Feature Articles

State of the Port Address Emphasizes the Importance of U.S. East Coast Ports

The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) and the World Trade Association (WTA) of Philadelphia hosted the State of the Port Address and Luncheon on Friday, November 4, 2011 at the Independence Seaport Museum. Over 180 guests representing the local port community and Pennsylvania and New Jersey companies attended the event.

Opening remarks were given by Linda Conlin, president of the WTCGP and Ed Fitzgerald, president of the WTA. "We appreciate the support of our members and industry colleagues for attending this year’s State of the Port luncheon. The cooperation and participation of all involved made our first luncheon with the WTCGP a success. Thank you to the Independence Seaport Museum for hosting us at their premier location along the Delaware River which exemplifies the past, present and future of our port," stated Fitzgerald.

Attendees learned of the latest global and regional port developments affecting their business growth. "Through our ports we are able share Pennsylvania and New Jersey-made products with consumers beyond our borders,” said Conlin. “Port improvements and modernization allow our companies to be more competitive in global markets and, in turn, stimulate economic growth and jobs for the region."

Dennis Rochford, president of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, gave an update on the region’s port developments. Paul Bingham, economic practice leader for Wilbur Smith Associates provided the keynote address which emphasized the importance of U.S. east coast ports and the changes Greater Philadelphia can expect in the near future. Bingham stressed that an uneven global growth path has implications for the region’s ports and their partners and competitors. He urged attendees to be aware of shifting trade patterns and stated that supply chain integration, advances in globalization, and the adoption of technology and standards are resulting in improved efficiency and lower costs.
The event concluded with a networking luncheon held in museum’s ballroom which overlooks the waterfront.

We would like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors:

WTCGP News

WTCGP Ranked on Business Journals list of Economic Development Groups

We are proud to announce that the WTCGP ranked #13 on the Philadelphia Business Journal’s top list of Economic Development Groups for 2011.

Each year the Philadelphia Business Journal ranks the leadingt area companies in their fields. The ranking also provides the names and contact information for key decision makers at each company.

Learn more about the Book of Lists on the Business Journal’s website.


Event in Review

Export Finance Workshop Helps Businesses Access Tools to Grow Global Sales

On November 16, the WTCGP and the State of New Jersey Business Action Center hosted an Export Finance Workshop at the Trenton Marriott. Export-ready Pennsylvania and New Jersey companies were joined by the region’s leading trade finance lenders to receive information on financing programs offered by the Export-Import Bank of the United States and the Small Business Administration.

Regina Gordin of Export-Import Bank of the United States and Toni Corsini of the U.S. Small Business Administration were the featured speakers of the seminar. The attendees also were able to hear an interactive discussion from a panel of the region’s lenders and global banking service providers. Participants from TD Bank, HSBC, and UPS Capital provided insight on how companies can qualify for financing products. In addition, two experienced exporters, Musya Tumanyan of Hoffman International and Mallesh Hiriyur of IMPX Traders shared their experiences on obtaining financing to secure international sales.

The workshop concluded with an interactive roundtable discussion between the various presenters and the business attendees. Through these roundtable discussions, the company representatives were able to address more specific concerns with the expert speakers and panelists. The seminar was a great success and provided excellent informational and networking opportunities for all attendees.

A special thank you to our leadership council members and sponsors of the Export Finance Initiative:

Member News

CARDONE Industries, a world leader in the automotive parts remanufacturing industry, announced today that it has signed definitive agreements for the acquisition of its North American operations by affiliates of TPG Capital, L.P., a leading global private investment firm. Read full press release.

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

Save the Date – 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. A detailed agenda will be available shortly – please check our website for the latest information: www.wtcphila.org

As in the past, this year's conference will present the latest information on global markets and trends.

Upcoming Trade Missions

• January 23-26, 2012, Arab Health 2012 Dubai, UAE
• February 5-10, 2012, Bangalore India Bio 2012
• February 22- March 3, 2012, Trade Mission to South Africa
• March 6-15, 2012, Trade Mission to Australia & New Zealand
  

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.

Start enjoying the benefits of WTCGP membership today.

Save the Date: Global Business Conference
February 29, 2011

More Events

Corporate Members
Cardone Industries, Inc.
LCR Electronics, Inc.
Northwest Green Building
St. Joseph's University

Small Business Members
Moberg Research, Inc
New Era Global Advisors
Paratherm Corporation
PARIS Technologies International
PortaScience, Inc.