
The International Trade Alliance announced today that it plans to become part of Greater Spokane Incorporated.
Details of the integration, which the two organization began exploring earlier this year, are still being finalized.
Victor Vera, chairman of the International Trade Alliance, said in a press release the relationship will help ITA form more relationships in the region and grow exports.
"Greater Spokane Incorporated is the leading economic development organization in the region, and we are pleased to be a part of it," Vera said.
Jeff Philipps, president of Rosauers Supermarkets Inc. and chairman of GSI's board of trustees, said in the same release, "ITA's economic development work matches up well with GSI's goals to grow jobs and business investment."
Launched in 1996, ITA has about 40 members businesses that it assists with export trade. Members include Spokane-based manufacturers Wagstaff Inc., Hotstart Inc., and Lloyd Industries Inc., among others.
GSI has more than 1,200 private-sector members. In 2007, the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Spokane Area Economic Development Council merged to form GSI.