In Episode 32, Brian French, Senior Vice President of International Banking at Stockyards Bank and Trust, brings over 25 years of financial experience to the discussion of how businesses can successfully get paid during global transactions. He highlights that many companies often fail to recognize their business as "international" when dealing with neighboring countries like Mexico or Canada, which still requires navigating specific nuances and risks. French emphasizes that his primary goals when onboarding a client are to improve the cost-efficiency of transactions and enhance payment security. To achieve this, the bank offers diverse services including international wire transfers in over 70 currencies, exchange rate hedging, and clearing foreign checks. For securing payments, he discusses the trade-offs between the guaranteed protection of letters of credit and the more cost-effective but less restrictive documentary collections.

A recurring theme in the interview is the necessity of involving banking experts early in the negotiation process to avoid complications after contracts are already signed. French prides himself on the "personal touch" his institution provides, often visiting manufacturing plants in person rather than relying on automated call centers. He also provides practical advice for exporters, such as understanding Incoterms and requesting invoices in both U.S. dollars and foreign currency to avoid hidden markups. Ultimately, the conversation underscores that a strong network of advisors—including bankers, freight forwarders, and the World Trade Center Kentucky—is vital for navigating the "ebb and flow" of global trade.

In closing, I hope you found the information helpful, insightful, and when you're ready to do business internationally, just remember at the World Trade Center, Kentucky, we're connecting businesses globally.

To Learn More:

Website: www.syb.com

Phone Number: (502) 625-9949

Upcoming WTCKY EVENTS:

· 02/10/26 – Kentucky Industry Legislative Reception

· 04/14/26 – 04/16/26 – International Trade Certification

· 10/12/26 - 10/21/26 – Discover Beautiful Ireland with WTCKY

The next episode of our podcast will launch on 03/09/26. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow This Global Trade Adventure on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.WTCKY.com/podcast.

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Our schedule is to publish a new episode on the 2nd Monday of each month.

Please consider sharing this with your colleagues. Until next time, thank you for listening and welcome to This Global Trade Adventure.

Episode 31: We had the pleasure of interviewing Melanie Raymond, Chief Economist for Global Affairs Canada, at a 2025 event at the Gatton College of Business and Economics. She underscores the deeply integrated trading relationship between Canada and the United States, which reached nearly $920 billion in goods and services last year. She highlights that Canada is the top export destination for 35 U.S. states, including Kentucky, which sent $7 billion in goods to Canada to support various supply chains. She points out that the automotive industry remains a hallmark of this integration, with some vehicle parts crossing the border six times before a car is completed. However, she notes that recent 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum have increased costs for American buyers, as Canada is the largest supplier of these materials to the U.S. These higher input costs have a tangible impact on American families, contributing to rising prices for home construction and everyday items like canned food and beverages.

Melanie observes that while U.S. imports of Canadian oil have seen a recent decline, there has been an increase in trade for aerospace products and electrical equipment. Despite these challenges, she emphasizes that the economic ties remain enduring and that finding a mutually beneficial solution is essential for future prosperity.

In closing, I hope you found the information helpful, insightful, and when you're ready to do business internationally, just remember at the World Trade Center, Kentucky, we're connecting businesses globally.

To Learn More:

Website: https://international.canada.ca/en/global-affairs

Upcoming WTCKY EVENTS:

· 02/03/26 – Global Executive Forum: Expanding Kentucky's Reach in the UAE Market

· 02/10/26 – Kentucky Industry Legislative Reception

· 04/14/26 – 04/16/26 – International Trade Certification

· 10/12/26 - 10/21/26 – Discover Beautiful Ireland with WTCKY

The next episode of our podcast will launch on 02/09/26. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow This Global Trade Adventure on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.WTCKY.com/podcast.

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Our schedule is to publish a new episode on the 2nd Monday of each month.

Please consider sharing this with your colleagues. Until next time, thank you for listening and welcome to This Global Trade Adventure.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Bin Lau at a 2025 event at the Gatton College of Business and Economics. Bin Lau, representing the Canadian province of Alberta, emphasizes that the Canadian and U.S. economies are the most integrated in the world, with supply chains so deep that vehicles and agricultural products often cross the border numerous times during production. He highlights Alberta's significant scale, noting that the province is equal in size to Texas and serves as a critical partner in North American energy security. Alberta currently provides 56% of all U.S. crude oil imports, a volume larger than the combined exports of Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq multiplied by two. This energy relationship directly impacts Kentucky, as Marathon refineries utilize Alberta crude to power the state's vehicles and tractors.

Beyond energy, Lau points to the cattle and beef industry as a primary example of economic integration, where livestock move freely across the border based on market and environmental needs. He asserts that Alberta's oil reserves are the fourth largest globally and are managed within a transparent, ethical, and highly regulated jurisdiction. The trade partnership is mutually beneficial, as Alberta often sells crude at a discount, allowing U.S. refineries to triple its value through processing. Ultimately, Lau's mission is to raise awareness of these vital links to ensure continued collective prosperity and economic development.

From all of us here at the World Trade Center, Kentucky's this Global Trade Adventure Podcast. Thanks for listening. And when you're ready to engage in international business, we're connecting businesses globally.

To Learn More:

Website: www.alberta.ca/international-offices-united-states

Upcoming WTCKY EVENTS:

· 01/29/26 – Solving Hard Problems with AI

· 02/03/26 – Global Executive Forum: Expanding Kentucky's Reach in the UAE Market

· 02/10/26 – Kentucky Industry Legislative Reception

· 04/14/26 – 04/16/26 – International Trade Certification

· 10/12/26 - 10/21/26 – Discover Beautiful Ireland with WTCKY

The next episode of our podcast will launch on 01/27/25. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow This Global Trade Adventure on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.WTCKY.com/podcast.

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Our schedule is to publish a new episode on the 2nd Monday of each month.

Please consider sharing this with your colleagues. Until next time, thank you for listening and welcome to This Global Trade Adventure.