Our Mission: Oregon District Export Council members contribute leadership and international trade expertise to complement the export promotion efforts of the U.S. Commercial Service through counseling businesses on the exporting process and conducting trade education and community outreach.
What is the Oregon District Export Council (DEC)?
The Oregon District Export Council is a private, non-profit organization that brings together experienced international business people who provide guidance and assistance regarding international markets.
Background
The Oregon District Export Council (“DEC”) is an official U.S. “District Export Council.” In 1973 the U.S. President directed the Secretary of Commerce to establish District Export Councils (“DECs”) throughout the U.S. to increase exports. Since that time, approximately 60 DECs have been established across the U.S.. The Oregon DEC has been providing a variety of export-oriented services to businesses in Oregon and Southwest Washington for several decades and is an all volunteer 501(c)3 with the mission of advocating for trade and international business and telling the story of trade.
DEC members are local business people and government officials appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce whose knowledge of international business provides a source of professional advice to companies seeking to expand international sales. DECs play a major role in the planning and coordination of export expansion activities of the U.S. Department of Commerce and serve as a communication link between the business community and the Department. The DEC works very closely with the U.S. Department of Commerce U.S. Commercial Service located in Portland in supporting Oregon and Southwest Washington business community.
Background
The Oregon District Export Council (“DEC”) is an official U.S. “District Export Council.” In 1973 the U.S. President directed the Secretary of Commerce to establish District Export Councils (“DECs”) throughout the U.S. to increase exports. Since that time, approximately 60 DECs have been established across the U.S.. The Oregon DEC has been providing a variety of export-oriented services to businesses in Oregon and Southwest Washington for several decades and is an all volunteer 501(c)3 with the mission of advocating for trade and international business and telling the story of trade.
DEC members are local business people and government officials appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce whose knowledge of international business provides a source of professional advice to companies seeking to expand international sales. DECs play a major role in the planning and coordination of export expansion activities of the U.S. Department of Commerce and serve as a communication link between the business community and the Department. The DEC works very closely with the U.S. Department of Commerce U.S. Commercial Service located in Portland in supporting Oregon and Southwest Washington business community.
How Were DECs Formed?
District Export Councils (DECs) which are affiliated with the U.S. Department of Commerce date from 1973 when the President directed the Secretary of Commerce to establish DECs throughout the United States to stimulate greater participation in a national export effort. DECs are an organization of local community leaders appointed by the Secretary of Commerce whose knowledge of international business provides a source of professional advice to companies seeking to expand international sales. DECs play a major role in the planning and coordination of export expansion activities of the U.S. Department of Commerce and serve as a communication link between the business community and the Department.
Who Are DEC's Members?
Each DEC has approximately 30 members, at least half of whom are exporters. Members also include export trading or management company representatives; bankers; international lawyers and accountants; freight forwarders; and others whose profession supports the U.S. government’s export promotion mission.
Recommendations for appointment are based on the individual’s position in the local business community, knowledge of day-to-day international operations, interest in export development, and willingness and ability to devote time to the council -- at his or her own expense.
Recommendations for appointment are based on the individual’s position in the local business community, knowledge of day-to-day international operations, interest in export development, and willingness and ability to devote time to the council -- at his or her own expense.
How Are DEC Members Appointed?
Notices requesting applications for nomination are placed in the Federal Register and elsewhere to attract new nominees. The local U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) Director, in consultation with USCS staff, other DEC members and local partner organizations recommends individuals for membership.
A fair and transparent review and appointment process is conducted within Commerce, and the Secretary makes the final decision on all membership and leadership appointments. Members are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to staggered four-year terms. There are no term limits.
A fair and transparent review and appointment process is conducted within Commerce, and the Secretary makes the final decision on all membership and leadership appointments. Members are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to staggered four-year terms. There are no term limits.
