The World Trade Center Institute
Congratulates Cambridge Internationals’ Roger Crow on his recognition as a
Maryland International Business Leadership Award Winner
Baltimore, Maryland, March 1, 2006 – Roger Crow, Director, Business Development for Cambridge International, was recently selected as a winner of Maryland's 2006 International Business Leadership Awards. The award is presented annually to an individual within a Maryland company who has led his or her company to new global heights, demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit, determination, creativity and the cultural sensitivity that global business demands.
Cambridge International, the largest metal conveyor belt manufacturer in the world with sales of $65 Million is a result of the 1998 merger of Cambridge, Incorporated and major competitor Maryland Wire Belts, Inc. Originally founded in 1915 as Cambridge Wire Cloth Company, Cambridge pioneered the development of metal mesh conveyor belting to meet the growing needs of the U.S. industry in food and industrial processing applications Today, Cambridge International is one of the largest employers in Dorchester County with 250 employees in Maryland, and a total of 400 employed globally. It’s products are used on the production lines of many household name products, including Procter & Gamble, Kraft, Tyson, Lockeed Martin, Federal Mogul, Saint-Gobain, Kodak, and Nestle’s .
Legend has it that a phone call from Henry Ford in the early 1900’s inspired Cambridge to develop the metal mesh conveyor belting that would meet the needs of such U.S. industries as metalworking, food and beverage processing, glass, and ceramics. The patented DiaCrimp balanced weave mesh belts in 1991 improved the production applications of glass annealing and decorating, baking ovens, and high-temperature metalworking appliances. The latest innovation of CI is a patented plastic conveyor belt, called Cam-Clean. This unique product eliminates metal-on-metal contact, which effectively eliminates the possibility of residue on the product.
Cambridge International’s products are found in over 50 countries around the world with international production plants in Matamoras, Mexico and joint venture facilities in both Brazil and Australia. A 50% market share in Mexico and a wholly-owned subsidiary in Brazil makes Cambridge a major player in the Latin America marketplace. This region has seen an increase in sales of more than 35% in the past 2 years, with further growth potential in the near future. Cambridge sees a key advantage in being able to combine its top end Maryland-produced product with its Latin American produced product to offer customers a comprehensive full line at affordable pricing.
As Director of International Sales, Roger Crow has introduced two major new product lines to the world market and pioneered the core business in Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. Now, his primary goal is to continue to build and maintain leadership in the Latin American region. His focus is currently on MERCOSUR, with special emphasis on Brazil, where Cambridge recently acquired outstanding shares of its joint venture and is now positioned for growth in this important market area
Crow began his career with Carson Pirie Scott and Company, a Chicago based retail, wholesale and hospitality conglomerate, and recently completed his 26th anniversary at Cambridge. He is active in his local church, and in support of the Hispanic congregation which meet at their facility. He is also past Chairman of Talbot County Birthright.
“Mr. Crow’s community outreach is admirable. Not only is he active in his local church, but he also has had international students stay in his home while they study abroad,” according to Andy Bareham, senior manager of Clifton Gunderson and member of the Awards Review Committee.
Crow is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, is married with three grown children and two grandchildren. He enjoys life on the Eastern Shore, including all activities on or near the water.
Quotes about Roger Crow:
Barney Davis – Executive Director Godspeed Missionary Care, Inc.
"I have known Roger and his family for twenty years and have had the opportunity to work alongside him in leadership situations. I believe that Roger would be comfortable in any culture in which he might find himself. He is interested in, sensitive to, and honoring of the cultural factors that contribute to the personalities of those he encounters in his business. His desire to know and understand the uniqueness that one's culture may impart is extraordinary and exceptional. Many travel extensively; few communicate as well as Roger. The depth and scope of his understanding of cultural differences allows him to work successfully in international settings as a valued colleague more than just as a visiting businessman. But to focus on Roger's sensitivity to culture would miss what I believe is his even more endearing quality, that of being able to communicate at a very personal level. Roger values people, and he makes those he works with feel valued. Although Roger is very aware of cultural and international factors, he transacts relationships on a foundation of respect and trust, qualities that transcend culture and national identity. He has a gentle, humble, and humorous style of making one feel at home wherever he may encounter them, and those who have been fortunate enough to actually be a guest in his home can attest to how he and his wife Heather can make one, regardless of country of origin, feel like an honored member of the family. People enjoy being in Roger's presence. His personality does not have geographic boundaries. He is a man of value to his own culture and nation, to Cambridge International, and to all those with whom he interacts in so many places around the world. He is worthy of this award, and I am honored to write in strong affirmation.”
Gordy Jones – Shorenet
Roger's constant quest for our company to understand the various cultures of our international customers led us to strengthen our relationships with these customers. These relationships brought sales to our company. He realized that bridging the culture gap is a prerequisite to long term success. A small example of this type of understanding is as follows:
One of our good customers in Japan was a family company lead by the father and two sons. The father passed away. What do you do to show your repect? Roger contacted the Japanese Embassy in Washington to find out what is proper in such of a situation. The sons were very impressed. Roger can tell you what was done.
Roger always looks at the big picture. He undersands the importance of the global market to long term corporate growth and being a champion of the cause. Leadership by example is an everyday goal with Roger. Willingness to take on big challenges and persevere until the venture began to payoff. Example: South Korea, Thailand, Europe.
Creative marketing for new products such as the Spiral System Products is an example of his ability to develope marketing communication material, literature, etc.”
About WTCI:
Established in Baltimore in 1989 to help connect Maryland to the globe, today the World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) is the region’s premier private sector international business partner. Financed jointly by area businesses and the State of Maryland, WTCI operates as a non-profit membership organization.
More than 2,500 Maryland firms benefit from WTCI’s extensive global network, pragmatic international business programs and customized consulting. WTCI is a member of the World Trade Center Association, along with nearly 300 fellow World Trade Centers operating in major business cities around the world.
About the Event:
Date: Thursday, March 30, 2006
Time: 5:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Jim Rouse Visionary Center, a part of the American Visionary Arts Museum, 800 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230
Refreshments/International Buffet/Latin Music Celebration
Cost: $100 WTCI members/$150 Non-members