WITA’s Friday Exchange Podcast:
Former Trade Negotiators Unpack this Week’s Trade & Tariff Announcements
Former Trade Negotiators Discuss This Week’s Tariff and Trade Developments with Japan, The Philippines, Europe, Indonesia, and India.
No one understands the dynamics with key U.S. trading partners better than the people who led these kind of difficult trade negotiations for the United States. Panelists update our subscribers on the tariff and trade announcements, what remains undone; and what are expected next steps in these negotiations.
Featured Speakers:
Introduction: Ken Levinson, CEO, Washington International Trade Association
Wendy Cutler, Vice President, Asia Society Policy Institute; former Acting Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
Mark Linscott, Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council; former Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia/WTO and Multilateral, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
Kate Kalutkiewicz, Trade Practice Lead, McLarty Associates; former Head of U.S. Trade Policy, Amazon; Special Assistant to the President & Senior Director for Trade Policy, White House Economic Council; former Director of European Affairs, Office U.S. Trade Representative
Moderator: Joe Damond, Chair of International Trade Policy and Global Life Sciences, Crowell Global Advisors; former Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Asia and Pacific, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
Watch the Video on YouTube | Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
07/25/2025 | WITA
WITA’s Friday Focus on the
2025 WITA/WITF Annual Dinner
On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, the Washington International Trade Association (WITA) and the Washington International Trade Foundation (WITF) hosted their 2025 Annual Dinner. Every year, the Dinner attracts hundreds of top decision makers, policy shapers, and trade experts from D.C. and around the world, and is affectionately known as “Trade Prom.”
At this year’s Dinner, WITA and the Foundation honored Senator Mike Crapo and Senator Michael Bennet with WITA’s Congressional Leadership Award. The event also featured special remarks by Ambassador Carla Hills remembering Frederick W. Smith, the founder of FedEx. In addition, every year, WITA and the Foundation acknowledge the contributions of a member of the trade community with the Lighthouse Award. The recipient of the Lighthouse Award remains secret until revealed on stage during the Dinner. This year, we were proud to recognize Mike Dankler, Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Rudy Yakym III, with this special award.
WITA and the Foundation sincerely thank all of the sponsors that make this event possible each year. We appreciate your support for international trade and are grateful for your contribution to help us bring the trade community together every year.
All the recordings of the 2025 WITA/WITF Annual Dinner can be accessed here.
Presentation of the Congressional Leadership Award to Senator Mike Crapo
Senator Mike Crapo receives the Congressional Leadership Award, presented by former Senator Pat Toomey.
Presentation of the Congressional Leadership Award to Senator Michael Bennet
Senator Michael Bennet receives the Congressional Leadership Award, presented by Senator Chris Coons.
Lighthouse Award Presented to Mike Dankler
Stephanie Lester and Sarah Thorn present the Lighthouse Award to this year’s recipient, Mike Dankler, Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Rudy Yakym III.
Full Video of 2025 Annual Dinner
2025 Speakers
Kenneth Levinson, WITA’s Chief Executive Officer
Nasim Fussell, Business Roundtable, Chair of WITA’s Board of Directors
Master of Ceremony, Kelly Ann Shaw, Akin
Former Senator Pat Toomey presenting the Congressional Leadership Award to Senator Mike Crapo
Special remarks by Ambassador Carla Hills remembering Frederick W. Smith, founder of FedEx
Senator Chris Coons presenting the Congressional Leadership Award to Senator Michael Bennet
Sarah Thorn, Walmart and Stephanie Lester, Gap Inc., presenting Lighthouse Award
Mike Dankler, U.S. House of Representatives, WITA Lighthouse Award
Watch All the Event Videos Here
07/23/2025 | WITA & WITF | Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
View All Photos & Event Program
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