Biography

Bruce Wilson's career in surety (specializing in customs), international trade insurance, ATA Carnet, customs brokerage, freight forwarding and sales spans 45 years. He is world-renowned specialist in ATA Carnets, Carnet bonds and U.S. Customs bonds.

Although Mr. Wilson is regarded as an expert in his fields, he is first and foremost a successful entrepreneur. His latest ventures, Trade Bridge International, Inc., TBI Brokers, Inc. and TRG Direct promise to give importers and exporters new advantages in managing their businesses.

Corporation for International Business is his most recent entrepreneurial success. It began as a claims handling operation for carnets and has grown into a major player in the carnet and carnet bond market in the U.S. CIB's market share has grown from 15% in 1996 to 45% in 2005 and it continues to be the most innovative company of its kind. CIB's foray into the Internet 8 years ago when the first online carnet application system was introduced, Carnets-by-InternetSM, marked a significant improvement in the application process.

In the 1960's, Mr. Wilson developed innovative distribution channels through customs brokers and freight forwarders for U.S. Customs bonds. He was also responsible for authorship of the vast majority of customs bond and carnet bond forms in the United States. While CEO of "The Roanoke Companies" from 1969 to 1985, the company's annual revenue increased from US$2,000,000 to US$45,000,000 and became a market leader in U.S. Customs bonds and marine cargo insurance

During that time, Roanoke established six captive insurance companies, which continue today as mainstream companies in the US and international surety market. From 1969 to 1982, Mr. Wilson also served as Chairman and CEO of J.E. Bernard and Co., Inc., the largest customs broker/freight forwarder in the Chicago metropolitan area with an office and presence in New York City as well. During that same period, he was Chairman of J.E. Bernard, Ltd, a leading UK forwarding and logistics management company. He has continued as a Director of that company, now named Bernard Group Plc. The Bernard Group had a turnover of £54.7 million in fiscal year ending March 31, 2001. Bernard Group has received gold and silver "Freight Service Awards" from the British Institute of Freight Agents (BIFA) each year since 1992, including January 2002. Mr. Wilson's contribution to the United States Council for International (USCIB) Business established the USCIB as the premier national guaranteeing association in the ATA Carnet system of 60 countries. He has traveled extensively, representing the USCIB in International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and World Customs Organization (WCO) gatherings. Through that effort he has developed a deep understanding of both North American and international surety markets

One of his many accomplishments at USCIB was the development and implementation of a bi-lateral agreement between the United States and Taiwan that mirrors the ATA Carnet system. The resulting TECRO carnet opened Taiwan to additional U.S trade and trade promotion.

Work History

• 1986 to present Founder/Chairman/Co-Owner, Kernow Capital Corporation and subsidiaries, Barrington, IL
• 1985-2000 Director, Carnet and Customs Operations, United States Council for International Business, New York, NY
• 1969-1985 President and Chairman, The Roanoke Companies, Washington International Insurance Company and other Subsidiaries, Schaumburg, IL

• 1968-to present Licensed Insurance Broker - State of Illinois
• 1949-51/54-58 Michigan State, Wayne State and Northwestern Universities
• 1951-1953 United States Army