Kit Bond launches consulting firm

Former U.S. Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond yesterday formally launched Kit Bond Strategies, a Columbia-based consulting firm that provides strategic advice on international business development and communications.

“KBS is focused on helping American companies expand their markets overseas, create jobs here at home and grow our economy, efforts I am proud to have championed during my 40 years in public office,” KBS Chairman Bond said in a news release.

Bond was elected Missouri governor in 1973 and served two terms before being elected to four terms as a U.S. senator between 1986 and 2010.

KBS also operates offices in Kansas City, St. Louis and Washington, D.C.

Joining Bond and other employees at the launch was Tim Nowak, executive director of the World Trade Center - St. Louis and one of the firm's first clients. In January, KBS plans to partner with WTC on a trade mission to help Missouri companies enter into the Indonesian market, according to the release.

KBS plans to provide companies with access to political and business leaders in an effort to get involved in the Indonesian trade market.

“The WTC is committed to providing regional companies expanded access to some of the fastest growing export markets in southeast Asia,” Nowak said in the release. “Sen. Bond and his team are a logical partner to help accomplish this."

Bond joined St. Louis-based law firm Thompson Coburn LLP as a partner days after retiring from public office at the beginning of this year. In that role, he works from both the firm's St. Louis and Washington, D.C., offices, advising clients on issues such as international trade, biotechnology, agriculture, cyberlaw and transportation, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

In May, the Missouri State University Board of Governors voted to name a 27,331-square-foot learning center at William H. Darr Agricultural Center the Christopher S. Bond Learning Center.