USCIB members, friends and staff are mourning the loss of Bruce Wilson, an innovator in international trade, logistics and insurance who headed USCIB’s ATA Carnet department for more than a decade. Wilson passed away on October 17 at age 87.

“Bruce Wilson was a big part of my life and that of the USCIB,” said USCIB President and CEO Peter M. Robinson. “We learned a lot from his acumen, business sense and creativity.”

ATA Carnets are international customs documents than enable the temporary, duty-free importation of numerous types of products – including goods for trade shows and product demonstrations, as well as professional equipment – to scores of countries and customs territories for up to one year. The worldwide ATA Carnet system is overseen by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the World Customs Organization (WCO).

Joining USCIB as director of Carnet operations in 1987, Wilson helped to significantly expand and strengthen the organization’s role as the U.S. national guaranteeing association in the worldwide ATA Carnet system. The company he founded, Corporation for International Business, serves as one of two recognized USCIB service providers for ATA Carnets (the other is Roanoke Insurance Group, Inc.).

Wilson traveled extensively, representing USCIB at ICC and WCO gatherings, developing 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 bilateral agreement between the United States and Taiwan, Province of China that mirrors the ATA Carnet system, thereby opening Taiwan to additional U.S trade and trade promotion.

“Bruce helped and mentored many people around him,” said Glendy Sung, USCIB’s director of Carnet operations. “His impact on others was exceptional.”

Darren Maynard, who has worked for several years with USCIB on the global development of the ATA Carnet system, added: “It is a significant loss to the Carnet world. Bruce helped shape the industry into what it is today.”

Wilson is survived by his wife Kathleen; a son Curt; daughters Leslie August and Moira; his former wife, Kathryn M. Hamann; and grandsons Nikolai, Henry, Chuck and Harrison.

Memorial services will be held on November 10 at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 149 West Main Street in Barrington, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Wilson’s name to The Salvation Army, Chicago Metropolitan Division or to Save the Children.