Left to right: George Tastard, Director of the Sacramento USDOC; Carol Fontius, President of Creative Tent International & Congressman Wally Herger

On May 29, 2009 Carol Fontius, President of Creative Tent International was presented the Export Achievement Certificate by Congressman Wally Herger and Director of the Sacramento USDOC, George Tastard for their excellence in exporting. Creative Tent International Inc. is a leading U.S. manufacturer of engineered portable structures for the event (Rental), as well as, resort and military use.  They provide the design, engineering, manufacturing and installation of clear span fabric structures, tents and accessories worldwide. Creative Tent International Inc. currently has a network of Agents/Dealers across the United States and in several countries.  Their sales/administrative office is located in Northern California with the manufacturing facility in Lake Havasu City, AZ. 

The award was presented at the A Time of Change for International Trade seminar, held at the Shasta Country Board of Supervisors Chamber in Redding, California, sponsored by the Butte College Center for International Trade Development and the Small Business Development Center; hosted by Shasta College and College of the Siskiyous; and supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service. At the seminar keynote speaker Congressman Herger discussed U.S. Trade policy and its importance to the American economy.  One major topic in his speech was the pending Free Trade Agreements which would lower trade barriers, level the playing field, and open up new markets for American businesses. The moderator was Mr. Jim Wilson, Director of the Butte College Center for International Trade Development. Featured speakers were: Mr. George Tastard, the Director of the U.S. Export Assistance Center in Sacramento; Mr. Jim Lucchesi, Senior Business Development Officer for the U.S. Export-Import Bank; and Mr. Jerry Avila, the Regional Manager of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Featured speakers introduced products and services from their respective agencies which help promote export endeavors. Following the seminar a question and answer session was open to businesses to meet and talk with the speakers.