Nominations Open for Annual Dinner Global Business Leadership Award
 The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Global Business Leadership Award. Each year, the WTCGP presents the World Trade Centers’ Day Dinner and Awards to celebrate the global achievement of the Greater Philadelphia region and to recognize those international business leaders who have made a significant contribution to regional and national economic growth through international trade.
The 2012 Dinner, which takes place in May, is especially significant as we celebrate our tenth year of providing international trade services and global connections to help Pennsylvania and New Jersey companies succeed in global markets. The event is in keeping with a day created after September 11, 2001, by the World Trade Centers Association in cooperation with the United Nations, to be celebrated around the world as World Trade Centers’ Day. Over 320 World Trade Centers worldwide organize activities ranging from conferences to cultural events to foster their message of prosperity through international trade.
Please take this opportunity to submit a nomination for an individual or organization whose global business achievement has made a significant impact on the region. This is a leader who thinks globally and acts strategically, and whose vision and leadership have made an impact on global economic development through international trade.
Please submit completed nomination forms by January 23, 2012.
Join us for the Global Business Conference: “Mapping the Global Economy in 2012”
 On February 28, the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, in cooperation with Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, will host its 9th Annual Global Business Conference at the Creese Student Union Complex at Drexel University.
This year’s conference, entitled “Mapping the Global Economy in 2012” will include a panel discussion with leading economists on the future of the global economy and leading market trends, an update on free trade agreements and the practical implications for U.S. businesses, and a presentation on international sales strategies from successful small- and medium-sized businesses. In addition, senior trade policy experts will provide the latest information regarding national policy updates that may affect regional businesses. The complete agenda will be provided shortly.
Pennsylvania’s International Trade Representatives Plan Visit for April
 Pennsylvania’s Authorized Trade Representatives (ATRs), covering major markets around the world, are visiting Philadelphia on April 4 to meet with local companies and discuss export opportunities in their respective markets. Meetings will take place at the Chester County Economic Development Council in Exton, Pennsylvania.
Representatives from Brazil, Chile, China-Shanghai, Germany, India, Korea, Mexico, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates will be available to provide one-on-one counseling to qualified export-ready companies. The meetings are by appointment only and are limited to three appointments per company.
If you are a Pennsylvania exporter, this event offers an important opportunity for you to have individual, pre-scheduled meetings and gain valuable market insight to guide your international business strategy. This promises to be a very popular program, so please contact your international trade specialist below for more information and to schedule your one-on-one appointments with the ATRs!
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
Governor Corbett to Lead International Trade Mission in 2012
 Governor Tom Corbett will lead a delegation of Pennsylvania business leaders on a trade mission to France and Germany next spring that will focus on connecting Pennsylvania companies with potential export partners and encouraging international businesses to invest in the commonwealth.
The March 2012 mission will be privately funded and organized by the Team Pennsylvania Foundation, a private non-profit partnership with the commonwealth.
France and Germany are two of Pennsylvania’s most important trade partners. Combined, they represent the state’s fourth-largest export market and top source of foreign direct investment in Pennsylvania. In 2010, Pennsylvania companies exported more than $767 million of goods and services to France and more than $1.4 billion to Germany. Currently, 438 French-based firms employ more than 18,500 people in Pennsylvania, and 707 German-based firms employ more than 34,900 in the state. See the complete press release from the Governor’s office.
For more information, see the Trade Mission Flyer and Participant Agreement Form
China Club Members Learn How to Protect Most Valuable Asset, Intellectual Property
 On December 7, the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia along with White & Williams, LLP, was pleased to host another successful CEOs’ China Operations Club roundtable meeting. The program, entitled “Cover Your Assets: Protecting Your Intellectual Rights,” was conducted by attorneys from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) who travelled from Washington, D.C. to speak with the group.
A 2005 U.S. Patent and Trademark Office study found that 85 percent of SME’s who export do not realize their U.S. patents/trademarks do not protect them overseas. For example, if a company enters the China market with a product but doesn’t register its mark at China’s Trademark Office, competitors, distributors, or partners may be able to register the trademark and bar this company from manufacturing or selling its products in China.
The USPTO – China Team works to protect U.S. company’s patents/trademarks in China by helping them develop an intellectual property strategy. The USPTO - China Team, comprised of attorneys Susan Anthony, Elaine Wu, and Tim Browning, emphasized the importance of taking measures to protect IP before entering the Chinese market.
The CEOs’ China Operations Club organizes meetings with leading China experts through the year. In addition, the program offers an important opportunity for members to share best practices and market insight. For information on how to join the CEO’s China Operations Club, please contact Ron Drozd, Manager Export Services, at rdrozd@wtcphila.org
Environmental Tectonics Corp. of Southampton logs in $4.5 million in new orders. Read full story.
Banking giant HSBC streamlines, but not in Philadelphia – HSBC has really sharpened its focus in the U.S. market to concentrate on internationally-connected metropolitan areas. Read full story with quote from WTCGP president, Linda Mysliwy Conlin.
Chemtech International Inc. receives mention in Philadelphia Bar Reporter (monthly newspaper). Read full story.
Get your news here! If you are a WTCGP member and you would like us to feature your company news or a recent accomplishment in our newsletter, please submit your news item to info@wtcphila.org or add us to your press/news distribution list.
Upcoming Events
2012 Global Business Conference
February 28, 2012
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Drexel University
Behrakis Grand Hall – Creese Student Union Complex
3210 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
The Global Business Conference is a full-day annual conference that brings together regional business leaders, senior government officials, and industry executives to focus on the latest developments in the global economy affecting international trade.
More information will be available shortly – please check our website for the latest information: www.wtcphila.org
Authorized Trade Representatives - Spring Visit
April 4, 2012
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Chester County Economic Development Council
Eagleview Corporate Center
737 Constitution Drive
Exton, PA 19341
Pennsylvania’s Authorized Trade Representatives (ATRs), covering major markets around the world, are visiting Philadelphia to meet with local companies and discuss export opportunities in their respective markets. If you are a Pennsylvania exporter, this event is an important opportunity for you to have individual, pre-scheduled meetings and gain valuable market insight to guide your international business strategy.
Representatives from Brazil, Chile, China-Shanghai, Germany, India, Korea, Mexico, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates will be available to provide one-on-one counseling to qualified export-ready companies. The meetings are by appointment only and are limited to three appointments per company.
See our website for more details.
- February 5-10, 2012, Bangalore India Bio 2012
- February 16-19, KIMES 2012 (Seoul, South Korea)
- February 22- March 3, 2012, Trade Mission to South Africa
- March 6-15, 2012, Trade Mission to Australia & New Zealand
- March 10-18, 2012, Trade Mission to China
- March 19-23, 2012, Govenor Corbett Trade Mission to France and Germany
- March 19-21, 2012, Bio-Europe Spring 2012 (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
- April 9-13, EXPOMIN 2012 (Santiago, Chile)
- May 2012 - Trade Mission to Indonesia & Vietnam
See the complete calendar of Trade Missions and Shows available from the Center for Trade Development
If you are interested in learning more or attending a trade mission or trade show, contact your International Trade Specialist. |
