Why GTM?
In 1998, as an answer to questions raised by the President’s Export Council—where leading CEOs lamented a lack American high school students’ understanding of exporting and the current trade environment—the Secretary of Commerce, in collaboration with business, trade and government leaders, developed the Virtual Trade Mission (VTM), a simulated trade mission focusing on the Big Emerging Markets (BEMs). The model of the VTM was adapted for the business environment of Southeast Michigan and in 1999 the Oakand County Global Trade Mission was launched, issuing Trade Challenges to student teams that draw from the emerging sectors in Southeast Michigan. Over its 10-year history, the GTM has evolved into a regional initiative to prepare Michigan students for work in the global economy.
