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North Alabama International Trade Association
For Immediate Release
Contact: Anne Burkett, NAITA Executive Director
256.532.3505 ● naita@naita.org

John Hamilton, NAITA President, presented the 2016 NAITA Global Trade Award to Zach Barry, Director of International Business for Aladdin.
Aladdin Light Lift
Awarded NAITA 2016 Global Trade Award

HUNTSVILLE, AL, April 28, 2016 – The North Alabama International Trade Association announces that Huntsville small business Aladdin Light Lift received NAITA’s prestigious Global Trade Award for 2016 at the NAITA World Trade Day Luncheon on Thursday. 
Aladdin Light Lift produces electric motor winch systems that are used to raise and lower lighting. President John Fall and his business partner Ron Williams patented the system in 1991, which is available in four different models of varying strengths. Since opening 26 years ago, the company has sold over 300,000 units. 
Aladdin began selling internationally six years ago. Export countries include Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Poland, Italy, Sweden, Russia, China and Qatar. While individuals are the largest customers in the United States, corporations are Aladdin’s largest international customers. Since beginning its international endeavors, the company has increased its revenues by $200,000 each year. Last year the company earned approximately four percent of its sales from its exports. 
To achieve its international success, Aladdin has had to overcome many challenges. In addition to facing the challenges of having a small, focused niche, the company has also faced many specific challenges in various countries, such as language barriers and a lack of transparency. According to Aladdin Director of International Business Zachary Barry, China and Russia have been particularly challenging but have provided the company with a sense of achievement. 
“Aladdin is most proud of its export successes to China and Russia, two of the four BRIC nations,” Barry said. “Though these nations have not had the most growth and GDP potential over the course of the last few years and looking forward, they are renowned for their level of market difficulty due to non-transparent business practices, corruption and IPR protection concerns.” 
The company has turned to many organizations and resources in facing international challenges, which Barry said has been helpful. The company is an active member of NAITA and has attended many of their events, including the International Trade Leadership Series. They are also a client of the U.S. Commercial Service and attended Trade Winds in 2013 in Seoul, South Korea. 
In addition to the Global Trade Award, several honors have been bestowed on Aladdin in recognition of their international successes. The company was awarded the Governors Trade Excellence Award in 2014. Aladdin was also featured by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in “United States of Trade” in 2014 and the “International Trade Update: Helping American Businesses Realize the Benefits of TPP” in February 2016. 
The Global Trade Award was accepted by Barry during the 33rd Annual NAITA World Trade Day Luncheon at the Westin Huntsville at Bridge Street Towne Centre. It was presented by NAITA President John Hamilton. 
About NAITA
The North Alabama International Trade Association (NAITA) is a business-driven organization committed to increasing knowledge, interest, and activity in international trade in North Alabama for more than 30 years. NAITA’s mission is to promote economic growth through international trade education, training, and networking. Further information on NAITA is available at www.naita.org.
NAITA & Export Alabama Alliance Members Congratulate Zach Barry, Aladdin Light Lift
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North Alabama International Trade Association (NAITA)
P.O. Box 2457 | Huntsville, AL 35804
Phone: (256) 532-3505 |Fax: (256) 532-3704
naita@naita.org | www.naita.org



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