MBA degrees from Saint Mary’s University plus a Strategic Marketing Management certificate from Harvard.
Elaine Eaton, MBA, C.I.T.P. – Ascenta Health Ltd.
Ms. Eaton is a Certified International Trade Professional with a Masters in Business Administration degree, and a Certificate in Adult Education. She has national and international experience in marketing strategy and implementation, including: sales, product management, project management, and business development. Elaine has implemented her market entry strategies in the United States, South America, the United Kingdom and several European Union countries. Currently, Elaine is employed with Ascenta Health Ltd., Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in the capacity of Director of Market Development.