Shapiro, a 98-year-old logistics leader, congratulates its long-term customer, Tamarian Carpets, for its recent designation as a “Commercially Important Person” (CIP) by the Nepalese Government as the largest exporter of woolen rugs in the region

Shapiro, a 98-year-old leader in global transportation and regulatory compliance, congratulates one of its long-term customers, Tamarian Carpets, for being named a Commercially Important Person (CIP) by the Nepalese Government.  The Nepalese Government awards CIP classification to companies each year based on their export volume and value, employment generation, and overall stimulation of communal growth.

Tamarian Carpets, a Baltimore-based premier designer and importer of Tibetan rugs, was founded in 1994 by owner Steve Cibor. Ryan Higgins became co-owner of Tamarian about three years ago, although he has been working alongside Cibor for almost twenty years.  According to an article recently featured in the Baltimore Sun, Baltimore-based rug designer has grown to top importer from Nepal, Tamarian, the largest exporter of woolen rugs from Nepal by value, imports approximately 40,000 pounds of carpets monthly, shipped via air and ocean to its Baltimore and High Point, North Carolina, warehouses, which now employ 20 people.

Tamarian has experienced vast growth since its inception in 1994 and is now retailed through a network of 200 carpet retailers, including Alex Cooper Gallery of Rugs in Towson, according to the Baltimore Sun.   The company is the leader of a burgeoning industry that imported nearly $24 million worth of rugs from Nepal last year. More notably, Tamarian is pouring its share of these profits back into the local Nepalese community by helping to fund hospitals, schools, and clean water initiatives throughout the region. The company is currently working with its business partner to construct a new weaving factory that will provide a workspace and living accommodations for roughly 250 Nepalese weavers. Higgins is currently living in Nepal with his family working on designs, production, and overseeing the completion of the new factory.

Shapiro has proudly collaborated with Tamarian since 2004, offering reliable Customs brokerage and highly personalized global cargo services to accommodate their rapidly growing business. “We are extremely fortunate to work with a company like Tamarian that cares very deeply about what they do and the community around them,” noted Kathy McKoy, regional manager for Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc.  “Through our relationship of nearly one decade, we have had the opportunity to experience Tamarian’s growth firsthand and proudly congratulate them on this prestigious recognition.”

“Both Ryan and I have always prided ourselves on being extremely hands on in order to make sure that Tamarian has stayed the course for our vision.  With our complete confidence, Shapiro has been able to satisfy the logistical aspects of our responsibilities”, said Steve Cibor, founder of Tamarian Carpets.  “Tamarian truly appreciates the decade-long relationship that our company has developed with Shapiro as they offer immediate and direct support to our entire staff while maintaining superb customer service.”

“Our entire Tamarian office not only enjoys the professional day-to-day dealings with Shapiro but we also count down the days until the annual Propeller Club Crab Feast when we all get to hang together on a social level too,” added Jesse Kohler, a manager at Tamarian Carpets.  “Very much a great group of people.”