2018 marked 20 years of CITP success!

2018 marked the 20th anniversary of the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation. Learn more the celebratory activities that occured throughout the year to celebrate this milestone.

CITP 20th Anniversary

2018 marked the 20th anniversary of the CITP, the world's leading elite professional designation for global business practitioners. It helps professionals get their skills and experience recognized and builds credibility with clients, colleagues and co-workers.

Learn more about the 2018 activities to celebrate this anniversary below:


CITP20 Mentorship Contest - Entrepreneur Edition

November 19 – December 19, 2018

From now until December 19, 2018, when you purchase an EDC-FITT online course or workshop, you’ll also have the chance to win 3 hours of free one-on-one mentorship from one of five CITP entrepreneurs and global trade experts below.

The contest is now closed. Click here to see the list of contest winners.

You can read the full contest rules and regulations here.

Get started with EDC-FITT training!

Meet the mentors:

Learn more about each of the five handpicked mentors, and how their experience will help them offer the guidance you need.

Scott Ferris, CITP|FIBP – CEO, The Saddle Up Management Co.​ 
Scott has over 25 years of experience in all facets of international trade, marketing, communications, business development and several other areas. He has also organized or participated in more than 30 trade missions on four continents. He now runs his own consulting company.

Greg Gerritsen, CITP|FIBP – Global Logistics and Trade Compliance Manager, Phoenix Technology Services
Greg has over 14 years of experience within the manufacturing, customs and logistics industries, from organizing shipping for companies that had distribution centres all around the world, to managing various national customs laws, requirements and requirements for customers.

Sonia Root, CITP|FIBP – Business Development Manager, Pacific Coast Fruit Products and President, Root Consulting Services Ltd.
Sonia has over 20 years of import and export experience in the food and beverage industries, with extensive experience in all facets of sales, marketing and promotion. She is passionate about business and innovation with a keen eye to getting ingredients into the hands of businesses procurement and R&D stakeholders. She also has experience in account management, inventory control, supply chain management, warehouse management and several other areas.

James Spina – President and CEO, Spina CrossBorder Consulting
After 31 years working with the CBSA, James opened his own company to help businesses with customs and cross-border regulations. He has worked with several government departments in Canada and the U.S., customs services in the Caribbean and Middle East, as well as many private importers, exporters, customs brokers, 3PLs, couriers and manufacturers across North America.

Trish Tully, CITP|FIBP – Vice-President, Marketing and Sales, Survival Systems Limited
Trish has worked at Survival Systems Limited for over 20 years, and is responsible for their business development, contacts management, and a wide array of sales and marketing activities. She has travelled worldwide to negotiate sales and build long-term repeat customer relationships and B2B partnerships.


CITP|FIBP Connection Guide E-Book:

Take a look back and learn from the incredible careers of active and honorary CITPs around the world as they share pictures, quotes, advice and memories from 20 years of the CITP®|FIBP® designation. Find out how to get in touch with them directly and expand your network of experts. 

The ebook is now available - read it here!

Read the CITP|FIBP Connection Guide


Twitter Chat: June 14

We had expert CITPs on Twitter from 2:30-3:30 PM EST on June 14 for a special #TradeElite chat on "How upskilling and certification can affect your global career and bottom line," moderated by FITT.

Missed the chat? You can still read the full recap article on TradeReady.ca, FITT's online publication.


CITP Mentorship Contest: June 18-29  

Trade professionals had the opportunity to win 4 hours of mentorship from one of the following expert CITPs:

  • Varun Anthony, CITP|FIBP, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, United States Department of Agriculture
  • Sarah Barnes, CITP|FIBP, Director of Marketing and Strategic Sales, Shipz
  • Bob Greaves, CITP|FIBP, Director of Land Management, Civeo Canada
  • Paula Greene, CITP|FIBP, International Trade Consultant, Beyond Ventures Group
  • Simon Slyper, CITP|FIBP, Senior Customs Compliance Specialist, Amscan Inc.

How it works:

  • Mentorship can be performed online or in person at the participant's discretion and is up to both parties to schedule
  • Both CITPs and non-CITPs are eligible to enter
  • Mentors and mentees have until December 31st, 2018 to complete the 4 hour mentorship obligation
  • Winners announced July 9
  • Contest opens June 18 at 9 a.m. ET – closes June 29th at midnight ET.

Second prize: One free FITTskills online course of your choice
Third prize: One free workshop of your choice

For full contest rules, click here.

The contest is now closed. To see who won, watch the Facebook Live announcement video.


CITP "Ask Me Anything" Facebook Live event: June 25

Three expert CITPs - Justin Archambault, CITP|FIBP, Executive Director at Bluecrown International Strategies / Consular Assistant & Advisor at the High Commission of Malaysia, Jamie Huget, CITP|FIBP, Trade Commissioner at Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Megan Malone, CITP|FIBP, Sales Associate - ICT Sector at Export Development Canada (EDC) - answered your questions in a Facebook Ask Me Anything (AMA) event!

You can find the video on FITT's Facebook page or on Youtube.


Commemorative Pins

We sent special CITP 20th anniversary pins to everyone who has been an active CITP for at least 10 years to say thanks! If you received one, please share pictures of yourself with the new pin on social media using the #CITP20 hashtag!

Expand your network

Whether you’re already a CITP or interested in becoming one, join our CITP LinkedIn group to connect with over 1,800 professionals from around the world. Use this group to ask questions, organize a study group or get connected to careers in international business.

Use the hash tag #CITP20

Help inspire others. Post a 1-2 minute video or social post to share a memory, a congratulations or thoughts what being a CITP means to you using #CITP20 on  Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Start the path to earning your CITP
Get your international business skills and education recognized through the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation.

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