Episode 41: In this special episode of This Global Trade Adventure recorded live at WTCKY World Trade Day, hosts Steve Marks and Parashar Joshi sit down with distinguished statesman Jean Charest, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and former Premier of Québec. Charest shares an insider's perspective on the deeply integrated commercial relationship between the United States and Canada, highlighting that Kentucky alone exports over $8 billion annually to Canada, generating a $4 billion trade surplus. Discover the surprising mechanics of cross-border supply chains, where 70% of Canadian exports to the U.S. consist of essential raw materials or manufacturing components built into final products. The conversation explores high-growth opportunities for American suppliers, including Canada's massive expansion in national defense spending and joint investments in critical minerals. Charest also tackles current tariff disputes, outlining pragmatic steps to ease trade friction and return iconic products like Kentucky bourbon to Canadian retail shelves. Additionally, Commonwealth business leaders will learn how to access dedicated export assistance through the Canadian Consulate in Detroit. Tune in to see why, despite political news and policy shifts, these two nations remain indispensable economic partners and each other's most important customers.

Thank you for listening to today's episode. We hope you enjoyed the conversation. You can find more information on our website at wtcky.org. Be sure to register for the upcoming events. Until next time, from all of us at the World Trade Center Kentucky, and our This Global Trade Adventure podcast, remember, if it involves global business at the World Trade Center Kentucky, we grow trade.

Upcoming WTCKY EVENTS:

· 12/05/26 – 12/11/26 – Dubai Trade Mission 2026

· 04/04/27 – 04/07/26 – Vietnam Trade Mission 2027

The next episode of our podcast will launch on 11/09/26. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow This Global Trade Adventure on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.WTCKY.com/podcast.

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Our schedule is to publish a new episode on the 2nd Monday of each month.

Please consider sharing this with your colleagues. Until next time, thank you for listening and welcome to This Global Trade Adventure.

Episode 40: How does a 30-year-old family electrical business from Belgium successfully transition into a global industrial automation supplier? In this exclusive episode of the This Global Trade Adventure podcast, recorded live at the World Trade Center Kentucky's World Trade Day event, we explore the strategic expansion of Jansen Electro Techniek (JET). Hosts Steve Marks (WTCKY Board Chair / Givaudan Sense Colour) and Parashar Joshi (Ex-Board Chair / JIO) speak with Jan Jansen about JET's journey, their upcoming Louisville office grand opening on September 15th, 2026, and why the Midwest manufacturing ecosystem is the perfect fit for their growth strategy.

For More Information about Jansen Electro Techniek:

Website: www.J-E-T.be

Thank you for listening to today's episode. We hope you enjoyed the conversation. You can find more information on our website at wtcky.org. Be sure to register for the upcoming events. Until next time, from all of us at the World Trade Center Kentucky, and our This Global Trade Adventure podcast, remember, if it involves global business at the World Trade Center Kentucky, we grow trade.

Upcoming WTCKY EVENTS:

· 09/29/26 – 10/01/26 – International Trade Certification

· 12/05/26 – 12/11/26 – Dubai Trade Mission 2026

· 04/04/27 – 04/07/26 – Vietnam Trade Mission 2027

Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow This Global Trade Adventure on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.WTCKY.com/podcast.

Episode 39: David Lopez, Founder of Valor Insights, joins Dr. Omar Ayyash, President and CEO of the World Trade Center Kentucky, and host Jim Ray for a wide-ranging discussion about international trade, entrepreneurship, and Kentucky's growing global economy. David shares how growing up between San Diego and Tijuana shaped his international perspective and explains why he chose Louisville as the home for his family and business. The conversation highlights the importance of welcoming international talent, supporting immigrant entrepreneurs, and building meaningful partnerships throughout Latin America. Omar and David also discuss workforce development, supply chain innovation, global trade missions, and the expanding role of the Hispanic business community in Kentucky's economic future. Together, they emphasize that Kentucky is uniquely positioned to strengthen international relationships while fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. The episode concludes with an invitation to attend World Trade Day and become part of Kentucky's growing global business community.

Key Themes:

• Meet David Lopez
• Louisville's Thriving Hispanic Community | Derby Pitch
• Building a Personal Network for Success
• Latin America's Interest in Doing Business in Kentucky
• Embracing the Changing Workforce Demographics
• Conclusion & Upcoming WTCKY Events

We hope you enjoyed the conversation. You can find more information on our website at wtcky.org. Be sure to register for the upcoming events. Until next time, from all of us at the World Trade Center Kentucky, and our This Global Trade Adventure podcast, remember, if it involves global business at the World Trade Center Kentucky, we grow trade.

Upcoming WTCKY EVENTS:

· 08/25-26/26 – World Trade Day 2026 Global Business Summit

· 09/29/26 – 10/01/26 – International Trade Certification

· 12/05/26 – 12/11/26 – Dubai Trade Mission 2026

· 04/04/27 – 04/07/26 – Vietnam Trade Mission 2027

The next episode of our podcast will launch on 09/14/26. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow This Global Trade Adventure on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.WTCKY.com/podcast.

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Our schedule is to publish a new episode on the 2nd Monday of each month.

Please consider sharing this with your colleagues. Until next time, thank you for listening and welcome to This Global Trade Adventure.

Episode 38: In this episode of the Global Trade Adventure podcast, Omar Ayyash, Lee Lingo, and Jim Ray discuss the growing importance of Vietnam as a strategic trade partner for Kentucky businesses. Lee shares insights from multiple trips to Vietnam. He highlights the country's rapid economic growth, expanding manufacturing base, and increasing opportunities. Particularly promising sectors include agriculture, bourbon, technology, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. They explore how World Trade Center Kentucky trade missions help businesses accelerate relationship-building and gain direct access to key decision-makers in international markets. The group also emphasizes the value of face-to-face interactions, trusted networks, and cultural understanding when developing global business opportunities.

Listeners will learn about the upcoming World Trade Center Global Business Summit in Vietnam and the opportunities it will create for Kentucky companies seeking international growth. The discussion reinforces Kentucky's strength as a global manufacturing and logistics hub while showcasing the role international trade plays in the state's economic success. Consider this an invitation for businesses to explore new markets and to leverage the World Trade Center's network of over 330 Centers.

Thank you for listening to today's episode. We hope you enjoyed the conversation. You can find more information on our website at wtcky.org. Be sure to register for the upcoming events. Until next time, from all of us at the World Trade Center Kentucky, and our This Global Trade Adventure podcast, remember, if it involves global business at the World Trade Center Kentucky, we grow trade.

Upcoming WTCKY EVENTS:

· 08/25-26/26 – World Trade Day 2026 Global Business Summit

· 09/29/26 – 10/01/26 – International Trade Certification

· 12/05/26 – 12/11/26 – Dubai Trade Mission 2026

· 04/04/27 – 04/07/26 – Vietnam Trade Mission 2027

The next episode of our podcast will launch on 08/10/26. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow This Global Trade Adventure on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.WTCKY.com/podcast.

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Our schedule is to publish a new episode on the 2nd Monday of each month.

Please consider sharing this with your colleagues. Until next time, thank you for listening and welcome to This Global Trade Adventure.

Episode 36: In this episode, Brad Cummings, Founder and CEO of EQL Games, shares how his company successfully pivoted from a disrupted sports-based concept during the pandemic into a fast-growing global digital lottery services provider. Leveraging existing technology, relationships, and industry knowledge, Brad repositioned EQL Games to deliver digital content to lottery operators across multiple international markets. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability, humility, and listening to market signals when navigating uncertainty. Brad also highlights how building authentic relationships, not just selling products, has been critical to expanding into regions like the UAE and beyond. His approach focuses on trust, long-term partnerships, and consistent presence in global markets. Today, EQL Games operates across several countries, demonstrating how a well-executed pivot can unlock international growth opportunities. His journey underscores the power of resilience and strategic thinking in building a scalable digital services business.

To Learn More about EQL Games:

Website: www.eqlgames.com

Thank you for listening to today's episode. We hope you enjoyed the conversation. You can find more information on our website at wtcky.org. Be sure to register for the upcoming events. Until next time, from all of us at the World Trade Center Kentucky, and our This Global Trade Adventure podcast, remember, if it involves global business at the World Trade Center Kentucky, we grow trade.

Upcoming WTCKY EVENTS:

· 08/25-26/26 – World Trade Day 2026 Global Business Summit

· 09/29/26 – 10/01/26 – International Trade Certification

· 10/12/26 - 10/21/26 – Discover Beautiful Ireland with WTCKY

· 12/05/26 – 12/11/26 – Dubai Trade Mission 2026

The next episode of our podcast will launch on 06/09/26. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow This Global Trade Adventure on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.WTCKY.com/podcast.

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Our schedule is to publish a new episode on the 2nd Monday of each month.

Please consider sharing this with your colleagues. Until next time, thank you for listening and welcome to This Global Trade Adventure.

This special compilation episode of This Global Trade Adventure serves as a strategic roadmap for Kentucky businesses looking to scale internationally through the power of the World Trade Center Kentucky (WTCKY). Listeners will discover how the WTCKY acts as a force multiplier, providing direct access to specialized trade resources and market entry services designed to accelerate global growth. Hear actionable advice from industry veterans and a former ambassador on navigating the complexities of global business.

What You'll Learn:

One significant financial advantage discussed is the duty drawback program, which allows companies to reclaim significant costs on import duties for goods that are eventually exported. The episode also highlights the unique partnership with the US Foreign Commercial Service, offering localized expertise in major markets. To ensure long-term success, experts detail the export readiness assessment process, which includes site visits and counseling based on "boots on the ground" market research. For those ready to find international buyers, the Gold Key Service provides a vetted matchmaking tool that connects U.S. entities directly with qualified foreign partners. This service goes beyond introductions by guiding businesses through complex regulatory environments, including specific labeling and documentation requirements.

Additionally, the episode explores the impact of trade missions, such as the US Foreign Commercial Service's flagship Trade Winds event, which leverages the clout of the U.S. government to open doors in emerging markets. These missions allow delegations of American companies to gain significant attention and navigate intricate details like local real estate or pharmaceutical regulations.

Our Commitment

Whether you are exploring your first export or expanding into new regions, these resources are specifically designed to increase your exports and boost the local economy. The WTCKY ensures that world-class trade expertise is accessible right here in the Commonwealth.

The core message of this episode is clear: you do not have to navigate the global marketplace alone. We encourage you to Learn More about how the World Trade Center Kentucky can assist your business in reaching its full global potential. Visit wtcky.org today to explore our membership benefits and take the next step in your global trade adventure.

Episodes Referenced in Today's Compilation:

· Duty Drawback – Episode 5: Global Supply Chain Management

· Former US Ambassador – Episode 9: Interview with Ambassador Matthew Barzun

· US Foreign Commercial Service – Episode 14: The US Foreign and Commercial Service