North Alabama International Trade Association - NAITA

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Huntsville, AL
North Alabama International Trade Association - NAITA

NAITA provides international trade advocacy, training, and networking to promote economic growth in North Alabama.

- Business-driven non-profit membership organization
- Established in 1983
- 500 plus individual members; 100 plus entities represented
- Outreach to the North Alabama business community
- International business networking forum
- Education on trade issues
- Advocates for positive trade policy
- Seminars & programs to prepare businesses for global success
- Export Controls & Compliance Roudtable d

iscussions
- Online international business resources
- NAITA enews highlighting events and current trade issues
- Connects businesses with Global Trading Partners, including the Foreign Trade Representatives Group (FTRG) of Atlanta
- Managed by Madison County Commission International Trade Development Center

06/02/2026

The North Alabama International Trade Association (NAITA) stands as a powerful advocate for international trade, driven by the commitment to foster economic growth throughout North Alabama. As a non-profit membership organization, NAITA excels in providing an invaluable platform for networking, education on trade issues, and essential training, empowering businesses to achieve global success.

Our vision is clear: to be the premier regional resource for international trade development, guiding and supporting our members toward a prosperous future.

Learn more about NAITA: https://naita.org/about-naita

05/20/2026

The North Alabama International Trade Association (NAITA) is pleased to announce that System Studies and Simulation, Inc. (S3) from Huntsville has won the 2026 NAITA Global Trade Award.

S3 was founded in 1991 by CEO Jan Smith. It has become a leader in defense services by providing technical and training support to the U.S. military and its allies. S3 handles eight Foreign Military Sales cases with countries like Egypt, Israel, and Singapore. In 2023, it received recognition for a sole-source contract with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of National Guard.

“S3 has always supported NAITA programs and created valuable international opportunities,” said Conrad Bonner, Director of International Business at S3.

NAITA President Daryl Davis presented the award to Jan Smith at the 43rd Annual NAITA World Trade Day Celebration in Huntsville.

Here is a group photo of their team: From left to right: Garrick Kelly, JD Baugher, Alan McClendon, Jan Smith, Daryl Davis, Conrad Bonner, Steve Smith, and Art Sharpe.

04/30/2026

World Trade Month is a national celebration, held annually during the month of May.

For the past 43 years, NAITA has been an active participant hosting its annual World Trade Day Luncheon Celebration highlighting the many companies and organizations that contribute to North Alabama's global success.

NAITA is pleased to announce this year's speaker, Leila Aridi Afas, Vice President, Global Policy & Strategy for Toyota Motor North America, representing a key North Alabama manufacturer and U.S. exporter.

Ms. Afas will address "Engines of Growth in a Changing World Order." Exports are a driving force for our region's economic growth!" – Anne Burkett, NAITA Executive Director

https://naita.org/event/world-trade-day-engines-of-growth-in-a-changing-world-order/

04/28/2026

**Save the Date: August 25-26!**

Join us for FMS Industry Day, a premier event hosted by NAITA and the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC). This event is your opportunity to engage with industry briefings centered around Foreign Military Sales (FMS). USASAC plays a pivotal role in implementing U.S. Army Security Assistance programs, providing defense articles and services to eligible foreign governments.

Take advantage of this valuable platform for regional updates and dynamic networking. Connect directly with the U.S. Army Security Assistance Enterprise and industry leaders.

For more information, visit: https://naita.org/

04/23/2026

Please join the National Association of District Export Councils (NADEC) for the 2026 NADEC Annual Export Conference, May 12–13, 2026, in Nashville, TN. This year’s theme, Global Trade in Transition, will explore the evolving trade landscape while offering valuable networking with exporters, trade advisors, and government leaders.

Experts from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of the United States Trade Representative, U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Federal Reserve Bank will share insights on export initiatives, geopolitical developments, and global economic trends. Sessions will also cover artificial intelligence’s growing impact on international trade, along with regional market roundtables for the Americas, APAC, and EMEA.

The agenda includes expert panels, networking opportunities, and unique Nashville experiences—from an opening reception in the Gulch to a closing rooftop event on the city’s famous H***y Tonk Highway.

https://www.usaexporter.org/nadec-annual-export-conference/

04/21/2026

World Trade Day | Engines of Growth in a Changing World Order

2026 NAITA World Trade Day Luncheon | The Opportunity of Trade: An Engine for Growth
May 7, at 11:30 am | The Jackson Center | 6001 Moquin Drive NW | Huntsville AL 35806

Featuring Keynote Speaker: Leila Aridi Afas, Vice President | Global Policy & Strategy
Toyota Motor North America

Discussion Topics:

How are geopolitical fault lines reshaping where you can buy, build, and sell?
Why is the 2026 USMCA review key for your manufacturing, supply chains, and growth?
What is a practical playbook to win under the new rules of trade?
Join us for a celebration of international trade and a discussion of current issues impacting those involved in trade! Register today to reserve your corporate table or seat!

NAITA will also present the 2026 NAITA Global Trade Award at the 2026 NAITA World Trade Day Luncheon, recognizing international business success in our community. Nominations and applications are due by COB on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

https://naita.org/event/world-trade-day-engines-of-growth-in-a-changing-world-order/

04/20/2026

NAITA is pleased to promote the following event in partnership with the Alabama Department of Commerce and Export Alabama Alliance.

Join us as we welcome honored guests Melanie Moltmann, Consul General of Germany, and Katherine Raeymaekers, Consul General of Belgium, who will highlight the importance of international cooperation in advancing aerospace and defense innovation.

Attendees will also hear special remarks from our partners at Flanders Investment & Trade and NRW Global Business Trade and Investment Agency, sharing insights on investment opportunities and cross-border collaboration.

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/cy9f344

04/10/2026

Save the dates for the upcoming Spring 2026 International Business events at NATIA!

Corporate sponsorships are available—scan the QR code for details and registration.

For additional questions, contact us directly by texting 256-990-5055 or visit the website naita.org.

04/06/2026

NAITA Welcomes New Board Members

North Alabama International Trade Association Strengthens Leadership with Industry Experts from Automotive, Aerospace/Defense, Marketing and Communications, and Security Assistance/FMS

HUNTSVILLE, AL — The North Alabama International Trade Association (NAITA) is pleased to announce the election of four distinguished professionals to its Board of Directors. These new members bring a wealth of expertise spanning automotive, aerospace/defense, marketing and communications, and security assistance/ FMS — further strengthening NAITA’s ability to advance international trade and economic growth in North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley region.

NAITA’s newly elected board members include David Finch, Vice President, Manufacturing Enrichment, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing; Nicole Heumphreus, Vice President, International Cooperation, Sigmatech Inc.; Mike Soragnese, Principal, C3 Labs; and Jessyka Verge, Director, Global Trade Compliance / Empowered Official, EOS Defense Systems USA, Inc.

04/03/2026

NAITA and the UAH I2C will host this roundtable with the Consul General of India (Atlanta) to explore opportunities for expanding business and technology collaboration between Huntsville and India. The discussion will focus on Huntsville’s core sectors – including aerospace, defense, healthcare/life sciences, and advanced manufacturing – and how regional companies can engage with India’s fast-growing innovation and industrial ecosystem. Designed as a focused conversation with regional industry leaders, the event will highlight practical pathways for partnerships, market entry, and cross-border technology collaboration.

Thursday, April 9 | 4:00-6:00pm
at the Invention to Innovation Center (I2C) at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH)
850 Ben Graves Drive, Huntsville, AL 35816
Registration & Networking: 4:00pm | Program: 4:30pm
Program followed by Networking Reception with Indian Hors d’oeuvres

https://naita.org/event/naita-conversation-with-consul-india-innovation-trade-dialogue-040926/

Address

P. O. Box 2457
Huntsville, AL
35804

Telephone

+12565323505

Website

http://www.naita.org/

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