Bringing the World to Pennsylvania
On September 20, 2004 the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia brought together more than 40 area companies to meet with Pennsylvania Overseas Representatives to discuss opportunities for increasing their export sales. The meetings took place at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

The Pennsylvania export development program consists of 15 overseas offices that provide trade assistance services such as market intelligence; in-country support when traveling to foreign markets; identification of overseas trading partners; and support for in-country trade initiatives. Of the 15 offices, representatives were present from Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Mexico, Singapore, South Africa and the United Kingdom. The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia is the region's official representative for the Pennsylvania program.

The luncheon speaker, Earl Baker, International Account Executive, UPS, presented "Supply Chain Synchronization" and its benefits for remaining competitive in the global marketplace. Afterwards, the Deputy Secretary of International Business Development at the Department of Community and Economic Development, Ms. Arlene Ashton, presented the Governor's Export Excellence Award to Drexel University's Office of International Admissions. They are being recognized for the work they have done in bringing foreign students to the region.

In addition, a new international trade lead matching service that provides Pennsylvania companies with timely global sales opportunities was introduced at this event. This new component of PASourceNet provides Pennsylvania firms access to export sales opportunities from all over the world.