History of the World Trade Club of Greater New Orleans

The World Trade Club of Greater New Orleans, originally named the Export Managers Club of New Orleans, founded on August 25, 1943, was organized as a non-profit organization fort he purpose of promoting foreign trade, disseminating to its members knowledge and information accumulated through the experience of its members and itself to promote and encourage trade and good fellowship with Latin American countries, ethical business practices and in general, to inculcate a closer relationship between those people engaged in foreign trade; and to develop a spirit of mutual respect, esteem, cooperation and good will among all those engaged in foreign trade and those with whom they deal.

Organized by twenty far-sighted gentlemen in 1943, the Club has grown to its present membership of approximately 175 members, located mostly in the New Orleans area, but including out of state members.

In March, 1970, the Club’s name was change to World Trade Club of Greater New Orleans in order to be more representative of the current membership and also to stimulate the interest of those in the import field and those engaged in activities auxiliary to foreign trade.

Signs of progress of the World Trade Club of Greater New Orleans include a growing surge of new membership applications, a monthly publication, The Foreign Trader, the establishment of an Annual Award for the most outstanding member in honor of service to the Club (which was renamed in 1997 to The Gloria Fitzmorris Award). Some of the other notable accomplishments of the Club include the Honorary Life Membership Award granted annually to a person who has distinguished himself or herself by outstanding contributions to the development of foreign trade and closer relations between the peoples of this country and foreign countries; providing for a Past Presidents’ Council, and advisory body, ready to assist and recommend to the Board of Directors and giving the benefit of their wisdom and past experiences in serving the Club; an annual Educational Scholarship Award, open to students to encourage their entering the field of international business and establishing a retired membership category for those members who have retired from their positions in industry and who still have an interest in the Club’s activities.

Since 1986 the World Trade Club of Greater New Orleans has hosted the annual "State of the Port" Address delivered by the President & CEO of the Port of New Orleans. This event is traditionally held at the club's September membership luncheon and meeting.

The World Trade Club of Greater New Orleans maintains a full time staffed office located at 1908 Clearview Parkway, Suite 203, Metairie, LA 70001.