VENTURA COUNTY — Ray Bowman, director of the Small Business Development Center of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, recently received the Association of Small Business Development Centers coveted “State Star” Award in recognition of his contributions to the state SBDC program. Bowman was presented with the award at the 37th Annual America’s SBDC Conference in Nashville, TN.
The award is given annually to an outstanding SBDC consultant from each state. Criteria include showing a strong commitment to small business success; making significant contributions to the state SBDC program; and being an exemplary performer.
For the past 7 years under Bowman’s leadership, the SBDC has reported an increase of more than $168 million in economic impact, 1,764 jobs created and 1,525 jobs retained. An expert in global trade, Bowman also serves as program chair for the District Export Council of Southern California by appointment of the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and conducts training courses for businesses through the Centers for International Trade Development (CITD), Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), the Alameda Corridor Jobs Coalition, Fashion Business Inc. and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
“Ray’s expertise and vision have been a tremendous asset to our SBDC and the clients we serve throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, especially as global trade and e-commerce have introduced new markets and expanded opportunities for local businesses,” said Bruce Stenslie, EDC-VC President and CEO. “Under Ray’s leadership this year, we established an SBDC presence in Shanghai, China to connect with Chinese businesses interested in conducting commerce in the U.S.”
With more than 30 years’ experience in international trade and logistics, Bowman has worked with some of the world’s largest banks and freight forwarders. He has developed courses in international logistics, trade finance and import export for Santa Barbara City College and California Lutheran University, and most recently was a guest lecturer at Beijing Wuzi University through a collaboration with California State University San Bernardino.
Currently completing his doctorate degree in business administration with Grenoble Ecole de Management, Bowman holds a Master of Business Administration from Thomas Edison State College and is a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) as well as a NASBITE-Certified CGBP trainer certified in NX-Level training, BIS export licensing, team building and online education. A Six Sigma Greenbelt, Bowman is also the author of a book called Quick Start Guide, International Trade. He has also published a number of journal articles and often serves as a speaker on the subject of international trade and logistics.
EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center, loan programs, manufacturing outreach and international trade program, or other services available to small businesses through EDC-VC, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 24 or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Or visit http://www.edc-vc.com.