The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) unveiled its NWRA Export Expansion Program (NEEP) to provide member companies with the tools and resources required to access new and increase existing overseas markets for their recyclables, equipment and services.

Through its partnership with Whitmer & Worrall, NWRA will assist member companies’ efforts to navigate the complexities of federal agencies governing trade as well as provide opportunities to participate in trade missions.

“As China closes its doors to foreign recyclables and our member companies continue to seek markets elsewhere, we recognized an opportunity to help our member companies make the right connections with federal agencies that have export-related services,” said NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith in a statement. “I am pleased to announce that NWRA has partnered with Whitmer & Worrall to establish NEEP. This program will help our member companies find new opportunities for their recyclables, goods and services as well as grow existing markets.”

Gabe Pellathy, who chairs the trade practice at Whitmer & Worrall, will lead the initiative. Prior to joining Whitmer & Worrall, he served in senior management positions at three global Fortune 500 companies, focused on international markets and has proven experience interacting at the highest levels of federal and state government. He served in senior positions at the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Administration, leading country-specific export promotion services. In addition, Pellathy was an attorney in the office of the U.S. Trade Representative within the executive office of the president, supporting companies in need of market access advocacy by leveraging government resources.

“Companies are often unaware of the depth of resources available within the federal government to enter new markets. I look forward to providing strategic counsel and guidance to NWRA and its members who seek to take advantage of NEEP,” said Pellathy in a statement.

Through the program, Whitmer & Worrall will employ a strategy to develop new markets for NWRA members including leveraging various resources of the federal government. NWRA will host an initial webinar for its members about the program on June 26 at 2 p.m. ET.