Close to 300 delegates from 40 countries gathered in New Orleans for the 2007 World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) General Assembly on October 21-24. “New Orleans will always have a special place in the heart of our global family,” said Guy Tozzoli, president of the WTCA at the opening ceremony. Indeed, in nearly four decades that passed since the first WTCA meeting was held in New Orleans, the association has grown to include 309 world trade centers in 89 countries. In 2005, when the news about the devastation caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita spread around the world, all WTCA members felt the need to reach out and support not only their counterparts in the WTC New Orleans, but the whole region. As a means to contribute to the ongoing recovery efforts, the WTCA decided to hold the 2007 WTCA General Assembly in this city.

See full article.

The issue of key Chinese employee talent shortage was the main focus of the WTCGP CEOs’ China Operations Club meeting on September 27, 2007. The members roundtable strived to address issues of U.S. companies recent difficulty in identifying, hiring and retaining Chinese employees given the rising labor cost and tight market for highly educated and advanced skill level employees. Michael Haid, senior vice president of Right Management, presented his detailed research to an involved and active audience who took his advice to heart.

The next COC meeting will be held on November 14, 2007.

See full article.

Nearly 200 attendees were present at the October 12, 2007 State of the Port Address and Luncheon. Held at the Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing, the event brought together representatives from the Philadelphia International Airport, the Delaware River Port Authority, the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, the South Jersey Port Corporation and many other representatives of the Philadelphia maritime community.

See full article and more pictures.

Construction site of Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building
Photo: courtesy of Dave DeLizza

During the week of October 15, 2007, the WTCGP conducted a mission to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of its “Discovering Business in New Market” series. The WTCGP delegation visited the Cityscape Trade Exhibition, the largest trade shows in the world for architects, engineers, construction management, and property development firms. Dino Ramos, who led the mission for the WTCGP, was accompanied by Dave DeLizza of Pennoni Associates (Philadelphia, PA), Anton Germishuizen of Burt Hill (Philadelphia, PA), and Mohamed Dobashi, the PA authorized trade representative for the Middle East. As part of the program, the mission participants held meetings with Ousama Ghannoum of the WTC in Abu Dhabi, Ronald Barrott and John Bulough of Aldar Properties, and Minila Mathews of the US Commercial Service in Dubai. They visited the Palms (Jebel Ali, Jumeirah, and Diera), The World, Dubai Marina, Burj Dubai, Business Bay, and Dubailand. In Abu Dhabi, the WTCGP delegation enjoyed the hospitality of their colleagues from the WTC Abu Dhabi, who arranged for extensive project visits and presentations by Jamal Haddad and Ramzi Ghannoum, the Aldar project managers for Yas Island and Al Raha Beach. With many outstanding project opportunities in the Middle East, especially in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, the WTCGP is looking forward to providing further assistance to its members in these promising markets.

See full job description.

Start enjoying the benefits of WTCGP membership today.

Become a Member...

November 12-13, 2007 - Visit of Pennsylvania Authorized Trade Representative for Middle East, Turkey & Eastern Mediterranean

November 14, 2007 - WTCGP CEOs' China Operations Club

November 15, 2007 - WTCGP Quarterly Briefing: "Implementing Your International Marketing Plan"

More Events...

Small Business

Global Trade Links

Proper Nutrition Inc.