World Trade Council of Wichita (formerly the World Trade Club) was organized in 1975/76 by co-founders Dr.Lee Nehrt, Dr.Dharma De Silva & Dean Larry McKibbin at the Chamber with 11 area MNCs to promote international trade & investment in Greater Wichita and South Central Kansas. The WTCouncil originated in 1974 as the International Relations Committee of the Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce. WTCouncil was instrumental in making Wichita a U.S. Customs Port-of-Entry & attracting the Wichita office of the U.S. Department of Commerce, initially housed in the School of Business. WTCouncil assisted in the establishment of the M-A World Trade Center. Today the Council is affiliated with Wichita State University Barton School's Center for International Business Advancement [CIBA] and the Wichita Metro Chamber. In a unique strategic alliance CIBA-WTCouncil linkage has organized and conducted over 500 country/company trade events and over 150 International Educational seminars in its 40 year history. In recognition of our work and ideals to foster international trade the council has own US President's "E" & "E Star" awards for continued export education and service excellence.