WAHPETON, N.D.—Thomas Shorma, CEO and president of WCCO Belting Inc. has been recognized for his "selfless promotion" of products made in North Dakota, earning himself the Global Ambassador Award from the North Dakota Trade Office.
Shorma was presented with the award May 24 by Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford at the Global Business Connections event.
"In 2001, when I came back into the family business, WCCO was a small organization comprised of 30 people with an influential board that challenged me to expand the business globally," Shorma said. "Over the years, I have spoken to many business leaders and students. I tell them, 'If you don't look globally to grow your business, you're eliminating up to 97 percent of your business potential.' "
North Dakota boasts several organizations that help generate international business and promote global expansion—the NDTO, the U.S. Commercial Service and the North Dakota District Export Council.
"These organizations have been instrumental in helping WCCO Belting sell to people across the world," Shorma said.
Shorma lobbied for a state-based trade specialist position to be created when he was chairman of the North Dakota District Export Council. After two years, the position was created.
The NDTO "provides education, research, advocacy, organization and leadership so that NDTO members and N.D. companies can increase exports and grow their international business."
WCCO Belting is a rubber belting manufacturer with more than six decades of history in the industry. The company provides vertical integration for its customers via specialized production equipment and proprietary processes.
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