The William R. Bennett Alabama International Trade Center (AITC), located at the University of Alabama since 1979, provides export research, technical trade consulting services, training programs, and trade financing solutions to Alabama's small business community. The AITC is an institutional member of the Alabama Small Business Development Center Network (ASBDC), a statewide network of 10 management and technical assistance centers. The AITC is also a founding member of the Export Alabama Trade Alliance, a statewide export promotion network led by the International Trade Division of the Alabama Development Office. The AITC is recognized as an Associate Office of the U.S. Department of Commerce. And the Alabama International Trade Center has received the US Department of Commerce’s Export Achievement Award and is recognized by the SBA as a State Model of Excellence in International Trade.