Each spring, World Trade Centers around the globe hold events to recognize a shared mission of peace and prosperity through international trade. The WTCGP held its 2009 World Trade Centers Day Dinner at the Union League in Center City, Philadelphia on May 13th, marking the seventh occasion of this signature event where the WTCGP recognizes individuals and companies that contribute to the economic health of the region through their international business activities.

The event began with a congenial and lively cocktail reception where many long-time and new supporters and friends met to celebrate the WTCGP and its contributions. Shortly after, Joanna Savvides, outgoing president of the WTCGP, took the stage as she welcomed honorees, guests and sponsors.  She introduced Anthony S. Bartolomeo, P.E., president and CEO of Pennoni Associates Inc., and WTCGP chairman of the Board of Directors, who expressed his appreciation of the WTCGP and its efforts to help small and medium-sized businesses in the Greater Philadelphia area trade globally.

Renee Amoore, president of The Amoore Group, served as the master of ceremonies for the evening. The first award was presented to the 2009 Pennsylvania Business Member of the Year, LCR Electronics. Nissen Isakov, founder and president of LCR Electronics, accepted the award. LCR Electronics has two facilities, one in Norristown, PA and the other in Kunshan, China, both of which provide a well rounded set of high-quality, cost-effective EMI filters, motor controls, electronic controls, backplanes, and enclosure systems for numerous applications throughout the consumer, military, defense, medical, and commercial and telecommunications industries.

Ms. Amoore then presented the 2009 New Jersey Business Member of the Year award to Holt Logistics, a family owned business that supports approximately 5,000 jobs and has been providing freight transportation services in the Greater Philadelphia region for nearly 100 years. Leo Holt, president of Holt Logistics, accepted the award and sited the company’s continued commitment to growing the presence of the region in the international marketplace.

The individual honoree of the night was Rosemary Turner, vice president and chief operating officer, Metro Philadelphia Division of United Parcel Service (UPS). Ms. Turner received the 2009 Global Business Leadership Award and was recognized for her contribution to regional economic development through international business.

A bittersweet departure from past years took place when WTCGP chairman Tony Bartolomeo took the stage to introduce WTCGP’s incoming president, Linda Conlin, and to bid a final farewell to Joanna Savvides who will be retiring as of June 1, 2009. Ms. Conlin promised to work hard to bring the organization to the next level and expressed her excitement to be moving home to work for the WTCGP, after working in Washington, D.C. for the past seven years.

Mr. Bartolomeo, who after having worked closely with Joanna Savvides for many years, surprised her with a farewell gift to honor her commitment and dedication to the WTCGP as founding president.  Joanna took the stage for one last time to reminisce on the many fond memories of her tenure and to thank everyone for their support of the WTCGP and her over the years. She promised to be a frequent attendee at WTCGP events, particularly next year’s WTCGP World Trade Centers Day Dinner.

Start enjoying the benefits of WTCGP membership today.

Become a Member...

June 6, 2009 - Trade Mission: Panama and Colombia

June 9, 2009 - US-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement Luncheon

June 18, 2009 - WTCGP Breakfast Briefing: Importers Roundtable

More Events...

Corporate

Harold Beck and Sons, Inc.

Small Business

AWE

Carr Miller Capital

CETRA Language Solutions

Elko & Associates

Global Equipment & Machinery Sales, Inc.

International Environmental Products, LLC

Paratherm Corporation

UTC Overseas, Inc.