The Delaware River Port Authority today announced the launch of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) and immediately kicked off a membership drive. Starting today, DRPA's export development services will be offered through the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia.

The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia will be housed in DRPA headquarters, One Port Center, at the Camden Waterfront. DRPA's export development staff will transition to the WTCGP and offer enhanced trade assistance along with the new value-added benefits available through the World Trade Centers Association.

The following services will be offered by the WTCGP:

Consulting through an extensive network of export consultants and other professionals
Market research reports and customized export strategies
Educational opportunities through seminars, international trade missions and networking business events
New areas will be added, including import assistance
"Research shows that world trade centers help their local businesses expand overseas by providing them with access to a network of experts around the world," Stamatakis said. "We already have a strong export base in the Greater Philadelphia region, but with the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, we expect to see export sales increase dramatically. This puts our region on the same level as some of the largest cities in the world and allows us to be competitive in the world market."

An analysis by the Philadelphia office of Legg Mason Real Estate Services found that of the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the United States, regions with World Trade Centers experienced export sales 270 percent higher than those without.

Officials also announced the appointment of Joanna Savvides, (see related News story) an experienced global business and management professional, to be the WTCGP's director.

"We are planning to offer a great package of internationally-focused services," said Ms. Savvides. "I envision the WTCGP to be a one stop shop for international business in our region."

DRPA has been a regional leader in export assistance since 1995. For the fiscal year ended June 30, DRPA exceeded its goal by helping 485 companies generate more than $31.8 million in export sales. Through the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, officials expect those sales figures to soar.

The World Trade Center name gives instant recognition and credibility to the services offered and to the companies that benefit from trade assistance. The not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization is membership-based and offers several levels of membership for companies or individuals interested in world trade and international business. Members will have direct networking opportunities with more than 300 World Trade Centers around the world, as well as access to the World Trade Centers Association's benefits.

The membership levels are as follows:

Ambassador $5000
Corporate $1000
Small Business $500
Individual $250
Student $50
To become a member of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, please call (215) 218-3750 x 2057 or (856) 968-2057.

The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation and development agency. DRPA manages the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization. DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross bridges, and the PATCO Speedline, the AmeriPort Intermodal Rail Center, the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal at Pier 1 and the RiverLink Ferry. DRPA has taken a leadership role in the commercial and industrial revitalization of the Philadelphia-Camden Waterfront.