Oregon Executive MBA alumni have leadership roles in two of the companies honored at the Oregon Consular Corps' Celebrate Trade event in Portland this May.
Oregon beverage exporter Craftport was recognized as the year's Emerging Oregon Exporter. Founded by Nate Webb, MBA '14, and Andy Kalamaris, MBA '14 (not pictured), and inspired by their time in Brazil during the executive MBA program's annual global study tour, the company exports Oregon craft beer, wine, and spirits to Latin American and Asian markets.
Meanwhile, the Governor's Trade Leadership Award went to family-owned blueberry company Fall Creek Farm and Nursery, where Boris Aust, MBA '14, is the CFO. Fall Creek is currently the world's largest blueberry nursery, producing and selling more than 20 million blueberry plants at its own facilities—and even more worldwide through licensed nurseries in other countries. In 2014 for the first time in its history, the company, generated more revenue through its international efforts than from its domestic sales.
“I'm sure Boris and I can both say with confidence that the Oregon Executive MBA program helped prepare us to position our companies globally," said Craftport's Webb.
A highlight of Portland's World Trade Week, the Celebrate Trade event recognizes the significant contribution Oregon companies and nonprofits make to the region's economic vitality and quality of life. Governor Kate Brown and Mayor Charlie Hales were keynote speakers at the event.