Kentucky District Export Council

The Kentucky District Export Council (KY DEC) is a group of trade professionals in Kentucky who provide expert advice and support to businesses aiming to expand their presence in international markets. Authorized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the KY DEC collaborates with the U.S. Commercial Service in Kentucky. Members are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce for a four-year term. The KY DEC supports businesses across the state as they seek to export goods and services, strengthen individual companies, stimulate economic growth in both Kentucky and the United States, and create or support jobs. As a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, the KY DEC is a member of the National Association of District Export Councils (NADEC). NADEC works to raise awareness about the importance of exports to the U.S. economy through legislative outreach, education, workforce development, and engagement with around 62 District Export Councils across the country and other stakeholders. NADEC is a non-profit corporation that supports the U.S. Government’s export promotion efforts. The KY DEC comprises of experienced international business leaders who offer support services in various areas of international trade, including finance, logistics, marketing, documentation, and more. KY DEC members also provide no-cost counseling and mentoring to Kentucky businesses—whether they are new to exporting or experienced exporters. Specifically, KY DEC members: - Advocate for trade policies and legislation - Increase export awareness throughout Kentucky - Identify issues affecting Kentucky's export trade - Assist in workforce development through the Trade DNA Program in schools - Identify export financing sources for businesses - Build partnerships for export assistance in Kentucky - Provide export training - Build partnerships for export assistance in Kentucky - Provide export training