The seminar was held at the historic Union League on Broad and Samson streets. The Lincoln Memorial Room, outfitted with an intimate seating arrangement and an array of breakfast foods and drinks, provided the best atmosphere for companies to discuss how to get most out of trade missions before, during and after the trip.

Jean Marie Marchetto, Chief Operating Officer, WTCGP, opened the seminar with welcoming remarks and gave a brief overview of the upcoming program. Joanna Savvides, President, WTCGP, shared key “mission tactics” to help companies ensure maximum returns from going on a trade mission. Joseph Burke, Director for the Center for Trade Development, PA DCED, gave a brief overview of the trade missions available through the state of Pennsylvania. The event continued with two simultaneous break-out sessions.

In the Grant Room, Brigg Lopez-Martinez conducted his “Central America Trade Mission Briefing,” which outlined various issues pertaining to the upcoming WTCGP Trade Mission to Guatemala, Panama and Costa Rica.

Back in the Lincoln Memorial Room, Silvia Savich, Sr. International Trade Specialist, Office of European Country Affairs, USDOC, presented an “Overview of Eastern European Markets: Serbia & Montenegro, Romania & Hungary.” She provided companies with first-hand knowledge of opportunities that exist in these emerging markets. Ms. Savich also encouraged companies to take advantage of services provided by the government and other organizations like the WTCGP that help them develop market entry strategies.

The second part of the Eastern European session was devoted to the business opportunities in Turkey and the upcoming 37th General Assembly of the World Trade Centers Association to be held in Istanbul from October 28 to November 2. The CEO of the World Trade Center Istanbul, Alpaslan Ertekin, encouraged companies to take advantage of the great networking opportunities, explained the types of services and benefits given to Assembly participants, and provided an overview of the Turkish market. Afterwards, he opened the floor to a very lively and enthusiastic question and answer session in regards to doing business in Turkey.

The breakfast seminar concluded with the opportunity for all companies, governmental and WTC officials to network

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September 27, 2006
Philadelphia International Showcase

September 28, 2006
Pennsylvania International Week

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5th Annual State of the Port Address and Luncheon

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