| History of CONECT |
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History of CONECT
30 Years of Advocacy for Free and Fair TradeThirty years ago, a group of ten industry professionals met in a conference room at Reebok to discuss how to advocate for New England based companies involved in international trade. That long-ago meeting was the genesis of the Coalition of New England Companies for Trade (CONECT). The catalyst for the meeting was an apparel and footwear quota bill that had been filed in Congress; Peter Friedmann, Reebok’s Washington-based attorney, knew that if it passed, the legislation would negatively affect Massachusetts importers. He and Reebok’s Joan Padduck traveled to Washington to call on New England’s senators and representatives, who were surprised to hear that some of their constituents were in favor of imports, and that current trade policy was hurting many New England businesses. The bill did not pass, but the pressing need for an organization that would advocate for free and fair trade was clear. From that small beginning, CONECT grew to become the region’s largest association dedicated to education and advocacy for international trade and transportation. Since then, CONECT has continued to provide its members with pro-trade advocacy in Washington as well as educational programs, information updates, and conferences that have featured such high-level decision makers as commissioners of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Maritime Commission. 
CONECT’s mission is to educate the New England business community, as well as local, state, and federal government representatives as to the benefits and importance of free and fair trade to our region. CONECT serves the interests of New England businesses that depend on international trade. In today’s complex and challenging global trade environment, CONECT provides educational and networking opportunities to keep its members well informed. CONECT also serves as a unified and highly effective voice to enhance the trade and transportation infrastructure of New England. CONECT is comprised of importers, exporters, customs brokers, freight forwarders, port authorities, NVOCCs, intermodal carriers, logistics providers, banks, law firms, cargo facilities, consultants, and others active in international trade. What has given CONECT its staying power? A decade ago, when celebrating its 25th anniversary, CONECT's long-time Executive Director Carol Turner offered these seven key elements:
CONECT Partners are the backbone of CONECT and provide the support to pursue its mission and promote the importance of free and fair trade to our region. Partnership offers year-long opportunities to support CONECT's mission and receive a high level of value, prestige, and industry recognition. Learn More
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