The World Trade Council of Wichita (WTCouncil) was founded in 1975 by Dr. Lee Nehrt, Dr. Dharma deSilva, and Dean Larry McKibbin with 11 area multinational companies to promote international trade and investment. For over 40 years, the WTCouncil has worked to foster understandings of international business via educational seminars, country and/or agency trade programs, company-specific international trade and export strategies, timely research and best practices. The WTCouncil is governed by a Board of Directors, with Dr. Usha Haley (W. Frank Barton Distinguished Chair of International Business & Kansas Faculty of Excellence, and Professor of Management at the Barton School of Business, Wichita State University) as elected Chair and Mr. Ted Vlamis (Principal, Vlamis International Business Advisors. LLC) as elected Vice Chair. 

The WTCouncil is a proud recipient of the two highest awards conferred by the United States for Exports - the President's "E" and "E Star" Awards. The “E” Award was created by Executive Order of the President of the United States to recognize persons, firms, or organizations that contribute significantly to efforts to increase United States exports. The “E Star” Award recognizes continued exemplary achievement in advancing United States exports. The WTCouncil supports the International Business Studies Association (IBSA) and International Business majors at the Barton School of Business, Wichita State University, through 14 annual scholarships (the Dharma deSilva Study Abroad Scholarships) and networking opportunities with the business and policy communities. Please direct inquires regarding this page to letstalk@wtcouncil.com.
hISTORY
