Veteran Idaho District Export Council (IDEC) member Jennifer Verdon, an International Trade Specialist with the U.S. Commercial Service, will lead a new Rural Export Center (REC) based in Idaho that will serve the Pacific Northwest. The Pacific Northwest REC is one of eight regional centers conducting rural outreach in their territories. ITA’s Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade Diane Farrell, was in Boise on Monday, December 11 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new center. 

RECs were created to empower rural U.S. companies to thrive in international markets through actionable market intelligence and global connections. Each REC reaches out to rural companies and educates them on the services and solutions that can help increase exports from rural America. Each REC will be able to help exporters with market research, due diligence, website globalization, and export education. 

Jennifer Verdon earned a B.S. in International Business from Boise State University and completed an Advanced Certificate for Global Trade Development at the Thunderbird School of Global Management. Jennifer joined the Idaho Department of Commerce in 2007, where she led promotions for the state for Foreign Direct Investment opportunities. She also planned and participated in numerous global trade activities such as Governor-led trade missions, trade shows, inbound buying missions, trade workshops, etc. Jennifer was routinely involved in planning international seminars and workshops while also serving as a member of the Idaho District Export Council and sitting on the board of the State International Development Organizations.

Watch the video below for more information on the REC, and visit the Rural Export Center website. Contact Jennifer at (986) 256-2255 or [email protected].