June Lunch & Learn with Guest Speaker Sam Kaplan - Director/Center of Excellence for Global Trade & Supply Chain

About Sam Kaplan & The Center of Excellence for Global Trade & Supply Chain

The Center’s website includes a jobs dashboard where students   and others can find detailed information on global trade and supply chain jobs, what kind of education is needed for the jobs and soon a list of job openings. The Center collaborates on developing mentorship programs, including and especially with the Transportation Club of Seattle, between colleges and business organizations.

In 20 years at the Trade Development Alliance of Greater   Seattle, the last five as president, Sam was engaged in promoting, connecting and educating the Greater Seattle region internationally for trade and business. At TDA he led the effort to create target markets for the organization which married industry sectors with international markets using data and qualitative analysis.

As President of TDA, Sam oversaw the organization of nearly a   dozen outbound business and leadership missions, helped lead the Global Cities Initiative, helped organize the successful visit of President Xi Jinping and co-led the effort to create an International Competitive Strategy for Washington state.

While president of TDA, Sam served briefly as interim president of the Washington State China Relations Council. Previously Sam worked as a legislative assistant handling foreign affairs and trade issues for now retired U.S. Representative John Miller. Representative Miller served on the Foreign Affairs Committee and its Subcommittee on International Trade.

Sam has been published in the World Bank's Urban Age magazine, as well as in many other publications. He wrote and co-produced the short film about customer service, Please Hold, and is author of the novel, Munsrat Lives. Sam has traveled to and worked extensively with Asia and Europe during his long career in international affairs and trade.

About the Transportation Club of Seattle

The Transportation Club of Seattle has been at the center of the Seattle area transportation community for over 113 years. Founded in 1910, the club was formed to encourage the study by members of transportation issues; promote closer business relationships, promote the welfare of its membership as well as to sponsor educational programs and discussions pertaining to traffic and transportation matters. The club holds monthly lunch and learn meetings throughout the year, provides an annual golf tournament to support the Scholarship Fund and also supports the Salvation Army through its annual holiday auction. The Transportation Club of Seattle is a member of the Logistics & Transportation Association of North America