Exporting activity in Iowa rose 5 percent in the first quarter of 2003 to $1.25 billion from the $1.19 billion during the same quarter a year ago and is becoming a more important engine of growth for the state’s economy. The Business Record spent a few moments corresponding last week with A.J. Anderson, a new international trade specialist in the Des Moines office of the U.S. Export Assistance Center about how the center works and how it helps Iowa businesses. The center is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Q: Can you give a brief description of the U.S. Export Assistance Center and its chief functions and responsibilities?

A: U.S. Export Assistance Centers are an effort of more than 20 federal government agencies that promote U.S. business interests around the world. Our primary responsibility is to provide federal assistance to small and medium-size firms that want to export goods and services from Iowa. There are more than 100 U.S. Export Centers in the United States and more than 150 offices outside the country that act as commercial representation centers associated with U.S. embassies and consulates overseas. In Central Iowa, the center maintains a relationship with the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

Q: What is your role at the center?

A: My primary role is to counsel and advise small and medium size companies regarding exporting issues, including finding ways to research new markets and identify reputable commercial contacts in other countries.

Q: What experience do you bring to Des Moines?

A: I’ve worked in a variety of operational and business development roles in international trade banking over a 10-year period, including Bank IV in Kansas, which is now part of Bank of America Corp. I also worked with Bank One Corp. in Houston and most recently served as a vice president at Bank of America in Atlanta. I also spent three years working in trade credit risk management for Koch Industries Inc.

Q: What are your plans at the center? What would you like to see happen?

A: I want to heighten the visibility of the Iowa Export Assistance Center to companies in Iowa that export or are thinking of exporting. My plan is to take to the road, visit companies and chambers of commerce and other economic development groups in all areas of the state to get that message out.

Q: Are there any particular projects you’re working on now?

A: On Aug. 25, the Iowa Export Assistance Center and the Greater Des Moines Partnership will host three speakers from the U.S. Department of Commerce. These speakers will cover the China Compulsory Certificate for exports to China, the CE Mark for exports to Europe and online tools for NAFTA. The event will be held at the Partnership’s building at 700 Locust St. Registration is free.