Incorporated in 1991, CONECT was founded by 10 Massachusetts business people involved in international trade including its first president, Joan Padduck.
CONECT is recognized as a highly effective political voice for its members. Its core mission is to educate local, state and federal government representatives about the benefits of international trade, and bring members together with policymakers to ensure that new rules and regulations are fair to all businesses dependent on free and fair trade. CONECT's voice is also heard in efforts to enhance the U.S. trade and transportation infrastructure.
While many national organizations exist to further the interests of specific sectors of the international trade community, there is only one effective political voice for New England businesses which are dependent upon international trade.
The Coalition of New England Companies for Trade (CONECT) is comprised of manufacturers, traders, importers, exporters, customs brokers, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, transportation providers, financial institutions, law firms, accounting firms, and consultants active in international trade.
FEDERAL TRADE BRIEFING IN WASHINGTON D.C.
A delegation of CONECT members congregate in Capitol Hill to meet U.S. trade representatives and Senators annually in September.
