Mission | Benefits |
Vision | History |
Global Advisory Board
The Van Andel Global Trade Center mission is to strengthen the community through
increased global business by providing international consulting, training, and resources.
 Benefits to the Community and University
| • |
Increase competency within organizations to be globally successful |
| • |
Develop strategic partnership both inside and outside the university
to enhance constituents and stakeholders |
| • |
Increase economic development of region through international business |
Services to the Community
| • |
Consulting services, training services, resource development, and facilities |
| • |
Cultural education, language center and matchmaking/trade missions/business development |
| • |
Foreign visits and speaker series, information collector and broker, and intermediary of businesses |
| • |
Advocacy, service provider broker, statewide resource center and research provider |
Vision Statements
| • |
To
be recognized worldwide as the most effective source to acquire the
information, skills, and knowledge needed to compete effectively in the
global marketplace. |
| • |
To
deliver leading edge programs with world class presenters and
materials, and to use technologies to provide clients with lifelong
training. |
| • |
To
leverage our resources by entering into strategic partnerships within
and outside the university to create, develop, and implement
international programs and services. |
| • |
To
become known for quality customer service in all our endeavors, as a
leader in global business training, education, and assistance. |
History
Founded in 1999, the Van Andel Global Trade Center was established
by Grand Valley State University in response to needs identified
by the business, academic, and economic development communities.
Named after Jay Van Andel, a pioneer of international business for
Amway, the Van Andel Global Trade Center was established as a core
facility dedicated to advancing international trade and supporting
West Michigan businesses as they prepare to enter and prosper in
the era of international business competition.
As a full service international assistance organization, the VAGTC
is dedicated to exceeding the expectations of its clients and raising
the bar of international success. We want to help "Shorten the Distance
Between you and the World."
Global Advisory Board
The Global Advisory Board of the Van Andel Global Trade Center is composed of
leaders from the academic, business, and economic development communities.
The Board serves to create, develop, and sustain a collaborative environment
between the VAGTC and the business community. The Board meets to advise the
VAGTC on the strategic direction of its programs and services, as well as
providing the framework for its growth.
| • |
Doyle Hayes, President and CEO, Pyper Products Corporation |
| • |
George Herrera, President, GNH International Consulting |
| • |
John Jackoboice, Chairman, Monarch Hydraulics, Inc. |
| • |
Martha Johnson, Vice President, 5/3 Bank |
| • |
Fred Keller, Chairman and CEO, Cascade Engineering |
| • |
Thomas Maguire, Director, Department of Commerce Commercial Services |
| • |
David Mielke, Professor, Seidman School of Business, GVSU |
| • |
Jim Payne, Senior Vice President, Alticor |
| • |
Warren Stuk, President, Big Dutchman |
| • |
Thomas Thompson, President, Bennett Pump Company |
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