LARRY SHARP NAMED INLAND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GLOBAL LEADER OF THE YEAR AT 3RD ANNUAL WORLD TRADE MONTH LUNCHEON

Longtime economic development and transportation advocate Larry R. Sharp was named Inland Southern California Global Leader of the Year at a regional World Trade Month event in Riverside.
Sharp, president and CEO of Arrowhead Credit Union, was recognized for his leadership in fostering the advancement of international trade throughout the Inland region. Sharp received the award at the 3rd Annual World Trade Month closing luncheon. The annual event is designed to address issues in global trade, which contributes millions of dollars each year to the region’s economy. The event also encourages local businesses to become more closely involved in the international marketplace.
“I have a great love for the Inland Empire, and I see the promise of international trade,” Sharp told a gathering of more than 225 business and government leaders. “That is our vision, and that is our dream.” Sharp has been with Arrowhead Credit Union for 27 years, building it from six branches and assets of $58 million to 26 offices and assets of more than $1 billion. Arrowhead Credit Union now serves more than 154,000 members in both Inland counties.
Sharp also has a long history of civic involvement. He is a past chairman of Inland Action, which advocates on behalf of the Inland area in front of state and national leaders, and chairs the board of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership. Sharp said international trade can help local businesses buttress themselves against a difficult U.S. economy in the short term and also ensure long-term economic growth. “We are sitting on a world-class, just-in-time delivery system here in the Inland Empire,” Sharp said. “We have everything we need to make this a real attractive place for international trade and manufacturing.”
Gary Ovitt, chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, praised Sharp for his work in assisting Inland companies that employ more than 12,000 people in San Bernardino County through their trade activities in 27 countries. He described Sharp as “an icon of this area and a very deserving person.
“International trade is about creating jobs and improving our quality of life,” Ovitt said. “It’s about regional collaboration, industry innovations and education. We need all of the above in order for our businesses to survive in a globally competitive economy.”
The award capped an afternoon of international trade discussions entitled “Exploring the Global Frontier – Grab Your Share of the $50 Trillion World Economy.”
Mark O’Connell, chief executive officer of OCO Global, a leading consulting firm in foreign direct investment and world trade, delivered the keynote address, which can be viewed on the Web at www.ieep.com.