Engagement Center Adds Exporting Assistance To Services With International Trade Credential
02/16/2017

The Economic and Business Engagement Center at Southeast Missouri State University now has certified international exporting staff available to assist business and industry in southeast Missouri. Jakob Pallesen, a Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) business development associate, earned his Certified Global Business Professional credential in January. “An export strategy is another way that small businesses can seek a competitive advantage, particularly in southeast Missouri where multiple distribution networks are available,” said Engagement Center Director Crystal Jones. “Having certified staff at Southeast will provide the region’s small businesses with better access to international trade expertise.” In January, Pallesen earned his credential of National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE) Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP). Pallesen is now one of approximately 1,500 people in the United States who currently hold the certification. “The SBTDC continually seeks opportunities to assist small businesses with expanding and increasing sales,” said SBTDC Director Mark Christian. “Pallesen being trained in the area of global business provides an additional service to the region’s small businesses.” Pallesen earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in integrated marketing communications and a Master of Business Administration from Southeast. Pallesen is a native of Denmark, having moved to Cape Girardeau in 2007. For more information about exporting and business development services, please contact Pallesen at jpallesen@semo.edu or (573) 651-5156. About the Economic and Business Engagement Center The Engagement Center’s mission is to foster business, community and workforce development, and facilitate the process of innovation to enhance the regional economy and support the transfer of institutional knowledge and resources derived from within the University to the external environment to create new, high-value jobs, positive economic and social benefits and advance entrepreneurship. For more information about the other programs offered through the Economic and Business Engagement Center, please contact (573) 651-2929 or visit www.semo.edu/engage.