Episode 40: How does a 30-year-old family electrical business from Belgium successfully transition into a global industrial automation supplier? In this exclusive episode of the This Global Trade Adventure podcast, recorded live at the World Trade Center Kentucky's World Trade Day event, we explore the strategic expansion of Jansen Electro Techniek (JET). Hosts Steve Marks (WTCKY Board Chair / Givaudan Sense Colour) and Parashar Joshi (Ex-Board Chair / JIO) speak with Jan Jansen about JET's journey, their upcoming Louisville office grand opening on September 15th, 2026, and why the Midwest manufacturing ecosystem is the perfect fit for their growth strategy.

For More Information about Jansen Electro Techniek:

Website: www.J-E-T.be

Thank you for listening to today's episode. We hope you enjoyed the conversation. You can find more information on our website at wtcky.org. Be sure to register for the upcoming events. Until next time, from all of us at the World Trade Center Kentucky, and our This Global Trade Adventure podcast, remember, if it involves global business at the World Trade Center Kentucky, we grow trade.

Upcoming WTCKY EVENTS:

· 09/29/26 – 10/01/26 – International Trade Certification

· 12/05/26 – 12/11/26 – Dubai Trade Mission 2026

· 04/04/27 – 04/07/26 – Vietnam Trade Mission 2027

Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow This Global Trade Adventure on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.WTCKY.com/podcast.

Episode 39: David Lopez, Founder of Valor Insights, joins Dr. Omar Ayyash, President and CEO of the World Trade Center Kentucky, and host Jim Ray for a wide-ranging discussion about international trade, entrepreneurship, and Kentucky's growing global economy. David shares how growing up between San Diego and Tijuana shaped his international perspective and explains why he chose Louisville as the home for his family and business. The conversation highlights the importance of welcoming international talent, supporting immigrant entrepreneurs, and building meaningful partnerships throughout Latin America. Omar and David also discuss workforce development, supply chain innovation, global trade missions, and the expanding role of the Hispanic business community in Kentucky's economic future. Together, they emphasize that Kentucky is uniquely positioned to strengthen international relationships while fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. The episode concludes with an invitation to attend World Trade Day and become part of Kentucky's growing global business community.

Key Themes:

• Meet David Lopez
• Louisville's Thriving Hispanic Community | Derby Pitch
• Building a Personal Network for Success
• Latin America's Interest in Doing Business in Kentucky
• Embracing the Changing Workforce Demographics
• Conclusion & Upcoming WTCKY Events

We hope you enjoyed the conversation. You can find more information on our website at wtcky.org. Be sure to register for the upcoming events. Until next time, from all of us at the World Trade Center Kentucky, and our This Global Trade Adventure podcast, remember, if it involves global business at the World Trade Center Kentucky, we grow trade.

Upcoming WTCKY EVENTS:

· 08/25-26/26 – World Trade Day 2026 Global Business Summit

· 09/29/26 – 10/01/26 – International Trade Certification

· 12/05/26 – 12/11/26 – Dubai Trade Mission 2026

· 04/04/27 – 04/07/26 – Vietnam Trade Mission 2027

The next episode of our podcast will launch on 09/14/26. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow This Global Trade Adventure on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.WTCKY.com/podcast.

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Our schedule is to publish a new episode on the 2nd Monday of each month.

Please consider sharing this with your colleagues. Until next time, thank you for listening and welcome to This Global Trade Adventure.

Episode 38: In this episode of the Global Trade Adventure podcast, Omar Ayyash, Lee Lingo, and Jim Ray discuss the growing importance of Vietnam as a strategic trade partner for Kentucky businesses. Lee shares insights from multiple trips to Vietnam. He highlights the country's rapid economic growth, expanding manufacturing base, and increasing opportunities. Particularly promising sectors include agriculture, bourbon, technology, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. They explore how World Trade Center Kentucky trade missions help businesses accelerate relationship-building and gain direct access to key decision-makers in international markets. The group also emphasizes the value of face-to-face interactions, trusted networks, and cultural understanding when developing global business opportunities.

Listeners will learn about the upcoming World Trade Center Global Business Summit in Vietnam and the opportunities it will create for Kentucky companies seeking international growth. The discussion reinforces Kentucky's strength as a global manufacturing and logistics hub while showcasing the role international trade plays in the state's economic success. Consider this an invitation for businesses to explore new markets and to leverage the World Trade Center's network of over 330 Centers.

Thank you for listening to today's episode. We hope you enjoyed the conversation. You can find more information on our website at wtcky.org. Be sure to register for the upcoming events. Until next time, from all of us at the World Trade Center Kentucky, and our This Global Trade Adventure podcast, remember, if it involves global business at the World Trade Center Kentucky, we grow trade.

Upcoming WTCKY EVENTS:

· 08/25-26/26 – World Trade Day 2026 Global Business Summit

· 09/29/26 – 10/01/26 – International Trade Certification

· 12/05/26 – 12/11/26 – Dubai Trade Mission 2026

· 04/04/27 – 04/07/26 – Vietnam Trade Mission 2027

The next episode of our podcast will launch on 08/10/26. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow This Global Trade Adventure on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.WTCKY.com/podcast.

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Our schedule is to publish a new episode on the 2nd Monday of each month.

Please consider sharing this with your colleagues. Until next time, thank you for listening and welcome to This Global Trade Adventure.