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Executive Vice-President Alex Strange, Great, Great, Great Grandson of Bassetts Ice Cream Founder is Committed to Upholding His Family’s Legacy Around the Globe
By Graziella DiNuzzo
Alex Strange doesn’t know what his great, great, great grandfather would say if he knew that Bassetts ice cream is now being sold in China, Taiwan, and South Korea. “The world was so different in 1861. To explain that our ice cream is still made in Pennsylvania and shipped to Taiwan. I hope he would be proud,” Alex explains.
It’s certain that Louis Dubois Bassett, a Quaker teacher and farmer in Salem, New Jersey had no idea his unique ice cream recipe would become an international commercial success in countries historically not known for including ice cream on the menu. It was 1861 and Abraham Lincoln was serving his first term as President, when back on the farm, Dubois’ mules were churning small batches of the savory ice cream. In 1885 Dubois opened a retail location at 5th and Market Street in Philadelphia.
Alex Strange doesn’t know what his great, great, great grandfather would say if he knew that Bassetts ice cream is now being sold in China, Taiwan, and South Korea. “The world was so different in 1861. To explain that our ice cream is still made in Pennsylvania and shipped to Taiwan. I hope he would be proud,” Alex explains.
It’s certain that Louis Dubois Bassett, a Quaker teacher and farmer in Salem, New Jersey had no idea his unique ice cream recipe would become an international commercial success in countries historically not known for including ice cream on the menu. It was 1861 and Abraham Lincoln was serving his first term as President, when back on the farm, Dubois’ mules were churning small batches of the savory ice cream. In 1885 Dubois opened a retail location at 5th and Market Street in Philadelphia.
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When Reading Terminal Market opened its doors in 1892, Bassetts moved its retail store and started production in the store’s basement. Today, Bassetts is the last remaining original merchant at Reading Terminal and is known as “America’s Oldest Ice Cream.” |
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What makes Bassetts Ice Cream so deliciously creamy?
“We use a 16.5% butterfat recipe that incorporates the highest quality dairy and flavoring ingredients.”
When President Barack Obama visited Bassetts, he ordered mint chocolate chip but with over thirty-five ice cream flavors, vanilla continues to be the most popular, “we source our vanilla beans from Madagascar,” says Alex. “In fact, several years ago storms in Madagascar had caused a shortage of vanilla and prices worldwide were through the roof, exceeding the price of silver. A lot of companies turned to Mexico and other sources for vanilla, but we would never affect the quality of our ice cream or deviate from my great grandfather’s original recipe.”
Alex first started learning about the family business when he started working summers during high school. “I was living in Memphis and would come to Philadelphia to stay with my uncle. I scooped my first cone as a professional at the store at Reading Terminal Market when I was fifteen. “
In May 2008, Bassetts first order of ice cream was sent by container ship to Beijing, China. President and CEO, Michael Strange worked with Sung Gongyun (James Sun) to establish the Beijing Sino-American Food Company which now has a retail locations and distribution to restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores.
When President Barack Obama visited Bassetts, he ordered mint chocolate chip but with over thirty-five ice cream flavors, vanilla continues to be the most popular, “we source our vanilla beans from Madagascar,” says Alex. “In fact, several years ago storms in Madagascar had caused a shortage of vanilla and prices worldwide were through the roof, exceeding the price of silver. A lot of companies turned to Mexico and other sources for vanilla, but we would never affect the quality of our ice cream or deviate from my great grandfather’s original recipe.”
Alex first started learning about the family business when he started working summers during high school. “I was living in Memphis and would come to Philadelphia to stay with my uncle. I scooped my first cone as a professional at the store at Reading Terminal Market when I was fifteen. “
In May 2008, Bassetts first order of ice cream was sent by container ship to Beijing, China. President and CEO, Michael Strange worked with Sung Gongyun (James Sun) to establish the Beijing Sino-American Food Company which now has a retail locations and distribution to restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores.
L to R: Roger Bassett, former General Manager, Retail Operations with Michael Strange, President and CEO
That might explain how Alex spent one high school summer. “I ended up working a third shift production job for a project we were doing for China— making moon cakes. We had these chocolate molds, and it would make a shell and we would fill it with Bassetts vanilla ice cream with a raspberry sorbet center. Nights were long. Our production was running 24 hours per day. But I loved it.”
“The next year I became a driver, delivering products all over Philadelphia. I got to experience the wholesale side of the business and interacted with kitchen staff and chefs and got to see what all these different kitchens looked like,” Alex says with a smile. “Uncle Michael also taught me our accounting system one year.”
Alex had the opportunity to sit with his late grandmother Ann Bassett to learn more about the family history. Ann Bassett is known as the driving force behind the company’s expansion and as President she incorporated the wholesale business in 1977 and expanded distribution to New York and other parts of the country.
“I still call my Uncle Roger often.” Roger Bassett is the former General Manager of Retail Operations and once owned the retail store at Reading Terminal Market for many years.
As Executive Vice President, Alex is responsible for the day-to-day operations. “We all do what needs to get done. We empower our team to be nimble and take care of customer needs as quickly as possible. I often answer incoming calls and handle the issue myself.
“The next year I became a driver, delivering products all over Philadelphia. I got to experience the wholesale side of the business and interacted with kitchen staff and chefs and got to see what all these different kitchens looked like,” Alex says with a smile. “Uncle Michael also taught me our accounting system one year.”
Alex had the opportunity to sit with his late grandmother Ann Bassett to learn more about the family history. Ann Bassett is known as the driving force behind the company’s expansion and as President she incorporated the wholesale business in 1977 and expanded distribution to New York and other parts of the country.
“I still call my Uncle Roger often.” Roger Bassett is the former General Manager of Retail Operations and once owned the retail store at Reading Terminal Market for many years.
As Executive Vice President, Alex is responsible for the day-to-day operations. “We all do what needs to get done. We empower our team to be nimble and take care of customer needs as quickly as possible. I often answer incoming calls and handle the issue myself.
Alex also gets involved in the international side of the business which continues to grow
In 2017, the very first Bassetts Ice Cream store was unveiled in South Korea. Harbour Buffet Restaurant, Taiwan’s all-you-can-eat restaurant chain has included Bassetts Ice Cream on their menu at seven locations since 2020.
“If it wasn’t for the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), we would not be exporting,” Alex confirms. “The WTCGP has guided us and been there when we needed them. Dale (Dale Foote, International Trade Specialist) just recently helped us with a labeling issue which would have delayed our delivery.
Alex has learned the process to ship Bassetts across the ocean. “It takes about 45 days to ship ice cream from port to port and then a few more weeks in customs before our customers receive the shipment. Ice cream needs to be held in negative 20-degree Fahrenheit temperatures, the colder the better. And he adds, “it is actually cheaper for us to ship ice cream to Southeast Asia than it is to ship to Florida.
We ship to Florida by pallet and the domestic LTL (Less than Trailer Load) requires several stops. It’s more economical to ship an entire container.” “All of our product is first transported from our facility to a reefer truck, which is a giant air-conditioned unit with controls where we can monitor the temperature over the duration of the journey.”
“If it wasn’t for the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), we would not be exporting,” Alex confirms. “The WTCGP has guided us and been there when we needed them. Dale (Dale Foote, International Trade Specialist) just recently helped us with a labeling issue which would have delayed our delivery.
Alex has learned the process to ship Bassetts across the ocean. “It takes about 45 days to ship ice cream from port to port and then a few more weeks in customs before our customers receive the shipment. Ice cream needs to be held in negative 20-degree Fahrenheit temperatures, the colder the better. And he adds, “it is actually cheaper for us to ship ice cream to Southeast Asia than it is to ship to Florida.
We ship to Florida by pallet and the domestic LTL (Less than Trailer Load) requires several stops. It’s more economical to ship an entire container.” “All of our product is first transported from our facility to a reefer truck, which is a giant air-conditioned unit with controls where we can monitor the temperature over the duration of the journey.”
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The Bassetts American brand is widely enjoyed in Southeast Asia markets, and there are preferences. “American customers tend to want the rich chocolate flavors but in China and Taiwan for instance, they prefer our fruit and nut flavors. When I was at a show in South Korea, we ran out of Macadamia nut before all the other flavors.” |
Bassetts Location in the Reading Terminal Market
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“You also need to know customs and protocol for these countries,” Alex explains. “When someone hands you a business card, use two hands to accept it and take the time to read the card. It is disrespectful to just put it in your pocket. “ Before joining Bassetts full-time, Alex spent two years after college working at Hormel Foods where he gained important skills. “I wanted someone who wasn’t sharing my last name to tell me how I was doing.”
“I started as a smoke house manager where we were responsible for taking raw lunch meats to a ready to eat product. It is a very critical process.” “After a few months I was promoted to the stuffing department where I was responsible for fifteen people and then I was promoted again and managed a 25-person team. At one point, I was running three departments. It was a great experience. After that time, I called my uncle Michael and told him I was ready to come back.”
What’s next for Bassetts?
“This year has been great, even though dairy costs continue to rise, and it is the highest it’s ever been, we stay on top of costs. We are always looking to expand into other markets and WTCGP and the Authorized Trade Representatives are helping.”
“My grandmother and Uncle Michael would tell me that if the bank needs money, you can’t send ice cream cones.” Just about every morning you can find Alex Strange behind the ice cream counter at Reading Terminal.
“I started as a smoke house manager where we were responsible for taking raw lunch meats to a ready to eat product. It is a very critical process.” “After a few months I was promoted to the stuffing department where I was responsible for fifteen people and then I was promoted again and managed a 25-person team. At one point, I was running three departments. It was a great experience. After that time, I called my uncle Michael and told him I was ready to come back.”
What’s next for Bassetts?
“This year has been great, even though dairy costs continue to rise, and it is the highest it’s ever been, we stay on top of costs. We are always looking to expand into other markets and WTCGP and the Authorized Trade Representatives are helping.”
“My grandmother and Uncle Michael would tell me that if the bank needs money, you can’t send ice cream cones.” Just about every morning you can find Alex Strange behind the ice cream counter at Reading Terminal.
“Even with all of these things we need to keep track of, I still need to start my day at the store engaging with customers. I love ice cream. It’s fun!”
Sycamore International: Keeping E-Waste out of Landfills by Providing Sustainable Solutions
By Graziella DiNuzzo
What do consumers, schools, companies, and organizations do when electronic devices and gadgets stop working or become obsolete? Unfortunately, America has garnered a reputation as a “throw-away society.”
The World Health Organization stated that E-waste is the fastest-growing solid waste stream in the world.
Over the last few years, the media has used the term “E-Waste” to report growing health and environmental issues. Electronic devices contain hazardous chemicals that can contaminate soil and pollute our water and air when not properly disposed.
According to The World Counts, "The world generates around 40 million tons of electronic waste every year, worldwide. That is like throwing away eight hundred laptops every second.” Some startling facts:
Steve Figgatt spent his summers working in an IT job at a local PA school district. He witnessed first-hand the challenges K-12 schools faced to responsibly recycle their electronic equipment.
What do consumers, schools, companies, and organizations do when electronic devices and gadgets stop working or become obsolete? Unfortunately, America has garnered a reputation as a “throw-away society.”
The World Health Organization stated that E-waste is the fastest-growing solid waste stream in the world.
Over the last few years, the media has used the term “E-Waste” to report growing health and environmental issues. Electronic devices contain hazardous chemicals that can contaminate soil and pollute our water and air when not properly disposed.
According to The World Counts, "The world generates around 40 million tons of electronic waste every year, worldwide. That is like throwing away eight hundred laptops every second.” Some startling facts:
- An average cellphone user replaces their unit once every 18 months.
- E-waste comprises 70% of our overall toxic waste.
- Only 12.5% of E-Waste is recycled.
- Electronics contain lead which can damage our central nervous system and kidneys.
- E-waste contains hundreds of substances, of which many are toxic. This includes mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, selenium, chromium, and flame retardants.
Steve Figgatt spent his summers working in an IT job at a local PA school district. He witnessed first-hand the challenges K-12 schools faced to responsibly recycle their electronic equipment.
“I founded Sycamore International in June 2010. I realized there was unrealized value in the downstream supply chain, so we focused on re-purposing some of the hardware.”
Sycamore International is based in West Grove, PA, and for the past 14 years has been helping schools and organizations reclaim their value from laptops, desktops, phones, tablets, and servers. “Sycamore grew around the concept of refurbishing functional devices for reuse and responsibly recycling truly obsolete devices,” explains Figgatt. “We scaled up our operations over time from a garage to larger rented warehouse facilitates before settling in our 16-acre processing complex in West Grove. We now operate a fleet of trucks serving hundreds of large organizations across the mid-Atlantic and northeast of the United States.”
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Sycamore International employs seventy experts who implement the valuable services organizations need to manage the challenges of electronic disposal.
Sycamore’s Information Technology Asset Disposition (ITAD) Services include everything from pickup and packaging of the devices and hardware to data destruction and shredding. Sycamore will evaluate the inventory needed to be discarded and follow the proper due diligence to determine if the piece can be salvaged and refurbished.
Sycamore’s Information Technology Asset Disposition (ITAD) Services include everything from pickup and packaging of the devices and hardware to data destruction and shredding. Sycamore will evaluate the inventory needed to be discarded and follow the proper due diligence to determine if the piece can be salvaged and refurbished.
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Hard Drives Shredded by Sycamore InternationaL
Every piece of electronic equipment has stored data that can create security nightmares for companies and organizations. Sycamore meets or exceeds the NIST 800-88 and DoD 5220.22-M standards for data security.
In addition to removing any stickers and labels, “All data is digitally destroyed on storage mediums using a variety of methods to overwrite the entirety of standard platter drives repeatedly, followed by final verification steps. Data on solid-state drives is accomplished through a similar, but slightly different encryption-based overwriting process, depending on the specific model. For Apple products, we will coordinate with your staff to ensure they can successfully dis-enroll all devices from your DEP system (if applicable) ideally prior to equipment removal, as well as ensuring iCloud removal, which is necessary for effective data destruction.”
Sycamore technicians will test all the pieces and provide a report on functionality and condition. Any pieces that are not salvageable will be safely recycled.
In addition to removing any stickers and labels, “All data is digitally destroyed on storage mediums using a variety of methods to overwrite the entirety of standard platter drives repeatedly, followed by final verification steps. Data on solid-state drives is accomplished through a similar, but slightly different encryption-based overwriting process, depending on the specific model. For Apple products, we will coordinate with your staff to ensure they can successfully dis-enroll all devices from your DEP system (if applicable) ideally prior to equipment removal, as well as ensuring iCloud removal, which is necessary for effective data destruction.”
Sycamore technicians will test all the pieces and provide a report on functionality and condition. Any pieces that are not salvageable will be safely recycled.
One of Sycamore’s Custom Built Data Wiping Servers. Each is capable of wiping 320+ drives concurrently. |
“Over 80% of our revenues are derived by refurbishing electronics for further reuse. Sustainable business was always a core of our mission.”
World Counts reports that “85% of our E-Waste are sent to landfills and incinerators are mostly burned and release harmful toxins in the air!” Sycamore can proudly state that “No equipment received by Sycamore goes to a landfill,” as proof in these certification details,” all equipment is sorted and recycled inside of our secure R2-certified facility in accordance with R2v3 (Sustainable Responsible Electronics Recycling), ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety) standards.” Vertical Divider
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Sycamore is also the first Information Technology Asset Disposition facility in the world to operate a solar microgrid warehouse.
Two ESS Energy Warehouse Long Duration Energy Storage Iron Flow Batteries used to operate a microgrid, peak load shave and participate in ancillary grid services at Sycamore International.
“In collaboration with Terra Sol Energies, we pioneered distributed renewable energy development by installing and operating the first solar microgrid coupled with an ESS Energy Warehouse Iron Flow Battery in the Eastern US. As we developed and optimized this system design, we've demonstrated that distributed domestic renewable energy production coupled with energy storage is completely commercially viable today.
Steve Figgatt found out about the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia’s Selling to the World Program through the Chester County Economic Development Council.
“We were doing some international direct sales to customers in the UK and UAE prior to engaging with WTCGP.”
Ron Drozd, WTCGP's Chief Operating Officer (At the time: Director of Export Program and Services), led the Selling to the World Export Training Classes designed to restore and expand the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), both established exporters and new-to-exporting companies, including increasing global access for minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs). Sycamore International was one of eighteen companies to complete the export training course.
“Sycamore also attended our Bringing the World to PA meetings where they met with Pennsylvania Authorized Trade Representatives from Mexico, South Africa, Singapore (ASEAN), Czech Republic, and Central and Eastern Europe,” explains Drozd. “We also are glad Steve attended the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers (GSGP) PA Trade Mission to South Africa where we set up about six meetings with potential buyers.”
“My experience with the WTCGP has been great based on what I've participated in thus far,” says Figgatt. “We're doing $2 million in direct international sales in the UK and UAE as of Q4 2023. Our sales team is working to establish a reliable supply chain of distributors in growth markets around the world.”
Most importantly, “Our thoughtful team fully embraces Circular Economy principles in our business model.
Sycamore’s annual e-scrap processing capacity is twenty million pounds, and they handle approximately 40,000 devices a month.
Steve Figgatt found out about the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia’s Selling to the World Program through the Chester County Economic Development Council.
“We were doing some international direct sales to customers in the UK and UAE prior to engaging with WTCGP.”
Ron Drozd, WTCGP's Chief Operating Officer (At the time: Director of Export Program and Services), led the Selling to the World Export Training Classes designed to restore and expand the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), both established exporters and new-to-exporting companies, including increasing global access for minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs). Sycamore International was one of eighteen companies to complete the export training course.
“Sycamore also attended our Bringing the World to PA meetings where they met with Pennsylvania Authorized Trade Representatives from Mexico, South Africa, Singapore (ASEAN), Czech Republic, and Central and Eastern Europe,” explains Drozd. “We also are glad Steve attended the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers (GSGP) PA Trade Mission to South Africa where we set up about six meetings with potential buyers.”
“My experience with the WTCGP has been great based on what I've participated in thus far,” says Figgatt. “We're doing $2 million in direct international sales in the UK and UAE as of Q4 2023. Our sales team is working to establish a reliable supply chain of distributors in growth markets around the world.”
Most importantly, “Our thoughtful team fully embraces Circular Economy principles in our business model.
Sycamore’s annual e-scrap processing capacity is twenty million pounds, and they handle approximately 40,000 devices a month.
What will you do with your device when it stops working?
GELLIARTS: REINVENTED PRINT MAKING TO BRING HAPPINESS TO THE WORLD
By Graziella DiNuzzo
Artist Joan Bess took a slab of Jello out of the refrigerator as her friend, Lou Ann Gleason watched. “She laid the jello slab on her kitchen counter and began to apply acrylic paint to the surface – rolling the paint out with a brayer. Then she took a comb and ran through acrylic paint on the jello slab making an interesting swirling design. She then laid a piece of paper on top of the jello slab and pressed the paper with her hands onto the Jello surface, transferring the image from the jello slab to her paper. She then removed the paper to reveal a beautiful art piece, “explained Lou Ann.
“Joan is a mixed media artist and I have watched her work with all kinds of materials to create beautiful work. We talked about how Jello was a great surface to print with but it’s perishable and you have to keep it in your refrigerator. Joan envisioned a durable reusable slab that would mimic the printing on Jello - the idea for GelliArts. We hoped we could reinvent printmaking and make it affordable for everyone.”
Lou Ann spent 15 years marketing brands at Proctor and Gamble and launching new products. Together with Joan, an accomplished artist, the duo knew they would be able to turn this simple slab of Jello into a sustainable print surface. In 2011 they decided to launch their own business. “Within six months we had our own website and artists started to find us,” says Lou Ann.
“Joan is a mixed media artist and I have watched her work with all kinds of materials to create beautiful work. We talked about how Jello was a great surface to print with but it’s perishable and you have to keep it in your refrigerator. Joan envisioned a durable reusable slab that would mimic the printing on Jello - the idea for GelliArts. We hoped we could reinvent printmaking and make it affordable for everyone.”
Lou Ann spent 15 years marketing brands at Proctor and Gamble and launching new products. Together with Joan, an accomplished artist, the duo knew they would be able to turn this simple slab of Jello into a sustainable print surface. In 2011 they decided to launch their own business. “Within six months we had our own website and artists started to find us,” says Lou Ann.
GelliArts manufactures Gelli® Printing Plates products in a facility in Exton, PA. “We are proudly made in the USA.” Printing plates vary in size and shape and take about eight hours to manufacture.
“We make our own environmentally safe gel and have perfected the process over the years to produce a very durable and reusable plate. Over half of our customers own over 5 plates of multiple sizes.”
In addition to gel printing plates, GelliArts sells rollers and stencils to build one-of-a-kind designs.
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Ninety percent of GelliArts customers are women with an average age of 50 plus. “Our artist customers are either card makers, paper crafters or collage artists, fine artists and many teach art in some form.”
When the pandemic hit GelliArts found new customers organically. “We would receive orders and letters from women telling us how we saved their sanity.” Through social media and online forums, women from zero experience to accomplished artists found each other. “It would take a novice about ten minutes to figure out the process. We have simple instructions in every package and many videos on how to get started. We also use acrylic paint because it is affordable.” |
Lou Ann also knew that art teachers would love their products, so she started attending teacher conferences where she found a new customer base – art educators who were looking for an easy product to keep students engaged and away from their cell phones. Before discovering GelliArts, art teachers would use linoleum blocks to create plates which was dangerous and tedious.
“At the National Art Educators Association, we were able to sign up teachers across 40 states. We hire local art teachers who teach the teachers how to use the plates. One Texas teacher said it is so exciting for her high school students to receive instant gratification from their unique designs.
The GelliArts website provides free lesson plans for grades 1 to 12 as well as tutorials for home projects.
“At the National Art Educators Association, we were able to sign up teachers across 40 states. We hire local art teachers who teach the teachers how to use the plates. One Texas teacher said it is so exciting for her high school students to receive instant gratification from their unique designs.
The GelliArts website provides free lesson plans for grades 1 to 12 as well as tutorials for home projects.
As an online store with a presence on Facebook and Instagram, GelliArts was attracting customers internationally. “When a distributor in the UK called and asked to distribute our products that is when our international business began to take off.”
And Lou Ann took it a step further. “We then went to our first international trade show in Frankfurt Germany in 2015 where we proudly won the Creative Impulse Tool of the Year Award. We were able to drive awareness at the gigantic show by winning the Award. We also won it in 2016 too.”
Lou Ann then met Dale Foote, WTCGP International Trade Specialist. Dale invited Lou Ann to participate in the WTCGP Selling to the World initiative, a new program designed to restore and expand the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), both established exporters and new-to-exporting companies. The program is also designed to increase global access and opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs).
“While attending the Selling to the World classes, I met a contact I am now doing business with.”
Lou Ann is grateful for Dale’s counseling, “Dale provides advice on any problems I have and provides contacts that help me with issues like Distributor agreements. He has included me in meetings with international partners who in turn have helped us identify opportunities in their own countries. Right now, I am working on an agreement with a new distributor in Australia that would not be happening without Dale’s assistance. Dale has also provided guidance on securing funds to help defray the cost of participating in an international tradeshow.”
GelliArts is currently distributed in Australia, New Zealand, Israel, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, and Croatia. In the United States, GelliArts can be found in Michaels and Joanne’s retail stores.
“Our products have created communities and brought joy to so many. Our very first case of products was sent to a nursing home for residents to enjoy. We continue to donate to hospitals for artists to work with patients in isolation needing something creative to do.”
Lou Ann recalls the first time she created a print design, “when I pulled my first print, I knew I could frame it and put it on my wall – it was so pretty. From that whole experience, I said – this is super cool.”
The mission of GelliArts is simple, “get everyone printing and it will be a much happier world.”
And Lou Ann took it a step further. “We then went to our first international trade show in Frankfurt Germany in 2015 where we proudly won the Creative Impulse Tool of the Year Award. We were able to drive awareness at the gigantic show by winning the Award. We also won it in 2016 too.”
Lou Ann then met Dale Foote, WTCGP International Trade Specialist. Dale invited Lou Ann to participate in the WTCGP Selling to the World initiative, a new program designed to restore and expand the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), both established exporters and new-to-exporting companies. The program is also designed to increase global access and opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs).
“While attending the Selling to the World classes, I met a contact I am now doing business with.”
Lou Ann is grateful for Dale’s counseling, “Dale provides advice on any problems I have and provides contacts that help me with issues like Distributor agreements. He has included me in meetings with international partners who in turn have helped us identify opportunities in their own countries. Right now, I am working on an agreement with a new distributor in Australia that would not be happening without Dale’s assistance. Dale has also provided guidance on securing funds to help defray the cost of participating in an international tradeshow.”
GelliArts is currently distributed in Australia, New Zealand, Israel, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, and Croatia. In the United States, GelliArts can be found in Michaels and Joanne’s retail stores.
“Our products have created communities and brought joy to so many. Our very first case of products was sent to a nursing home for residents to enjoy. We continue to donate to hospitals for artists to work with patients in isolation needing something creative to do.”
Lou Ann recalls the first time she created a print design, “when I pulled my first print, I knew I could frame it and put it on my wall – it was so pretty. From that whole experience, I said – this is super cool.”
The mission of GelliArts is simple, “get everyone printing and it will be a much happier world.”
AKAS Textiles: Family-Owned Manufacturer's Mission is All in Its Name
By Graziella DiNuzzo
Sharma Family from left to right: Ashrey, Archana, Sidharth and Karishma
Sidharth (Sid) Sharma has been a textile engineer for forty nine years and his wife Archana (Arch) was once Director of Quality control for a medical device company. “We wanted a better life for our two college-bound children, Karishma and Ashrey so in 2005 we immigrated to the United States from India,” explains Arch.
As newly arrived immigrants, Arch continued working at her senior-level corporate job while Sid found work in a textile mill. When Sid’s employer declared bankruptcy in 2010, the Sharma’s decided to start their own manufacturing company. “We used our own family savings. We were newly arrived in America and didn’t have other resources,” says Arch.
AKAS Textiles was born in America with a commitment to manufacture only the highest-level sustainable textiles from raw materials sourced only from the USA. “When we came to the US, we brought along a mission to put American mills back to work, and to return pride and global leadership to this country’s textiles industry. In six years, we’ve added more than 650 jobs to the trade, and increased production at our mills from two to four days a week,” says Sid.
In 2012, AKAS bought Wazoodle, a Canadian textile company, “they had great products that aligned with ours, including absorbent and organic fabrics. We made the leap and never looked back,” says Arch.
Ashrey Sharma, Director of AKAS and Wazoodle Fabrics explains, “We manufacture a total of 427 products with a total of 2073 stock keeping units (SKUs).”
As newly arrived immigrants, Arch continued working at her senior-level corporate job while Sid found work in a textile mill. When Sid’s employer declared bankruptcy in 2010, the Sharma’s decided to start their own manufacturing company. “We used our own family savings. We were newly arrived in America and didn’t have other resources,” says Arch.
AKAS Textiles was born in America with a commitment to manufacture only the highest-level sustainable textiles from raw materials sourced only from the USA. “When we came to the US, we brought along a mission to put American mills back to work, and to return pride and global leadership to this country’s textiles industry. In six years, we’ve added more than 650 jobs to the trade, and increased production at our mills from two to four days a week,” says Sid.
In 2012, AKAS bought Wazoodle, a Canadian textile company, “they had great products that aligned with ours, including absorbent and organic fabrics. We made the leap and never looked back,” says Arch.
Ashrey Sharma, Director of AKAS and Wazoodle Fabrics explains, “We manufacture a total of 427 products with a total of 2073 stock keeping units (SKUs).”
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From fiber to fabric, AKAS works hard to eliminate the use of pesticides to ensure that “everything we create is made through the lens of sustainability and transparency in the entire supply chain."
AKAS cotton fabrics are certified organic by the US Cotton Trust Protocol which traces yarn from the mills directly to the fields. |
Our focus is also on using yarns derived from re-cycled bottle waste (Repreve Brand for polyester yarns from Unifi) and Post-Consumer waste for GRS-Cotton yarns (Certified by the Global Recycle Standard). Also, by manufacturing our fabrics entirely on US soil, we help diminish our carbon footprint for every product we create. Minimal travel of the raw materials and fabrics. Then, the finishes we use, are non-toxic - producing fabric that has a very high level of functionality with a very low level of environmental impact or any negative health impact on the user,” explains Arch.Industries which include fashion, self-care, industrial, oil, automotive, sorbent, furniture, medical, fashion, accessories and military have all used AKAS products.
Arch adds, “Our fabrics have gone up in space! They have also been a part of the Winter Olympics and underwear for fighter plane pilots.”
Arch provides more detail, “For our Zorb - which is our absorbent fabric - we see uses from diapers to chef’s jackets, menstrual pads to cage liners. Even hydroponic gardening and filtration of salt water!
For our ProCool series we see a lot of fashion innovations in sportswear specifically.
Our FoodSAFE fabrics are used for reusables in the kitchen including baggies, wet bags, bowl covers, un-sponges, liners, un-paper towel & more. Our ProECO line, which features our organic cottons, are used for everything including towels, head wraps, nursing pads, and robes. Our medical grade PUL is used in the medical industry for gowns, bed covers, furniture upholstery & more.”
At AKAS every phone call and email is answered. “I love hearing from our clients. Through our retail store, Wazoodle, we are able to service smaller quantities to entrepreneurs who have an idea and a dream. I once received a call from a mom who was working on a product she hoped to launch for hikers and we talked through what she may need,” said Arch.
When American inventor, Dr. David Pensak called, he was looking for small quantities of specialized fabric to test his idea. Other textile manufacturers had been unresponsive. After visiting with AKAS facility, Dr. Pensak found what he needed to develop a specialized fabric that would contain the right permeability, thickness, insulation, and impact absorption. Using AKAS fabric technology that is washable, durable and anti-bacterial, Dr. Pensak invented AlchemIce, cooling pouches used for food storage and pain reduction applications by delivering consistent cold temperatures for hours without frost damage. AlchemIce technology is also used to transport human organs for transplant surgeries.
Arch adds, “Our fabrics have gone up in space! They have also been a part of the Winter Olympics and underwear for fighter plane pilots.”
Arch provides more detail, “For our Zorb - which is our absorbent fabric - we see uses from diapers to chef’s jackets, menstrual pads to cage liners. Even hydroponic gardening and filtration of salt water!
For our ProCool series we see a lot of fashion innovations in sportswear specifically.
Our FoodSAFE fabrics are used for reusables in the kitchen including baggies, wet bags, bowl covers, un-sponges, liners, un-paper towel & more. Our ProECO line, which features our organic cottons, are used for everything including towels, head wraps, nursing pads, and robes. Our medical grade PUL is used in the medical industry for gowns, bed covers, furniture upholstery & more.”
At AKAS every phone call and email is answered. “I love hearing from our clients. Through our retail store, Wazoodle, we are able to service smaller quantities to entrepreneurs who have an idea and a dream. I once received a call from a mom who was working on a product she hoped to launch for hikers and we talked through what she may need,” said Arch.
When American inventor, Dr. David Pensak called, he was looking for small quantities of specialized fabric to test his idea. Other textile manufacturers had been unresponsive. After visiting with AKAS facility, Dr. Pensak found what he needed to develop a specialized fabric that would contain the right permeability, thickness, insulation, and impact absorption. Using AKAS fabric technology that is washable, durable and anti-bacterial, Dr. Pensak invented AlchemIce, cooling pouches used for food storage and pain reduction applications by delivering consistent cold temperatures for hours without frost damage. AlchemIce technology is also used to transport human organs for transplant surgeries.
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Sid remembers the day they first spoke with Dale Foote, WTCGP Trade Specialist, “I talked on the phone with Dale on May 20, 2014. Dale told us about the various export related programs and Arch and Ash attended the Fall PA International Week (PIW) in Sept. 2014 and WTCGP Philadelphia International Showcase Networking Event on Sept. 16 and 17, 2014. That was when the Family was introduced to Dale and since then we have had his support.”
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Today AKAS has distributors in France, the UK and Australia and they export to Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South America, Africa and Asia.
“We are finalizing a new distributor relationship in South Africa as well as South America.”
When COVID-19 hit the world, AKAS remained open for business and lobbied to allow mills to resume production. “Our UK distributor was in lock down and questions began coming in from Japan and other places on how to make your own fabric masks. We became the reference point for masks. Our warehouse was completely wiped out of inventory and our website crashed. But our distributors sold more material than the previous year. Everything was discounted. We did not advertise, we wanted to serve the people. We also learned that our fabric masks are 72% more effective than other fabrics on the market. ”
In 2021, AKAS was named 2021 Exporter of the Year by the Export – Import Bank of the United States (EXIM). The Exporter of the Year Award recognizes American businesses who use EXIM funding to provide jobs and export goods. Since 2013 EXIM’s small-business financing products have helped AKAS to offer credit terms to international customers and use working capital to fulfill export sales orders. “When we set up the manufacturing in 2010, our 1st Order was for an Export customer in Canada and when Arch heard about EXIM Bank at a conference in 2013 that was when the Exports started increasing,” said Sid. “In 2022, our exports were 25% of our two companies’ total revenue.”
Why was the company named AKAS? “We decided to use the first initials of our family Hindi names,” explains Arch. Archana means prayer, Karishma miracle, Ashrey Shelter or Safe Haven, and Sidharth successful, and one who has accomplished all goals (the name of Lord Buddha in Buddhism).
The AKAS name is the Sharma family story, which includes staff, clients and vendors emanates from its name. “We prayed for a miracle to have a safe space for our family and everyone we encounter to achieve success.”
“We are finalizing a new distributor relationship in South Africa as well as South America.”
When COVID-19 hit the world, AKAS remained open for business and lobbied to allow mills to resume production. “Our UK distributor was in lock down and questions began coming in from Japan and other places on how to make your own fabric masks. We became the reference point for masks. Our warehouse was completely wiped out of inventory and our website crashed. But our distributors sold more material than the previous year. Everything was discounted. We did not advertise, we wanted to serve the people. We also learned that our fabric masks are 72% more effective than other fabrics on the market. ”
In 2021, AKAS was named 2021 Exporter of the Year by the Export – Import Bank of the United States (EXIM). The Exporter of the Year Award recognizes American businesses who use EXIM funding to provide jobs and export goods. Since 2013 EXIM’s small-business financing products have helped AKAS to offer credit terms to international customers and use working capital to fulfill export sales orders. “When we set up the manufacturing in 2010, our 1st Order was for an Export customer in Canada and when Arch heard about EXIM Bank at a conference in 2013 that was when the Exports started increasing,” said Sid. “In 2022, our exports were 25% of our two companies’ total revenue.”
Why was the company named AKAS? “We decided to use the first initials of our family Hindi names,” explains Arch. Archana means prayer, Karishma miracle, Ashrey Shelter or Safe Haven, and Sidharth successful, and one who has accomplished all goals (the name of Lord Buddha in Buddhism).
The AKAS name is the Sharma family story, which includes staff, clients and vendors emanates from its name. “We prayed for a miracle to have a safe space for our family and everyone we encounter to achieve success.”
MinkeeBlue Inventor Sherrill Mosee: Dedicated to Making Life Easier for Women
By Graziella DiNuzzo
Photo credit: Tracy Glover
Sherrill Mosee’s mother was a young teenage mom with a desire to go to college. “She was accepted to the University of Penn but my grandmother said she couldn’t go. She said she couldn’t afford to keep the baby and go to school,” explains Mosee. The reality of her mother’s lost life opportunity would become the catalyst for Sherrill’s life journey.
When Sherrill was laid off from her engineering job at Lockheed Martin, she decided it was time to follow her desire to help women succeed by finding solutions to life obstacles.
In 1998, Sherrill formed Family Care Solutions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting higher education among low-income women with children. More specifically, Sherrill’s organization awarded over $3 million in childcare scholarships to help women stay in school while earning a college degree. “We supported over 500 student parents and had a ninety percent graduation rate,” boasts Sherrill. “Today, these moms are accountants, teachers, business owners and more. I get invited to their children’s weddings and graduations.”
“Unfortunately, when the economy crashed in 2008, I lost a lot of government funding and had to close my doors to the nonprofit,” explains Sherrill. “However, I was committed to supporting those students who were already in the program until they all graduated. It was during my time working with the moms that I noticed them struggling with their book bag and diaper bag. I was also doing the same thing, commuting to work while carrying my purse, laptop, lunch bag, and shoes in a plastic grocery bag.”
Plato is credited for the famous proverb, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” No doubt, MinkeeBlue’s birth in 2014 filled a great need.
“I originally started designing diaper bags because of my work with student moms and I wanted the name “Pinky Blue but the domain was taken. I liked the sound of “Pinky Blue so I literally went through the alphabet and landed on M for MinkeeBlue,” laughs Sherrill.
MinkeeBlue bags are designed to fit everything a woman will need to get through her busy life - from morning through night, and all in style.
Read More.
When Sherrill was laid off from her engineering job at Lockheed Martin, she decided it was time to follow her desire to help women succeed by finding solutions to life obstacles.
In 1998, Sherrill formed Family Care Solutions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting higher education among low-income women with children. More specifically, Sherrill’s organization awarded over $3 million in childcare scholarships to help women stay in school while earning a college degree. “We supported over 500 student parents and had a ninety percent graduation rate,” boasts Sherrill. “Today, these moms are accountants, teachers, business owners and more. I get invited to their children’s weddings and graduations.”
“Unfortunately, when the economy crashed in 2008, I lost a lot of government funding and had to close my doors to the nonprofit,” explains Sherrill. “However, I was committed to supporting those students who were already in the program until they all graduated. It was during my time working with the moms that I noticed them struggling with their book bag and diaper bag. I was also doing the same thing, commuting to work while carrying my purse, laptop, lunch bag, and shoes in a plastic grocery bag.”
Plato is credited for the famous proverb, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” No doubt, MinkeeBlue’s birth in 2014 filled a great need.
“I originally started designing diaper bags because of my work with student moms and I wanted the name “Pinky Blue but the domain was taken. I liked the sound of “Pinky Blue so I literally went through the alphabet and landed on M for MinkeeBlue,” laughs Sherrill.
MinkeeBlue bags are designed to fit everything a woman will need to get through her busy life - from morning through night, and all in style.
Read More.
Stephen Anderson, Founder of Marquis Advisory Group, sees Collaboration Essential
I sat down with Stephen Anderson, Founder of Marquis Advisory Group and newest member of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, to learn more about his history and how Marquis came into existence.
In October 1961, you were able to walk into The New York Times lobby on 43rd street in Manhattan and ask for directions to the Human Resources Department. And over the Christmas holiday, when you were at home in Jamestown, New York with your parents, you received a telegram asking you to report to work as a journalist in training.
How did you manage that?
"I am not sure. My journalism experience was limited to my college newspaper and The Chautauqua Daily, a paper of Chautauqua Institution in western New York State. Once at the Times my part was not important. What I could do now was on-the-job training that was semi-structured, informal, but with great mentors."
So, what made you want to be a journalist?
"My great uncle laid the idea in my mind. He was a lawyer, but never talked to me about law. His favorite recollections were about being a young journalist for the Jamestown Post Journal in Jamestown, New York, where we lived, and a free-lance journalist for the Canadian Pacific news. Great stories, including being sent to Panama to report on the unfinished Panama Canal. He was maybe 20 years old."
Read more.
I sat down with Stephen Anderson, Founder of Marquis Advisory Group and newest member of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, to learn more about his history and how Marquis came into existence.
In October 1961, you were able to walk into The New York Times lobby on 43rd street in Manhattan and ask for directions to the Human Resources Department. And over the Christmas holiday, when you were at home in Jamestown, New York with your parents, you received a telegram asking you to report to work as a journalist in training.
How did you manage that?
"I am not sure. My journalism experience was limited to my college newspaper and The Chautauqua Daily, a paper of Chautauqua Institution in western New York State. Once at the Times my part was not important. What I could do now was on-the-job training that was semi-structured, informal, but with great mentors."
So, what made you want to be a journalist?
"My great uncle laid the idea in my mind. He was a lawyer, but never talked to me about law. His favorite recollections were about being a young journalist for the Jamestown Post Journal in Jamestown, New York, where we lived, and a free-lance journalist for the Canadian Pacific news. Great stories, including being sent to Panama to report on the unfinished Panama Canal. He was maybe 20 years old."
Read more.
Next Gen Devon Winter taking F.W. Winter & Company to another level
Fred Winter recalls living in tents and trailers in various South African countries like Angola, Congo, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and of course South Africa as the most developed and richest mining country with many other mining engineers from all over Europe. “ I was recruited by the South African Bureau of Mines who did exploration work for the largest mining corporation in the world like Anglo-American, Anglo Vaal, BHP, Rio Tinto etc. After a number of years I was hired by Siemens AG to sell electro equipment to the various mining companies. I left my home in Germany as a young man to work alongside miners who excavated metal, minerals and concentrates from open pit and underground mines. We worked down in the mines for minerals about 2 miles underground. The most interesting mines were the platinum mines on the Highveld which are up to more than 1.5 miles underground. It was an interesting and volatile time, but I got along well with the miners from all over the world
and the predominant local work force.”
As a newly arrived immigrant in the U.S., Fred continued his career as a geologist and engineer and would one day stumble upon an opportunity.
He attended an auction in 1983 and bought the assets of a metal processing company in Camden, New Jersey and started F.W. Winter Inc.
& Co.
Today, F.W Winter, Inc. & Co. is the leading industry supplier of metal and alloys in powder and lump form.
I sat with Fred Winter and his daughter Devon, in the wood paneled conference room at their manufacturing facility, proudly tucked next to the Ben Franklin Bridge in Camden, NJ.
Read more.
and the predominant local work force.”
As a newly arrived immigrant in the U.S., Fred continued his career as a geologist and engineer and would one day stumble upon an opportunity.
He attended an auction in 1983 and bought the assets of a metal processing company in Camden, New Jersey and started F.W. Winter Inc.
& Co.
Today, F.W Winter, Inc. & Co. is the leading industry supplier of metal and alloys in powder and lump form.
I sat with Fred Winter and his daughter Devon, in the wood paneled conference room at their manufacturing facility, proudly tucked next to the Ben Franklin Bridge in Camden, NJ.
Read more.
Pennoni hires seasoned DEI professional Erika L. White as first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Program Manager
Erika L. White, Pennoni's first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Program Manager
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Ask Erika L. White about her work and she smiles brightly. She loves her job and has been recognized for her accomplishments. Recently, the National Diversity and Leadership Council named Erika 2021 DEI Champion, a well-deserved award for a woman who has spent the last 20 years in multi-cultural marketing, and the last six dedicated to DEI.
It isn’t surprising that in February 2021, Pennoni hired Erika as its first DEI Program Officer. Pennoni has a proven history of working to advance DEI goals, and this past June 2020 Dave DeLizza, President and CEO of Pennoni, joined other Philadelphia business leaders to sign a “commitment to equity,” penned by The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia. In a press release statement, DeLizza, reiterates, “We will rely on Erika’s expertise to guide Pennoni in creating a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program with measurable goals and outcomes that will attract diverse talent to our firm.” |
Pennoni is a 56-year old, multidisciplinary engineering firm, which serves markets from traditional, government and education to emerging energy and design-build. Pennoni proudly states that its success stems from the ability to approach engineering challenges from a wider spectrum of angles, and its combination of talent and experience generates unprecedented solutions for diverse and iconic projects around the globe.
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ASTM International, born in Philadelphia: Helping the world work better
Over the years, we’ve heard the horror stories of housing construction material falling apart or children’s toys manufactured with toxic chemicals. Don’t these products have standards?
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Thankfully, many manufacturers around the world adhere to strict standard specification requirements, ensuring consumer safety and confidence.
ASTM International is one of the world’s largest international standards development organizations, and “we support public health and safety by providing the specifications and test methods used for products that consumers routinely encounter, including for example, automotive fuel, construction materials, children’s toys and crayons, medical devices, drones, protective footwear and recyclable plastics,” explains Teresa Cendrowska, ASTM International Vice President, Global Cooperation. |
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Dr. Charles Dudley, a scientist responsible for procuring the paint, steel and oil for the Pennsylvania Railroad is credited for creating the original movement to ensure that raw materials adhere to specific material specifications.
In 1878 Dudley published a report entitled, “The Chemical Composition and Physical Properties of Steel Rails,” which concluded that a formula using mild steel produced a longer-lasting rail than hard steel. Since Dudley wielded purchasing power, his suppliers agreed to change a formula to meet his standards.
Read more.
In 1878 Dudley published a report entitled, “The Chemical Composition and Physical Properties of Steel Rails,” which concluded that a formula using mild steel produced a longer-lasting rail than hard steel. Since Dudley wielded purchasing power, his suppliers agreed to change a formula to meet his standards.
Read more.
Beauty Company Annie International: Providing over 4.5 million masks weekly in response to COVID-19, but it isn't easy
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Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Annie International’s website showed a beautiful model wearing lipstick, now the model wears a mask.
For the past 27 years, Annie International, with headquarters in North Wales, PA, has serviced the beauty industry providing hair, skin, nail and makeup products to 49 countries. In mid-March, when the United States was in the early weeks of the global pandemic, Annie knew it was time to switch production of their Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), primarily used by salon workers, to include surgical and medical grade products – especially masks. |
Annie created an official division – Annie Medical PPE
But it wasn’t easy.
Steven Miller, Executive Director of Sales and Operations explained the challenging process, “There were countless obstacles that we faced through the whole process. COVID-19 really showcased how unprepared the world is when it comes to each country being able to sustain itself with essential products.”
Read more.
But it wasn’t easy.
Steven Miller, Executive Director of Sales and Operations explained the challenging process, “There were countless obstacles that we faced through the whole process. COVID-19 really showcased how unprepared the world is when it comes to each country being able to sustain itself with essential products.”
Read more.
Kibow Biotech open during COVID-19 pandemic: Dedicated to boosting immune health
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The phone rang and I was startled to hear her voice. “Thank you for calling Kibow Biotech, how may I help you?” she asked. I couldn’t find words. After weeks of working remotely during COVID-19, I wasn’t used to the sound of a receptionist’s voice.
I laughed and explained why and she patiently connected me with Mahesh. “Yes, I am at the office, we are open for business,” Mahesh replied when I asked. “We are busy.” Mahesh Ranganathan, International Product Manager leads the international sales for his family-owned company Kibow Biotech, Inc. located in Newtown Square Pennsylvania. |
Dr. Rangan, founder of Kibow Biotech, in his lab in Newtown Square, PA
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“We have 20 employees here and currently 4 are in the office to field phone orders. We haven’t had any layoffs and in fact, we are looking to recruit additional marketing, sales and research associates.”
Founded in 1997 by Mahesh’s father, Dr. Rangan, Kibow Biotech researches and develops scientifically-formulated and clinically-tested probiotic dietary supplements for maintaining kidney health and boosting the immunity of the geriatric population by restoring their intestinal microflora.
The name Kibow was derived from KI – for Kidney and BOW – for bowels and the product line includes: Renadyl™, Kibow Fortis®, Kibow Flora™, and Azodyl™.
Read more.
Founded in 1997 by Mahesh’s father, Dr. Rangan, Kibow Biotech researches and develops scientifically-formulated and clinically-tested probiotic dietary supplements for maintaining kidney health and boosting the immunity of the geriatric population by restoring their intestinal microflora.
The name Kibow was derived from KI – for Kidney and BOW – for bowels and the product line includes: Renadyl™, Kibow Fortis®, Kibow Flora™, and Azodyl™.
Read more.
Kevin O’Brien Studio: One-of-a-Kind, Hand-Painted Textiles for Modern Tastes
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Hand-painting designs on textiles is a craft that dates back thousands of years to Asia and parts of Europe and this highly specialized technique continues to thrive in Philadelphia at Kevin O’Brien Studio (KOB).
Artist and painter, Kevin O’Brien, began his career as a painter with the goal to “add beauty to the world.” When O’Brien had an idea for a design, he went directly to an old fashioned sketch book to hand draw his idea – not a computer. That was over 20 years ago and its still where KOB designs begin. O’Brien opened his first studio in old city Philadelphia in 1997. Angela Romano-Vosburgh, a graduate of Moore College of Art and Design, joined O’Brien that year as an intern – today she is Studio Manager and Lead Designer. “The way I remember it, there was this huge loft in the oldest part of Philadelphia. It was filled with the most splendid shimmering fabrics hanging everywhere . . . from the ceiling drying, against the walls being painted, even from the fire escape.” |
A few years ago, O’Brien custom renovated an old movie theater on Broad Street to house his new studio. O’Brien and his team design, print, paint and dye all of their fabrics to produce pillows, quilts, duvets, rugs, and a variety of other items for the home furnishings market – “all under one roof and in Philadelphia.”
Angela leads a tour through the modern, bright studio.
The first-floor area is set-up for their annual end of year Sample Sale, “We used to primarily make fabrics for designers and one-of-a kind scarves that were sold in museum shops and upscale retailers like Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman,” says Angela as she holds a silk-velvet infinity scarf.
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Angela leads a tour through the modern, bright studio.
The first-floor area is set-up for their annual end of year Sample Sale, “We used to primarily make fabrics for designers and one-of-a kind scarves that were sold in museum shops and upscale retailers like Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman,” says Angela as she holds a silk-velvet infinity scarf.
Read more.
Philadelphia’s Bassetts Ice Cream, Growing Globally, Now Available in Taiwan
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By Graziella DiNuzzo
Taiwan has now joined the growing list of countries who have fallen in love with Philly’s own Bassetts Ice Cream. “One of their top executives had tasted Bassetts Ice Cream while traveling and had been trying to get it ever since,” says Michael Strange, President, Bassetts Ice Cream, referring to an executive at Hi-Lai Foods, the parent company of Harbour Buffet Restaurants.
Harbour Buffet Restaurant, Taiwan’s all-you-can-eat restaurant chain will now include Bassetts Ice Cream on their menu at seven locations starting January 2020. Strange explains that Bassetts has been pursuing Hi Lai foods since 2011, “thanks in a large part to Pennsylvania’s Authorized Trade Representative in Taiwan, Irene Tsai, we were able to navigate our way through it all finally find a way to get our ice cream to Taiwan.” |
Quoted in a recent article in Taiwan’s Savor Life Style Magazine, Tsai says, “The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is the US state with the most representatives in the world, and has established their presence in Taipei for 15 years. I have had the good fortune of having tasted Bassetts every time I go back to Pennsylvania for meetings.”
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Packaging Progressions: Providing Safe, Clean and Efficient handling of your food
By Graziella DiNuzzo
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Ever wonder how the piece of paper you find in between beef patties gets there? Most probably not. At one time, human hands painstakingly placed the paper, one at a time, to separate each patty in an assembly line, until engineer Lawrence Ward had an idea that would revolutionize the meat industry. In 1989, Ward invented the Arc’Tronic Hole Perforator - Packaging Progressions Inc. was born.
Dante Pietrinferni was working as a Production Manager at Mechtronics Industries, a machine building company, when Mr. Ward discovered him and offered him a job. It was 1992 and with only six employees, Pacproinc® was designing and manufacturing automatic, high-speed interleavers and stackers, eventually obtaining a patent for their “Inline Foldover” method in 1995.
Pietrinferni became President of Packaging Progressions in 2011. “Our machines operate at the highest speeds, we have superior customer service and the most industry expertise. We were first to market and consider ourselves number one in the world,” smiles Pietrinferni. Read more. |
Dante Pietrinferni demonstrates the burger-packaging machine
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Visual Software’s Technology Will Revolutionize Healthcare and Education in Remote Regions around the World
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By Graziella DiNuzzo
In Swaziland (now officially Eswatini) Africa, a man with Aids walks many miles through precarious terrain to arrive at the nearest clinic. If he is lucky to be seen that day, the clinic attendant will need to conduct testing to determine a diagnosis – testing alone may kill him, the attendant, or any number of people who might mishandle his infectious blood. The clinic does not know this man’s history – no computer, no database, no medical record.
The narrative is the same in a mountainous village in Lesotho, Africa where a young child’s already limited education, anchored in a primitive one-room schoolhouse, makes him virtually invisible - no computer, no school record, no access to the world. |
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When Robert Hutchison, President and CEO of Visual Software, attended a networking event hosted by the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, US Commercial Service and Bucks County Community College, he met Victoria Senome, President of the African and Caribbean Business Council.
“Victoria said our software would be revolutionary in Africa,” said Hutchison, “and I am learning firsthand that she’s right.”
Two weeks later, in October 2018, Hutchison found himself on his first trip to Lesotho, Africa, with a mission group from the National Baptist Convention and meeting with the minister of education who welcomed him with open arms.
Read more.
“Victoria said our software would be revolutionary in Africa,” said Hutchison, “and I am learning firsthand that she’s right.”
Two weeks later, in October 2018, Hutchison found himself on his first trip to Lesotho, Africa, with a mission group from the National Baptist Convention and meeting with the minister of education who welcomed him with open arms.
Read more.
Van Horn Metz and Company, provide just the right ingredients companies need
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By Graziella DiNuzzo
Did you ever look at the interior of a car and wonder how it was made, or why the paint is so shiny? Most likely not. After visiting with member company Van Horn, Metz & Company (VHM), I look at these things differently. “Take a walk through Home Depot,” says President Barry Fisher. “It is safe to say that at least one or more of the raw materials we sell was used to make just about everything in the store.” From Pigments like Iron Oxides and Titanium Dioxide to Additives like UV Stabilizers and Hyperdispersants and Resins like Epoxy Esters and Low VOC alkyds to Dyes like Lake Pigments and FD&C, and Extenders like Attapulgite Clay and Barium Sulfate…whew…VHM has everything the Industrial markets need to formulate their products. |
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Anamaria Tanase, Market Development Manager for Van Horn, Metz & Co. agrees that sorting through their vast product line is overwhelming for folks outside the industry. “Think of baking a cake,” she says. The ingredients the customer may need are some Pigment, Additive, Resin, Extender, etc. …mix it all or some together and the end result might become a bio-based sealant or paint for your deck.
Navigating through VHM’s product line may also be daunting for new and established customers as well, which is why VHM has a team of 18 specialized technical experts with vast industry experience, training, and education, to assist with product development every step of the way from production to placement. The VHM team is located across the central and eastern US, and their logistics and warehouse capabilities include 12 warehouses and six sales offices.
Read more.
Navigating through VHM’s product line may also be daunting for new and established customers as well, which is why VHM has a team of 18 specialized technical experts with vast industry experience, training, and education, to assist with product development every step of the way from production to placement. The VHM team is located across the central and eastern US, and their logistics and warehouse capabilities include 12 warehouses and six sales offices.
Read more.
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Pennoni has been home to Newly Appointed President and CEO Dave DeLizza since 1979It’s not surprising that Dave DeLizza chose to major in engineering at Drexel University.
“I remember dad would take me to his jobsites while the bridges were under construction to show me how they were built,” says DeLizza. “The two I remember the most are the Girard Avenue Bridge (completed in 1972), and the Spring Garden Street Bridge over the Schuylkill (completed in 1965).” DeLizza was nine years old when his dad, who spent 30 years working for the City of Philadelphia as a Civil Engineer, took him to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Spring Garden Street Bridge. |
“Dad also had a drafting board set up at our house. I enjoyed watching him prepare house plans for side renovation projects,“ recalls DeLizza.
Born and raised in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia, DeLizza learned to respect hard work while helping at his family’s neighborhood sandwich shop.
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Born and raised in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia, DeLizza learned to respect hard work while helping at his family’s neighborhood sandwich shop.
Read more.
Philadelphia International Medicine (PIM) and Panama Clinic Sign Memorandum of Understanding Providing Access to Eight World-Renowned Philadelphia HospitalsPhiladelphia International Medicine signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Panama Clinic, in Panama City, on Wednesday, January 16th. The Panama Clinic is scheduled to open its state-of-the-art clinic and medical offices in May 2019 within a multifunctional property located inside the Pacific Center Complex, which will also contain a Marriott Residence Inn, Office Tower, supermarket, theater, gym, restaurants and a picnic area for children.
Read more. |
Photo From left to right: Edgar Vesga, President and CEO, Philadelphia International Medicine, Theodoro Constantinau, President, Panama Clinic; and Dr. Edwin A. Villalobos, Medical Director, Panama Clinic
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Made in America: American Cable Company, Family Company Living the DreamPresident, Carlos Gonzalez Jr., walked past the stacks of unwrapped Christmas presents towering in the corner of the conference room, a few floors above the American Cable Company warehouse in Northeast Philadelphia. “I still have to wrap my grandkids presents,” he smiles.
“Welcome to American Cable Company.” Read more. |
WTC Member, National Disease Research Interchange: Working 365 days a year to provide biospecimens for biomedical research
Bill Leinweber, President and CEO of National Disease Research Interchange (NDRI) admits that NDRI’s work is complicated, because medical research is complex. For nearly 40 years, NDRI has accepted the challenge of meeting increasing demands of the medical research community, who rely on high-quality, healthy, and diseased biospecimens to conduct lifesaving research.
“There is not another organization that does everything we do, “explains Leinweber. “We serve researchers across the full spectrum of the life-sciences and provide everything from brain to miniscule tissues that scientists may need.”
Read more.
Dr. Ajay Nair, newly appointed President of Arcadia University, is passionate about racial and social justice, and desi rap
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South Korea “LOVES” Philly’s Bassetts Ice Cream – 31 stores and counting!
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In 1861, using a mule-turned churn on his farm in Salem New Jersey, Lewis Dubois Bassett invented what would become America’s oldest ice cream – Bassetts. And it’s safe to say that Mr. Bassett was not thinking of selling his ice cream to South Korea or anywhere outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at that time. Read More. |
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The Local Impact of International Medicine in PhillyPIM recently entered into a partnership with the Sociedad Mexicana de Oncología (SMeO) that will allow physicians at the two institutions to collaborate on treatments. The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia helped PIM connect with the appropriate representative in Mexico to make the partnership happen. Read More.
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According to the Greater Philadelphia Export Plan, launched by the Economy League of Philadelphia and the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) in April 2016, manufacturing and services firms that export enjoy higher revenues, faster growth, a stronger labor pool and higher profitability than non-exporters. Read more.
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(Photo by Flickr user bigbirdz, used under a Creative Commons license)
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Chemtech International: The First Member of the World Trade Center of Greater PhiladelphiaKaushik “Kosh” Daphtary received a letter inviting him to attend an event at the Delaware River Port Authority in Camden, NJ. That event was the announcement of the formation of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia - the year was 2002. Marty Schiffman, current board member and one of the founders of the WTCGP was introducing the audience to the newly appointed President, Joanna Savvides. Read more. Bottom Line: Professional Translation Is A Necessity for Global Companies Member Profile: MTM LinguasoftTranslation affects every aspect of our lives in business and personally and literally makes the world go round. Every letter and phrase needs to be converted precisely to perfectly match not only the language, but also the culture.
Read more. Metal Edge International Offers Cutting Edge Products, LiterallyA lot can happen when you put metal on the edge of cardboard.
“Imagine all important documents that sat in stacks in church basements and institutions and were ruined because they weren’t stored properly,” says Paul Markert, Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Metal Edge International, Inc. Read more. Chinese Patients Find Life Saving Treatments in the US through Premier Global CarePGC was established under the Devon International Group (DIG). Since 2002, DIG has been a member of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) and has received trade counseling and access to WTCGP global networks to create a long-term China strategy. In 2004, WTCGP Manager of Export Services Ron Drozd established the CEOs' China Operations Club, a closely-knit group of 45 peer companies who participate in informative roundtable presentations by China specialists and share business challenges and best practices. Read more.
Harley Bikers in ChinaWe are helping to sell more Harley Davidson motorcycles manufactured in Pennsylvania. Since 2008, Harley dealers in China have increased from 3 to 16. While U.S. sales of Harleys decreased by 3%, China sales have increased by more than 10%. Read more.
Member Company Sunhillo Corporation is Keeping Us Safe Around the World“Between 8 to 15% of our business is international and 7 to 10% is outside of North America. Canada has become a big market for us and growing our international sales is a top priority since we are saturating our FAA business, “says Dave Whitman, President, Sunhillo Corporation. “The WTCGP has helped provide vital information on exporting and has helped connect us with cost saving export finance options.” Read more.
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VideoRay Global Success Aided by World Trade Center Connections“VideoRay has really benefited from our relationship with the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia,” says VideoRay Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Chris Gibson. “The knowledge of exports that their trade specialists possess is wide and deep – they have decades of experience facilitating connections between U.S. companies and businesses outside our nation; an ability to educate companies on exports and international trade in a way that is really customized to each company’s needs; and, beyond all of that, invaluable global contacts to explore partnerships overseas. WTCGP has helped pave the way for VideoRay to thrive in today’s global economy.”
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