Villanova University Student’s Essay Earns Him a $5,000 Scholarship

Washington DC: The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA) is pleased to announce that the winner of this year’s $5,000 Scholarship is Patrick T. Kerner, a student at Villanova University College of Commerce and Finance, Villanova, Pennsylvania and the son of Bart Kerner, an employee of NCBFAA member, John F. Kilroy Co., Inc., in New York. To qualify for the award, Patrick submitted an essay on "The U.S. Trade Deficit With China – Pros and Cons for U.S. Businesses and Consumers" that was judged by an NCBFAA panel of experts to be the winner.
       "I would like to say thank you to the NCBFAA and Roanoke Trade Services, Inc. for sponsoring this year's scholarship," Scholarship winner Patrick Kerner said. "This scholarship means a great deal to my family and me because it will assist in covering the cost of tuition, allowing me to further my studies at Villanova University."
As Scholarship winner, Patrick is invited to join the NCBFAA members at their Annual Conference in Hollywood, Florida, where the President, Bill Sterrett, of Scholarship Sponsor Roanoke Trade Services, Inc., will present him with his award during the Conference Keynote Breakfast on April 24.
        This is the thirteenth year that the NCBFAA has promoted this scholarship competition as a way to further education in our industry. By helping students defray the cost of learning about the customs broker and forwarder businesses, the NCBFAA scholarship program contributes to the increasing professionalism of our industry and encourages those seeking a career in international trade and commerce.
        With offices in 11 U.S. cities and a network of agents in over 100 countries, Roanoke Trade Services, Inc., offers global coverage and local service throughout the world. Access to leading domestic and international insurance companies enables Roanoke Trade Services, Inc., to provide comprehensive and cost effective coverage, with prompt and reliable claims management. Recognized for their experience and dedication to quality service, firms involved in global trade and transportation look to Roanoke Trade for insightful approaches to meeting their unique insurance, surety and Carnet needs. From specialized marine and surety protection, to complex property and casualty coverage, Roanoke Trade is prepared to meet client needs now and in the years ahead.
        Headquartered in Washington, DC, the NCBFAA represents nearly 800 member companies with 100,000 employees in international trade - the nation's leading freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs), NVOCCs and air cargo agents, serving more than 250,000 importers and exporters. Established in 1897 in New York, NCBFAA is the effective national voice of the industry. Through its various committees, counsel and representatives, the Association maintains a close watch over legislative and regulatory issues that affect its members. It keeps them informed of these and other related issues through its weekly Monday Morning eBriefing, NCBFAA Quarterly Bulletin, and various meetings and conferences throughout the year.