Kalamazoo College Student’s Essay

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 Edward G. Thomas, a student at Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Michigan and an employee of NCBFAA member, D. Kratt International in Illinois. To qualify for the award, Edward submitted an essay on "Free Trade Agreements - Helpful or Harmful to American Businesses" that was judged by an NCBFAA panel of experts to be the winner.
        "Naturally, I am very honored and excited to win this award, but I would like to thank the NCBFAA for selecting me and Roanoke Trade Services for their generosity in funding it," Edward said. "My experience with the customs brokerage business has made me aware of the many post-graduate business opportunities available and I look forward to taking full advantage of them."
        As Scholarship winner, Edward is invited to join the NCBFAA members at their Annual Conference in San Diego, California, where the President, Bill Sterrett, of Scholarship Sponsor Roanoke Trade Services, Inc., will present him with his award during the Conference Keynote Breakfast on March 14.
        This is the twelfth 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 ten 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. 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.
         Headquarted in Washington, DC, the NCBFAA (members.ncbfaa.org) represents nearly 800 member companies - the nation's leading freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs), NVOCCs and air cargo agents, as well as the importers and exporters they represent. 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.