Together with our World Trade Center team, I wish you, your families, and colleagues a happy, healthy and fulfilling New Year!

As we begin 2021, for many, it is with a mixture of relief, gratitude, and impatience as we close one tumultuous chapter and look forward to a new and more hopeful one. In 2020,  like many non-profits and the companies we serve, we pivoted and transitioned well to virtual events, including our signature “Bringing the World To PA” and World Trade Centers Day Celebration fundraiser. We created new programming to meet immediate needs of our members and to help them stay on course for future growth. By the end of 2020, our team helped companies register some $104M, testimony to their resiliency and the dedication of our team to their success. 

And we never lost sight of our commitment to staying connected and of service to our exporting companies  -- and to connecting them with one another. We began 2021 therefore with our popular “Member Conversations,” the informal gathering place for our members, that continues to be a great way for people to stay in touch, learn from one another, and share creative solutions for coping with and planning beyond COVID. On March 25, in partnership with the Fox School of Business at Temple University, we will present our Annual Global Business Conference, the region’s first, comprehensive look at the year ahead for the global economy, with international market experts and business leaders offering insight on best opportunities and strategies for success. Our China and India/Southeast Asia Clubs will continue these discussions, meeting throughout the year to share best practices on doing business in these markets.

COVID-19 and its aftermath is a reminder of the role that we will continue to play in Greater Philadelphia’s economic recovery.  It is reflected in our new mission statement and 2020-2022 Strategic Plan, “To bring growth and prosperity to businesses, communities, and neighborhoods in Greater Philadelphia and worldwide through global trade.” We will further our mission in traditional and practical ways, with our trademark trade counseling and by introducing an exciting new platform for members to connect and learn from one another. We will open new opportunities for companies to reach new customers through the world trade center network. The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia will widen its reach to new audiences within our communities, to minority and women-owned businesses with the message that, by selling to the world, together we can grow a vibrant, inclusive, and connected economy for Greater Philadelphia!

Simply stated, we are committed to advancing Philadelphia and the region’s economic and global leadership and place in the world. 

As we begin this promising new year,  I want to thank our talented team, members, Board and Advisory Council, sponsors and partners for their support and helping to make our good work possible.

Here’s to a great 2021!

 

Linda Conlin

​The team at the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia would like to pause this Holiday Season to say “Thank You” for your unwavering commitment to our organization and the prosperity of the Greater Philadelphia Region. Looking back on this past year, we see just how lucky we are to have people like you supporting us. 

Throughout 2020, we have been busy adapting to the new virtual business environment, providing virtual educational events, and developing strategies to keep our Member companies engaged globally. As challenging as this year has been, our team has successfully continued to provide the top-tier programming and trade assistance you have come to expect. Therefore, in observance of the Christmas holiday and to celebrate a year of exceptionally hard work, we will be closed from Thursday, December 24 and will reopen Monday, January 4.

Sending you warm wishes this Holiday Season, and hoping to see you in person sometime soon in the New Year!


Sincerely,

The WTCGP Team

Written By: Heather Redfern
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) will welcome Eastern Airlines as its newest air service partner on December 14. The Wayne, Pa.-based carrier will offer nonstop service between Philadelphia and Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

“Having Eastern as one of our partners supports a local company and helps connect underserved markets to the Greater Philadelphia region,” said PHL CEO Chellie Cameron. “So much of travel right now is Visiting Friends and Relatives [VFR]. Yet many Philadelphia-area residents have been unable to make direct connections to visit loved ones from their home airport. By offering destinations like Port-Au-Prince and Santo Domingo from Philadelphia, Eastern is making travel more accessible to so many of our neighbors when they are ready to travel.”

Eastern will launch its PHL service with nonstop flights twice per week to Port-Au-Prince (PAP) and Santo Domingo (SDQ). The airline will use Boeing 767 aircraft, which also allows Eastern to carry cargo. Eastern offers passengers the highest baggage allowance at PHL—up to six checked bags (first two checked bags, up to 70lbs/32kg, are free). Information about the new airline, destinations, baggage policy and service can be found at goeasternair.com.
“We are excited to launch service at our hometown airport, and to offer more non-stop options to the Philadelphia community.  With an all-widebody fleet, Eastern is able to carry more of what our customers want to bring on their journeys," said Eastern's CEO Steve Harfst. "Additionally, we are confident that our warm, friendly service will earn this city’s affection and help us to invest here long-term.  Philly, pack your bags – we’ll carry them!” ​

​Original Post

​GivingTuesday is an opportunity for people around the world to use their individual power of generosity to remain connected and support their communities.

The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) is the go-to non-profit agency for small and medium-sized businesses conducting business internationally, and now more than ever it is critical to continue our work. Since 2002 we have helped companies generate over $2 Billion in global exports, resulting in the creation of over 26,000 jobs for Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey! 

During this pandemic, we have been busy providing virtual educational events and daily assistance to companies. To better understand our impact, you need only read our collection of Member Success Stories. On this GivingTuesday, be sure to follow along on social media as we celebrate the incredible work of numerous Members on social media all day long!

We know that the global economy will rebound from this, and when it does, the Greater Philadelphia region will be busier than ever. Throughout the pandemic we have been working closely with over 300 World Trade Centers that continue to operate to maintain the flow of essential goods and services to our region - especially medical equipment and supplies. 

How can you help?

For GivingTuesday, we are asking individuals who care about the economic prosperity of our region, to contribute to WTCGP by giving a charitable gift. Your donation, no matter what size, allows us to hold webinars, provide unparalleled trade assistance, and continue our day-to-day operations.

>>> Give a Gift

We want to make sure everyone can get involved, so below is a list of non-monetary ways you can help WTCGP today for GivingTuesday:

• Refer a company to become a Member
• Share the WTCGP story with your network
• Inquire about Sponsor opportunities
• Share that you are a proud WTCGP Member by using the "Stamp of Approval" on social media, company emails, or your website

Your assistance will accelerate Greater Philadelphia’s recovery through our programs dedicated to small businesses and to under-served communities as well as expanding important global growth opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses that have been among the most-severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To our supporters, we offer a sincere thank you. Together we can make our mission a reality - To bring growth and prosperity to businesses, communities, and neighborhoods in Greater Philadelphia and worldwide through global trade and investment.

- For Immediate Release -

Ameri-Business Partner Search Program (APS)™ assists international companies identify U.S. business partners and establish domestic business relations
 
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – November 4, 2020- The World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia and USA Strategic Ventures LLC jointly announced today the Ameri-Business Partner Search Program (APS)™ to assist international companies identify business partners and create partnership with companies in the Philadelphia region and the United States.
 
“By combining forces with USA Strategic Ventures, the World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) is expanding its professional services to more readily assist international companies achieve their global business expansion objectives in the USA,” stated Linda Conlin, President of the World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia. “We provide a variety of marketing and business advisory services to international companies interested in establishing a presence in the USA and to domestic companies desiring global expansion.”
 
”International companies have become very aggressive in pursuing a global presence by taking advantage of the rebounding U.S. economy. To achieve their business expansion objectives and secure their future they must cultivate new foreign markets. The USA represents one of the best opportunities for success,” stated Alfred N. Basilicato, Managing Director and Founder of USA Strategic Ventures. “Formalizing our relationship with the WTCGP enhances our ability to develop market entry strategies and relationships with prospective business partners for our mutual clients throughout the world.”
 
The Ameri-Business Partner Search Program™ was developed by USA Strategic Ventures based on 25  plus years of successful international trade experience including strategic industry   research, developing market entry strategies, and establishing distribution channels resulting in repeatable incremental revenue. The APS™ approach provides a cost-effective unique process to identify, contact, and work with viable American business partners to penetrate the U.S. market. At every step of the journey, professional teams from both organizations will present actionable data and guidance to develop successful business relationships.
 

USA Strategic Ventures is an award-winning experienced group of executive entrepreneurs with more than fifty years of combined diversified experience in sales and marketing, operations, manufacturing and finance. The firm assists clients develop and drive new revenue sources through international and domestic business development and by establishing strategic partnerships around the world. Learn more by contacting us at +1 215-717-9663 or by email at info@usastrategicventures.com.
 
The World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) is a private-sector, non-profit organization that assists companies in the global marketplace. Their stellar global reputation provides members with legitimacy as they conduct business in new and existing international market. They work with importers, exporters, products and services.  In addition to helping local companies overseas, they also help foreign companies to build their presence in the United States. To learn more please contact us at +1 215-586-4243 or info@wtcgp.com

2020 Honorees:

• Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement: Tom Leonard III, Chairman, Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP
• Member Company of the Year: Philadelphia International Medicine (PIM)
• Global Business Leadership Award: SAP

Philadelphia, PA, September 21, 2020…The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) is pleased to announce its 18th Annual World Trade Centers Day Awards, presented by Independence Blue Cross, and will take place virtually via YouTube @WTCPhila channel on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 3 pm US EST. KYW Newsradio Community Affairs Reporter, Cherri Gregg will be emcee.

The World Trade Centers Day Awards is dedicated to recognizing the global achievement of the Greater Philadelphia region and to celebrate local business leaders who have made a significant contribution to regional and national economic growth through international trade. The event is in keeping with World Trade Centers Day, a day dedicated by the United Nations after the tragic events of 9/11 to celebrate the contributions to peace and prosperity made by World Trade Centers across the globe. 

The Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement honoree is Tom Leonard III, Chairman of Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP.

About Tom Leonard
As written in Top 100 Magazine: Thomas A. Leonard has dedicated his career to the practice of law. With nearly 50 years of comprehensive experience in business and complex commercial litigation in both federal and state courts, he serves as both chairman of Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell and HippeI LLP and chairman of the firm's litigation department. Tom's illustrious career has included the role of chairman of the disciplinary board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. A fierce litigator with an extensive appellate practice, he argues many cases in the appellate courts, including the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. In 2019, he was named one of America's Top 100 High Stakes Litigators.
 
He also  serves  on the merit selection committee for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, where he has been responsible for  approving every federal judge who has been appointed throughout the past 25 years, and he has  served on the magistrate retention committee for the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
 
Tom serves as president for the board of trustees for Roman Catholic High School and as a trustee on the board of trustees for Drexel University. Tom graduated from Roman and Drexel. Prior to becoming a trustee of the university, he served as a trustee of the Drexel School of Medicine. For his hard work and dedication, Tom has received numerous honors and awards.
 
Tom has also been active in politics throughout his life, beginning as city controller for the City of Philadelphia. He has served as vice chairman of finance for the Democratic National Committee and he is the current chairman of an independent expenditure PAC, Pennsylvania Values. In Pennsylvania, he has chaired campaigns for president, U.S. senate, governor, and mayor, and he has served as a delegate for numerous presidential conventions. In 1996, he served as chairman of the electoral college in Pennsylvania.
​
 
 The 2020 Member Company of the Year honoree is Philadelphia International Medicine.
 
About Philadelphia International Medicine (PIM)
 
Since 1999, Philadelphia International Medicine has been connecting patients and physicians from around the world with doctors and healthcare professionals from ten world-renowned Philadelphia-area medical centers in more than 100 specialties and sub which include: Jefferson Health, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health, Magee Rehabilitation, Main Line Health, Nemours Hospital for Children, Rothman Orthopaedics, The Renfrew Center, Vincera Institute, and Wills Eye Hospital.

The 2020 Global Business Leadership Award honoree is SAP

About SAP
 
SAP stands for Systems, Applications, and Products in data processing. Founded in 1972 in Walldorf, Germany, SAP has offices around the world. Originally known for leadership in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, SAP has evolved to become a market leader in end-to-end enterprise application software, database, analytics, intelligent technologies, and experience management. A top cloud company with 200 million users worldwide, SAP helps businesses of all sizes and in all industries to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and achieve their purpose.
 
About World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia
 
The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) is one of over 320 World Trade Centers in 89 countries around the globe. A non-profit and membership - based organization, the WTCGP accelerates global business growth for companies in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey by providing customized, one-on-one trade counseling, market research, educational programs, trade mission support, business networking events, and powerful connections to customers and partners worldwide. Since 2002, the WTCGP has served as a catalyst for regional economic growth and job creation, helping area companies generate over $2B in incremental export sales, supporting over 26,000 jobs.  

Today, we remember those we lost.

We remember the workers in their offices. We remember the airline travelers who never made it to their destination. We remember the heroic first responders who ran toward danger to save others. We remember the families who continue to mourn their loved ones.

We remember, and we will never forget.

As one of over 300 World Trade Centers across the globe, it is our mission to bring growth and prosperity to businesses, communities, and neighborhoods in Greater Philadelphia and worldwide through global trade and investment. 

We continue to carry out our mission every day, in their honor, and stand united for global peace and prosperity through trade. By removing the geographic borders we have created, we learn to respect and appreciate one another regardless of differences in race, religion, and nationality. ​