Thursday, February 4, 2010

CITCA is a Unique Collaborative Association

A couple of Fridays ago, the Chicago International Trade Commissioners’ Association (CITCA) held its friends’ and members’ holiday pot luck party. This wonderful affair brought forth favorite national dishes from all who attended. We brought cookies – oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip– the U.S. grab-as-you-go dessert.
While the food was absolutely delightful the most amazing thing about this association is that it is unique as an overarching-trade association for trade groups who usually view each other as competitors. Very few other markets have a group where trade commissioners, who primarily promote trade with their own country, come together to meet and network with trade counterparts from other countries. What an innovative and collaborative effort in market development. It’s good for trade commissioners, their countries and the Midwest. And it’s happening here in Chicago, home of HeimannHills Marketing Group.