Washington, D.C. - The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) connected with small- and medium-sized businesses from across the United States on January 22nd at a conference event entitled "Jobs on Main Street, Customers Around the World: A Positive Trade Agenda for US Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises."  USTR, as the nation's lead trade policy agency, is working to make trade policy work better for America's small- and medium-sized businesses - America's biggest job creators and a wellspring of export potential.
 
"In this kind of a market, America cannot afford to leave jobs on the table," said U.S. Ambassador Ron Kirk.  "We need to do everything we can to grow jobs domestically."

Read Full Article

The State of Trade

Washington, DC - As 2010 begins, and Americans look forward to a new year, USTR is taking a look at how trade can help the economic recovery. This week's trade spotlight is on the current state of trade.

While the economic recession affected global trade in 2008 and early 2009, the United States is showing signs of recovery and economic growth.

However, a closer look at the history of trade illustrates a strong and growing global marketplace. Between 1980 and 2008, trade's share of global GDP rose from 21 percent to 32 percent. Over the same period, global trade grew 6.5 percent annually - nearly double overall global economic growth. In the United States, trade contributed to strong economic growth as more Americans opened shop in the global marketplace, creating jobs and generating prosperity across the country.

Read Full Article

Mayor Michael A. Nutter Appoints Mark Gale as Chief Executive Officer of Philadelphia International Airport

Philadelphia, PA - Mayor Michael A. Nutter today announced the appointment of Mark Gale as Chief Executive Officer of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). The appointment is effective immediately. In his new post, Gale is responsible for directing the development, planning and administration of all the activities of Philadelphia International Airport, Northeast Philadelphia Airport and the management of about 800 Airport personnel.

"After a national search and interviewing some impressive candidates, it is clear to me that Mark is the best in the business. Mark’s accomplishments as Acting Aviation Director and as Deputy Director of Aviation for Operations and Facilities are impressive. Mark’s vision for the future of PHL is bold. He is the right choice to lead one of region’s most valuable transportation assets,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter.

Read Full Article

Philadelphia’s First “Gym” for Innovators Opens at the University City Science Center

Philadelphia, PA - Access to 3D printers has generally been limited to people with deep pockets, like Jay Leno who uses his $15,000 3D printer to manufacture replacement parts for his antique auto collection. That’s changing later this month when Philadelphia’s first “gym” for innovators opens at the University City Science Center. NextFab Studio, a membership-based technology workshop and prototyping center, unveiled its brand-new facility to the public with an open-house event, Friday, January 22nd, 2010.

The 3,600-square-foot facility provides comfortable, clean, and safe workspaces equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, digital embroiderers and other cutting-edge tools (see http://www.nextfabstudio.com/equipment). Expert instructors and a diverse community of collaborators are on hand to help inventors, artists and innovators problem-solve and achieve their vision.

Read Full Article

Philadelphia Regional Port Authority Launches Website in Support of Delaware River Deepening

Philadelphia, PA - On Tuesday, January 19, the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PRPA) launched a website in support of deepening the Delaware River to 45 feet.  The new website - www.supportthedeepening.com - will detail the economic benefits of the project, specify the facts about its environmental impact and counter the sometimes false and misleading claims of opponents. 

“We are very pleased to announce this new public resource,” said John H. Estey, chairman of the PRPA, today.  “Given the facts about the project and its economic benefits, we believe that fair minds will see the overwhelming need for the deepening project and the tremendous benefits it will bring to the region.  That’s what this site will do: give people the facts about this important project.”

U.S. District Court Ruling Allows the Deepening of Delaware River to Begin Immediately

Philadelphia, PA - The United States District Court for the District of Delaware late today refused to block the critically needed deepening of the Delaware River to 45 feet.  In a decision signed by Judge Sue L. Robinson, the Court ruled the project could proceed, but that it expected the Army Corps of Engineers to work closely with impacted states on future stages of the project.

Read Full Article

Schramm, Inc.

Location: West Chester, PA

Date Founded: 1900

# Employees: 150

Website: http://www.schramminc.com/

(Schramm TXD rotary drill operating in Queensland, Australia
drilling coal seam gas.)

Schramm, Inc. is a century-old Chester County manufacturer and global supplier in the hydraulic drill industry.  Making mobile top-head hydraulic rotary drills, Schramm supplies to companies in the mining, energy, and water sectors worldwide. In fact, 70% of the company’s revenues come from international sales with customers such as French-based Areva, the world’s largest producer of nuclear power.  Other global markets that Schramm is involved in, include China, Chile, Brazil, Australia, Russia, and South Africa.  As a truly international company, Schramm has been a long-time member and supporter of the WTCGP.

Schramm’s competitive advantage has been the continued ability to be at the forefront of technology and industry standards.  In an industry that has been traditionally slow to adapt to change, Schramm has progressively improved the functionality and quality of its products by incorporating new technologies.  Differentiating features of its products include feedback and monitoring equipment; currently, the development team is prototyping remote monitoring technology that utilizes cellular and satellite communications technology.  These capabilities provide users with immediate, actionable information that allows for both control of maintenance and operational efficiencies. 

Schramm approaches international deals with an emphasis on customer relationships, which means establishing a direct relationship with the end-user.  This approach, of course, facilitates the transaction, but also establishes a fundamental user-satisfaction with these high-cost specialty products.  The company has been most successful in the markets where they have key partners on the ground to promote and represent the company.  Membership with the WTCGP has been an aid in navigating the legal, logistical, and cultural aspects of foreign markets.  Ed Breiner, President and CEO, views international operations as “an away game that you have to travel to, develop relationships, and understand the culture”; all of which, the WTCGP has been integral in preparing the company to maneuver.

Drexel's Export for Scholars Pre-Mission Briefing

In preparation for the trade mission to Shanghai and Beijing, China on March 13th through the 22nd, the WTCGP, in conjunction with Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, hosted a briefing on doing business in China.  A distinctive element of this trade mission is the pairing of LeBow MBA candidates with firms to perform comprehensive individualized market research.  The briefing was an opportunity to introduce and match companies with students and lay the foundation for a successful partnership on the mission. 

Nissen Isakov, President, LCR Electronics Inc., began the morning’s presentations by providing an overview of the firm's operations in China, including LCR Electronics’ manufacturing subsidiary in Shanghai.  Speaking from personal experience, Nissen spoke on many challenges and successes that he and his company have encountered while working in China - from counterfeit products to complex contract negotiations.  Participants in the mission will be able to apply this testimony first-hand on the mission with the opportunity to visit the LCR Electronic's subsidiary. 

Chunsheng (Tony) Lu, Attorney, White and Williams LLP, went on to discuss the many distinct business practices that exist in China, such as the emphasis on building relationships before negotiations and business deals.  The morning event came to a conclusion with an update from Andrea Townrow, WTCGP, who spoke on the logistics of the upcoming mission.  

WTCGP News

Upcoming 2010 WTCA North American Regional Meeting

The World Trade Center of San Diego will host the 2010 WTCA North American Regional Meeting on February 4th.  This meeting will be a summit of WTC leaders to share and learn better business practices that will increase the impact of WTCs in extending “Peace and Prosperity Through Trade.”  The meeting will feature keynote speaker Liz Goodgold, branding expert and President of Redfire Branding, who will present on putting branding concepts into action.  Liz will provide insight on creating, repositioning, launching, and training employees how to live a brand. 

Export Finance Partners

Reduce your search time for export financing providers and reference the WTCGP referral section today!  For a list of premium lenders, visit: http://wtcphila.org/FinanceRP.asp

Upcoming Events

Trade Winds Forum - Business Opportunities in Brazil with the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games

February 4, 2010

11:00am - 1:00pm

Join this webinar to meet senior government representatives in discussing the opportunities and options in Rio de Janeiro as the city prepares to host the first-ever Olympic Games in South America in 2016, as well as some of the games for the 2014 World Cup.  These two events will generate numerous trade and investment opportunities in several areas, for both games and the city.  For more information or to register, visit http://www.buyusa.gov/northcarolina/twolympicswebinar.html. 

Counseling with PA Authorized Trade Representatives (ATRs)

March 10, 2010

8:30am - 4:00pm

Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC)

Eagleview Corporate Center

737 Constitution Drive

Exton, PA 19341

As the Regional Export Network Representative for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Center for Trade Development, the WTCGP is pleased to announce that on Wednesday March 10, the PA Authorized Trade Representatives (ATRs), from Australia (includes New Zealand), France (includes Belgium), Germany (includes Austria, and Switzerland), India, Israel (includes Egypt, Greece, Jordan and Turkey), Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Russia, Singapore (includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand), Spain, United Kingdom (includes Ireland and Scandinavia), United Arab Emirates (includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar), and Vietnam will be available to provide One-On-One counseling to qualified export ready companies. The one-on-one meetings are by appointment only and are limited to 3 appointments per company.

**Companies that plan to attend must schedule appointments BEFORE March 10. To schedule your One-On-One appointments, please contact one of the following WTCGP Trade Specialists:

For Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties:
Ron Drozd
rdrozd@wtcphila.org
215-586-4240 x 122

For Bucks and Philadelphia Counties:
Dale Foote
dfoote@wtcphila.org
215-586-4240 x 117

Upcoming Trade Missions

March 1-9, 2010, Melbourne and Sydney, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand

March 13-22 , 2010, Shanghai and Beijing, China

May 31-June 4, 2010, Poland and Russia

April 12-16, 2010, Expomin - Santiago, Chile (Mining)
June 8-10, 2010, Canada Global Petroleum Show - Calgary, Alberta
September 13-16, 2010, Rio Oil and Gas Expo and Conference, Brazil

Start enjoying the benefits of WTCGP membership today.

Become a Member...

March 10, 2010 -
Counseling with PA Authorized Trade Reps (ATRs)

March 13, 2010 -
Drexel's Export for Scholars Mission to China

More Events...

Leadership Council

UPS

Corporate Level

BDP International

GEO Specialty Chemicals

Small Business Members

DiSorb Systems, Inc. 

Henry H. Ottens

Nielsen-Kellerman