“Importantly, new authorities created by this bipartisan legislation will enhance the Department of Commerce’s ability to coordinate with U.S. Customs and Border Protection on AD/CVD enforcement efforts. The Department will also have access to the newly authorized Trade Enforcement Trust Fund that would make available resources dedicated to monitoring the implementation of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements by our trading partners and to engaging them in capacity building efforts in areas such as labor, environment, and intellectual property protection.”

The Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration leads the efforts to ensure fair and open trade at home and abroad through the rigorous enforcement of U.S. trade laws and agreements.

Israel, since the beginning of the high-tech revolution in the early 90s, has rightly earned the title of “Start-Up Nation” given that it is one of the top five centers of technical creativity in the world.  I say the top five because rankings vary but clearly outside of the United States, Israel has more start-ups in absolute terms than any country in the world, bar none.  With approximately 3,000 of them extant at any given moment, most other country’s stats pale by comparison.
 
But, of late, there has been a perceptible change in the makeup of the technology coming out of Israel.  That change can be described as a switch from developing products to developing features and enhancements.
 
For example, in the past the things for which Israel was famous and which everyone acknowledged as transformational products included:

• SanDisk’s flash drive that enables people to store tens of gigabytes of data on a USB-accessible key.
• Computer chips that allowed Intel to dramatically increase the storage and operational capabilities of laptops without increasing the heat output of the processor.
• Development of the stent that allows patients with clogged arteries to have them opened and kept open permanently.
• Mobileye’s collision avoidance technology (using sophisticated vision algorithms) that ‘interprets’ a scene in real-time and provides drivers with an immediate evaluation based on its analysis.  Automakers are now adopting this technology into their rapidly expanding safety feature applications known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

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These are just a few examples of the tech product development that went on for years in Israel and contributed to Israel’s start-up nation reputation.
 
But lately, as we meet young startups seeking funding and strategic partners, we are noticing that the focus has turned to developing features and enhancements rather than specific products.  Some current examples:

• SCREEMO helps retailers to engage with their customers in real-time and to create a call to action by using fun, engaging games that run on digital screens and attract customers to interact using their smartphones.  This enables retailers to drive up sales, create a social buzz or promote their products and services.
• Rail Safe has developed an infra-red based technology that provides locomotive engineers with the ability to “see” up to two kilometers down the track, even in the dark and independent of any negative weather conditions such as rain, snow, sandstorms, and fog.  For example, the technology would have averted the head-on collision of two commuter trains in Germany last week that killed so many people.
• TriDiNetworks has developed an innovative cloud based platform for wireless M2M (Machine-to-Machine) and IoT (Internet of Things) networks.  The platform enables unprecedented low total cost of ownership and quick ROI based on patented algorithms, methods, tools and products.  It is applicable for lighting and HVAC control, smart meters, home automation, smart appliances and wearable devices.

   
In each of these cases the developers have created a feature or enhancement that makes current activities either safer, more efficient or more profitable. 
 
For those who worry about whether Israel as start-up nation is at risk of losing its “Mojo,” these new directions emanating from local techies clearly illustrate that the creative community here is well ahead of the curve and fully understands where the new opportunities are in technological development.  This response augurs well in favor of Israel’s continued superiority as the start-up nation.

Sherwin Pomerantz is the President of Atid EDI Ltd., a Jerusalem based business development consulting firm representing the export promotion and investment attraction interest of six U.S. states and the Province of Ontario (Canada) as well as investment attraction efforts for Hong Kong.  In addition, over its 25 year history, the firm has successfully raised investment funds for Israeli companies as well as handled business development activities for private firms in locations as diverse as Ireland, France, South Africa and Germany.

Seoul Food & Hotel Korea 2016 (http://www.seoulfoodnhotel.co.kr)
Pennsylvania’s Center for Trade Development is offering its companies a cost-effective way to participate in Seoul Food & Hotel 2016. Exhibiting with Pennsylvania enables small-to-medium-sized companies to make an impact at this prominent food show without the high cost.

For more information
Contact to Linda Foerster, Center for Trade Development: Phone: 717.214.5306/ E-mail: lfoerster@pa.gov or
Steve Shin, PA Korea Office: Phone: +82-2786-7701/ E-mail: sshin@pennsylvania.or.kr
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Please click here to see the application form for Seoul Food and Hotel Korea

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) has appointed higher education leader and Stockton University President Harvey Kesselman to its board of directors, effective immediately.
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The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia offers customized, one-on-one trade counseling to exporters in the Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey areas. As the region’s premier international trade experts, the WTCGP works to accelerate the economic growth of our region by providing resources and a powerful worldwide connection to buyers, agents and distributors, both through a network of more than 300 world trade centers in nearly 100 countries and through its considerable contacts in Greater Philadelphia and New Jersey. Since 2002, the WTCGP has helped generate more than $1.5 billion in incremental export sales, creating more than 19,000 jobs.

Dr. Kesselman, who has more than 35 years of experience in higher education and is a tenured Professor in Stockton’s School of Education, has held other senior leadership roles at Stockton. He also has been appointed by New Jersey governors and state education leaders to share his expertise as a member of several high level committees and task forces.
WTCGP has close ties with many of this region’s finest educational institutions such as Stockton University, with which WTCGP will collaborate to promote the international business education of Stockton students, including introducing students to global businesses in the region and supporting President Kesselman’s global vision for Stockton University.
 
Regarding President Kesselman’s new board appointment, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia President Linda Conlin said, “President Kesselman’s participation in our board brings an important South Jersey perspective from a recognized leader in higher education and within the region overall.”
“It is an honor to serve on the board of directors of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, which recognizes the vital importance of higher education in promoting our region’s economic growth and increasing global opportunities,” President Kesselman noted. 

“We are delighted to welcome President Kesselman to the board of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia,” WTCGP Board Chairman Gary Biehn, Chair of the China Business Group and International Group at White and Williams, commented. “President Kesselman surely will contribute valuable insights based not only on his years of experience as an academician and higher education leader, but also as an integral member of the South Jersey business community. We look forward to a long connection between him and WTCGP.”

The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) in New York City oversees world trade centers that span the globe. This exclusive international business and trade network connects 15,000 professional staff members and represents more than 750,000 business members worldwide. The WTCA stimulates trade and investment opportunities for commercial property developers, economic development agencies and international businesses looking to connect globally in order to ensure local prosperity. In addition, the WTCA serves as an “international ecosystem” of global connections, iconic properties and integrated trade services under the umbrella of a prestigious brand.

Stockton University
Stockton University, New Jersey’s Distinctive Public University, offers an outstanding interdisciplinary approach to graduate and undergraduate education in arts and sciences, professional studies, health sciences and graduate and continuing studies. Stockton’s Galloway, New Jersey main campus in the Pinelands National Reserve is close to southern New Jersey beach resorts and central to a region that is immersed in world class hospitality and tourism, aviation research and aerospace technology, and other exciting ventures that support and enhance economic development efforts in southeastern New Jersey. The campus is within easy driving distance of major metropolitan areas including New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Stockton University, a premier regional educational institution, is ranked twelfth among the best public Regional Universities of the North by U.S. News and World Report and is one of The Princeton Review’s Best Northeastern Colleges.

John Fry, the president of Drexel University, will become chairman of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce in October 2016. He’ll succeed Denis O’Brien, senior executive vice president of Exelon Corp., and CEO of Exelon Utilities. O’Brien said, “John’s demonstrated leadership in higher education and the community position him perfectly for this role.  He is the ideal person to lead the Chamber during this exciting time of regional growth and innovation." Chamber President and CEO Rob Wonderling said, “The Chamber welcomes John Fry as its new Chairman beginning in October. John has a broad understanding of policy and an ability to convene diverse sets of stakeholders. These qualities will allow him to be a visionary leader as the Chamber continues to build initiatives like the Health Care Innovation Collaborative and Action Team, Roadmap for Growth, Greater Philadelphia Energy Action Team and other key projects in the future.” 

Lonely Planet, the world's largest travel guide book publisher in the world, recently released their list of America's most "unexpectedly exciting places to see in the United States in 2016," and topping the list was none other than Philadelphia. Lonely Planet knows travel and being included at the top of this list was no small feat. Philadelphia was in competition with places such as Yellowstone, Alaska, and San Antonio.

​Click here to read the full list of places to see in 2016. If you're wondering why Philadelphia was chosen as number one, Lonely Planet wrote another article highlighting our city's best features and why it deserves a visit in 2016.

Being named the best place to see in the United States in 2016 is an honor for Philadelphia, and comes just months after the city was named a World Heritage City, the first on that list to be located in the United States. The World Heritage designation towards the end of 2015 was a major milestone for the city and was led in large part by the Global Philadelphia Association, a partner organization of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia.

We connect. Another service WTCGP offers: opening doors for Greater Philadelphia business leaders and CEOs of companies of all sizes to connect with a wide array of individuals who can help their businesses grow, such as professional service providers (banks and accounting and law firms), prospective customers and partners and government trade officials. In 2015, our clients and corporate partners met with high level trade officials such as Commissioner of Customs and Border Patrol Gil Kerliowske. Our contacts extend well beyond this region and into more than 100 countries worldwide, through the World Trade Centers Association, comprising 320 WTCs such as our own. Membership in the WTCGP not only opens doors - it helps businesses step through those doorways into broader global markets. 

We grow trade. I have already mentioned several company success stories as well as the impressive statistics on increased export sales revenue garnered by companies we counseled in 2015 and previously. These successes are founded on accurate advice and practical knowledge about doing business globally and understanding market trends. One other key element? A positive outlook. While others see the shifting world market - influenced by the gradual slowdown and rebalancing of the Chinese economy and decline in prices for oil and other commodities - WTCGP sees opportunity. In fact, the International Monetary Fund, global growth in emerging market and developing economies will still outpace advanced economies, accounting for more than 70 percent of global growth. In other words: opportunity is knocking!

Another key element to trade growth: Knowledge. To this end, on March 3, WTCGP and Drexel University's LeBow College of Business are co-hosting the Annual Global Business Conference. WTCGP can help you navigate this changing world economy, including which markets to consider. This morning, half-day program will feature former U.S. Ambassador to China and Singapore and leading trade official Jon Huntsman as the conference keynote speaker. Using a "fireside chat" format, Governor Huntsman will be interviewed by Gillian Tett, U.S Managing Editor of the Financial Times. With these and other well-informed speakers and networking time, the Global Business Conference also represents opportunity. Please join us on March 3 at Drexel University's Creese Student Center. For more details about this event and our signature World Trade Centers Day Celebration in May, including registration, see immediately below (for GBC) and in our events segment (for the WTC Day Celebration). 

In closing, I offer warm thanks to our partners whose funding enables WTCGP to continue offering transformative trade counseling services and educational programs. Hats off to you, as well as our member companies and superb trade team, for promoting a thriving global marketplace in our collective backyard. 

Let us help you generate your next export success!

Sincerely,

Linda Mysliwy Conlin
President
​World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia ​