Andrew Gelfuso |
Director, Bryant University John H. Chafee Center for International Business
1. After more than 20 years working in the international business sphere in Washington, D.C., what prompted your shift to the Chafee Center? Working and living in the Greater Washington area was an amazing experience and one that I deeply enjoyed. When I saw the opportunity to lead the Chafee Center, it seemed like a chance to make an impact locally and leverage some of the contacts and experience that I had made globally for the state.
2.When you were appointed center director, you expressed hopes of connecting the Chafee Center with global relationships you had developed in D.C. What progress have you made toward that goal? I am working with some contacts in Washington as we plan for World Trade Day on May 31 at Bryant. … I also look forward to promoting Rhode Island as a global destination at the Select USA Trade Show, which is the largest foreign direct investment conference in the U.S.
3.What are the most significant challenges you are noticing Rhode Island businesses face in international growth or collaboration? Sometimes it’s tough to find information on the state and federal programs designed to support trade. That said, I have found the Rhode Island companies we work with to be creative and willing to take chances to reach new markets.
4. How has the resumption of in-person international trade missions impacted businesses locally? Our trade missions are roaring back. Through the State Trade Expansion Program grants, we have been supporting local companies traveling to international trade shows to exhibit their products and working with R.I. Commerce [Corp.] to facilitate a presence at key international trade shows to expose the world to Rhode Island goods and services.
5. How does your work with R.I. Commerce, and the Rhode Island State Trade Expansion Program in particular, address the needs of Rhode Island businesses, and how much funding has the STEP dispersed? We work with R.I. Commerce to promote and manage the State Trade Expansion Program grants. These grants provide funding for Rhode Island companies seeking to expand into new international markets. ... The program has dispersed [$3.1 million] over the past 10 years. As a result of this funding, [$27 million] of export sales have been generated for Rhode Island businesses.
