News

WTC Buffalo Niagara Hosts Amb Eric Rubin

June 20, 2023 - WTC Buffalo Niagara hosted a roundtable discussion with Ambassador Eric Rubin, President of the American Foreign Service Association on Monday, June 12. Ambassador Rubin shared his expertise on foreign service and relations in the U.S, Russia and other parts of the world drawing from almost 40 years of experience. WT Buffalo Niagara members were able to learn more about the importance of foreign service to international trade, relations and significant changes which have taken place over the last decade. Read More

4th Annual International Case Competition

March 15, 2022 - World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara (WTCBN) president Craig Turner announced today that on Friday, March 11, the student team from Brock University’s Goodman School of Business captured its fourth straight victory in WTCBN’s annual International Case Competition. Brock’s win came in a field of six schools, representing both sides of Buffalo Niagara’s Can-Am border. “For our members, the schools and our organization, our International Case Competition is one of the most rewarding things we do all year – and we’re very pleased that a ‘let’s try this’ idea back in 2019 is now celebrating its fourth event, with many more to come,” said Turner. “We started the case competition to put our region’s future international business leaders in front of our companies, who were desperately seeking talent, and are even more so now. It’s exciting to see our future talent on display, and once again it’s been a pleasure to work with the schools and the student teams.” Competing schools for the 2022 event were Brock University, Canisius College, Daemen College, Niagara College, Niagara University and University at Buffalo. Each year, teams are comprised of undergraduate international business students, and compete on a real-life case provided by a WTCBN member. For the second year in a row, the event was held virtually. For 2022, the competition was based on an up-to-the-minute scenario given by WTCBN member Speed Global Services, focusing on the current supply chain issues. Students were asked to define the challenges and offer recommendations to Speed on how to best use their workforce, technology and their knowledge of supply chain trends to create stronger systems for their customers. “We asked the students in twenty-four hours to tackle what the world’s supply chain industry is working on full time,” said Joe Berti, Speed Global Services president, who not only helped to write the case, but served as a judge for the competition’s final round. “The students’ presentations were insightful, forward-thinking and professional. It’s encouraging to see such talent coming out of higher education in our region, and we appreciate the opportunity to work with World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara to give the students a forum to show their stuff.” The 2022 program included two rounds of case presentation, pitching, awards ceremony, networking reception, and feature keynote Robert Lytle, president of rel8ed Analytics, who spoke to the students on how data will impact their careers and career choices. WTCBN’s 4th Annual International Case Competition was generously sponsored by Calamar, Dynabrade, Lumsden McCormick CPA, Rich Products and Speed Global Services. World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara is a member of the World Trade Centers Association. Its mission is to assist companies in Western New York and Southern Ontario in finding success and growth beyond their domestic markets. More information on World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara and future events is available at www.wtcbn.com. Read More

WTC Buffalo Niagara Holds USMCA / CUSMA Program

February 23, 2022 - On Wednesday, February 23, 2022, WTC Buffalo Niagara held a webinar in partnership with the Trade Commissioner Service of Canada and Welke Customs Brokers USA on the USMCA/CUSMA trade agreement. The US/Mexico/Canada Free Trade Agreement – effective July 2020 and considered the “gold standard” of FTAs – builds on NAFTA’s strong legacy and has proven to be a catalyst for businesses to expand cross-border exports. Featured speaker Damon Piatek, President of Welke Customs Brokers USA spoke to attendees and gave a one-year review of the CUSMA/USMCA. Damon also spoke to the status of phase-in components, CUSMA/USMCA documentation and due diligence/qualification. The program was followed by a Q&A moderated by Don Cyr, Chair of the Niagara Industrial Association. Read More

WTC Buffalo Niagara Hosts 2nd Case Competition

March 2, 2020 - World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara hosted the 2nd Annual WTCBN International Case Competition on Friday, February 28 at Niagara University in Lewiston, New York. The 2020 Case Competition featured teams from six colleges and universities in the bi-national Buffalo Niagara region, up from four teams in last year’s competition. “When we talk to our member companies, recruiting quality people continues to be among the most high-profile challenges to business growth,” said Turner. “Our Case Competition was started to put our region’s future international business leaders in front of our companies desperately seeking talent. This year’s event takes that to the next level. Who doesn’t love having an event grow in participation, attendance and sponsorship from the year before?” Competing schools for the 2020 event were Brock University, Canisius College, Daemen College, Niagara College, Niagara University and the University of Buffalo. Teams were comprised of undergraduate international business students, and competed on a real-life case provided by WTCBN member Moog Inc. The first place winning team this year was Brock University. The event also featured keynote speaker George Small, chief technology officer for Moog, Inc. and was followed by a networking reception with WTCBN members, guests and students. World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara is celebrating its 20th year as a member of the World Trade Centers Association in 2020. Its mission is to assist companies in Western New York and Southern Ontario in finding success and growth beyond their domestic markets. More information on World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara and the 2nd Annual WTCBN International Case Competition is available at www.wtcbn.com. Read More

WTCBN HOSTS 1ST ANNUAL BINATIONAL CASE COMPETITION

March 18, 2019 - On March 1, World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara (WTCBN) hosted the region’s 1st Annual International Case Competition at Canisius College’s Montante Cultural Center in Buffalo, New York. Student teams from Brock University, Canisius College, Niagara University and the University at Buffalo’s business and international programs competed, presenting their recommendations on a case based on real-life scenarios provided by WTCBN board member Rich Products. The team from Brock University’s Goodman School of Business in Thorold, Ontario, Canada captured the inaugural event’s title. “Every region is trying to wrap their arms around workforce development, and the biggest challenge is often making the connection between employers with their future workforce,” said Craig Turner, WTCBN President. “Our International Case Competition initiative grew from conversations with higher ed to match companies desperate for talent with talented students looking for their career paths. We couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out.” Judges for the event were Steve Briggs, Dynabrade, Inc.; Robert Clark, Rich Products; Kevin Jacobi, CanadaBW Logistics and Rosanna Masucci, U.S. Department of Commerce. WTCBN Board member John DeLuca from Liberty Pumps provided the keynote address for the students. World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara serves a binational region crossing the U.S.-Canadian border that includes Western New York, the Southern Tier, the Finger Lakes, and Southern Ontario. “World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara is unique among our partners in the WTCA, as we represent companies and stakeholders in two countries,” said Craig Turner, WTCBN President. “To be able to celebrate that relationship with our outstanding regional higher ed institutions was a treat, and a tremendously rewarding experience for everyone involved. We’re already planning for Year Two!” Read More

WTCBN New Board Members and Chair for 2019

November 27, 2018 - BUFFALO, NY (Nov. 27) – World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara (WTCBN) president Craig Turner announced today that at the organization’s annual meeting on Wednesday, November 14, the WTCBN Board of Directors elected Steve Briggs, VP of Sales for Dynabrade, Inc., as its new Board chairman. Nancy Dempsey, of Unifrax, who has served as chair for the past two years, stepped down recently for personal reasons. “The only thing that cushions the blow of losing a fantastic Board chair is replacing her with another fantastic Board chair,” said Turner. “Nancy’s positive impact on WTCBN will be felt for a long time, as her vision for the future, coupled with a conscientious attention to detail, has put this organization on the right track for growth. Steve has been one of WTCBN’s most enthusiastic champions, and we’re looking forward to his leadership as we navigate a confusing, and often tumultuous, trade environment on behalf of our members.” Dempsey was elected to the position of Chairperson in January, 2017 and re-elected earlier this year. Under her leadership, the organization underwent a leadership change at the executive position, moved forward the regional conversation surrounding the concept of a World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara building, and strengthened its presence through its entire territory, including Southern Ontario. “It has been an honor and privilege to work with the WTCBN board of directors, staff and partners as chair, and I know the organization is in good hands with our incoming chair, Steve Briggs,” said Dempsey. “As with most organizations, how WTCBN has achieved success and progress in the past does not necessarily translate to the needs of importers, exporters and service providers in today’s environment, and I believe wholeheartedly that WTCBN is prepared for the next evolution of global business.” “Nancy’s leadership over the past two years has been essential in not only putting WTCBN in a stronger place financially, but also recruiting staff, board members and stakeholders intent upon growing international trade opportunities in our region,” Briggs. “I look forward to building on the great work that she and our Board of Directors have done in positioning this organization for significant and impactful growth over the next few years.” The WTCBN Board also voted to nominate six new Board members, who will begin their terms in January, 2019. The new Board members are: Kenneth Graham, Senior Associate, Phillips Lytle LLP Eileen Martin, Partner, Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman Tim Palisano, President & CEO, WNY Foreign Trade Zone OperatorsDamon Piatek, President & CEO, Welke Customs Brokers USAJames Resetar, VP of Finance & Administration, Eastman Machine CompanySteve Weathers, President & CEO, Erie County Industrial Development Agency WTCBN’s 2019 Annual Meeting and 30th Anniversary Celebration focused on the organization’s accomplishments on behalf of the region’s international trade community, the past year’s activity, and a look ahead to 2019. Read More

WTC Buffalo Niagara holds Trade Celebration Event

September 21, 2018 - World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara (WTCBN) held their annual World Trade Celebration on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at the beautiful new event facility, Events at the Wurlitzer, in North Tonawanda, New York. Patrick Whalen, executive director for the Niagara Global Tourism Institute (NGTI) was the keynote speaker. Whalen's presentation was on "Trade Agreements, Tariffs and Tourism in the Trump Era." “Pat’s involvement with World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara goes back to its earliest beginnings, and his leadership in our bi-national region’s efforts to grow international trade has been extensive. As we celebrate our 30th year serving Western New York and Southern Ontario’s international trade community, it was enlightening to hear Pat’s review of our region’s success and challenges, as well as his outlook for the future,” said Craig Turner, WTCBN president. Whalen currently serves as the executive director for the Niagara Global Tourism Institute. Before joining the NGTI, Pat served for 8 years as the COO of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC). In addition to managing the BNMC day-to-day operations Pat was the BNMC’s unofficial “entrepreneur–in-residence" working to foster collaboration & job creation on campus and throughout the bi-national region. Prior to Whalen’s keynote address, the event featured a panel discussion on "The Tumultuous Trade Environment: How Companies are Riding the Trade Roller Coaster." Panelists included: Christine Bonaguide, Partner, Hodgson Russ; Mary Kiener, SVP, Chief Procurement Officer, Rich Products Corporation; Dr. Yousef Haj-Ahmad, President and CEO, Norgen Biotek and was moderated by Dr. Kathryn Friedman, Research Associate Professor of Law & Planning at the University at Buffalo and a Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Canada Institute). Read More

Interim President at WTC Buffalo Niagara

December 18, 2017 - BUFFALO, NY (Dec. 18) – World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara (WTCBN) is pleased to announce that Craig Turner has agreed to join the organization as interim president, WTCBN Board of Directors Chair Nancy Dempsey said today. “Through Craig’s work regionally in economic development, and particularly trade and logistics, he is already very much engaged in initiatives that are aligned with WTCBN’s work,” said Dempsey. “We are looking forward to his leadership in strengthening the organization’s place in the bi-national Buffalo Niagara business community, and interjecting new ideas with an eye on the future.” In addition to the role with WTCBN, Turner serves as executive director for the Buffalo Niagara International Trade Gateway Organization (ITGO), and previously was vice president for the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. He brings more than 20 years’ experience in media, government, economic development, public relations and organizational management to WTCBN, and is president and founder of Momentum Public Affairs, headquartered in the City of Tonawanda. “In different capacities, I have been involved as a strategic partner with WTCBN for many years, and I’m honored to be offered the opportunity to come in and work on a mission that I wholeheartedly believe in,” said Turner. “Like any service organization, World Trade Center’s impact worldwide is in providing direct, tangible value to its stakeholders, and that’s where my efforts will be focused.” Turner has signed on in a temporary role to work directly with the WTCBN Board of Directors to evaluate the organization’s operations, fundraising models and future, and provide recommendations on a go-forward strategy – while maintaining the organization’s current momentum. Over the next several months, he will be engaging WTCBN members, partners and other stakeholders for feedback and input into this process. He succeeds John Manzella, who recently stepped down from his position as president and CEO to pursue private sector opportunities. Read More

NAFTA and Cross Border Trade With Canada

May 26, 2017 - BUFFALO, NY, USA - World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara recently held their annual World Trade Celebration event and featured special guest the Honorable Karina Gould, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament with the Government of Canada. In recognition of the importance of trade between the U.S. and Canada, particularly in the Buffalo Niagara region, President & CEO John Manzella said the following in The Buffalo News: "Those three areas could certainly use some improving," Manzella said. "Now if the administration takes a hostile position and demands certain concessions that might throw the agreement off balance, then that can be a problem. We're hoping the president moderates his position, and I think he has to some degree.” Read More

WTC Buffalo Niagara Held Annual Celebration

May 26, 2017 - BUFFALO, NY, USA - On May 17th, 2017, World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara held their annual World Trade Celebration event, which recognizes the importance of international trade, at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo. The event brought together over 200 members of the Buffalo-Niagara region's international business community. The keynote speaker for the program was Ralph Carter, Managing Director of Legal, Trade and International Affairs for FedEx Express, who spoke on the importance of international business, potential trade policy changes on the horizon, and how FedEx is expanding globally while navigating the risks ahead. Also offering remarks before the keynote were the Honorable Karina Gould, Minister of Democratic Institutions, Member of Parliament, Government of Canada and Phyllis Yaffe, Consul General of Canada in New York. Read More

WTC Buffalo Niagara Hosts Export Controls Seminar

September 23, 2016 - BUFFALO NIAGARA, NY, USA - In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara hosted a two-day Export Controls seminar from September 21-22, 2016, which brought over 100 participants to Buffalo, NY. The first day of this seminar covered "The Essentials of U.S. Export Controls" and the second day covered "Creating an Export Compliance Management Program". Both programs were taught by individuals from BIS. Export policy specialists from BIS presented key information regarding export compliance during this program which drew businesses and government representatives from the U.S. and Canada. Attendees of this program were experienced exporters who were interested in both refreshing their knowledge about export compliance and exchanging ideas about export control issues. To learn more about WTC Buffalo Niagara, please click on the source link below. Read More

WTC BUFFALO NIAGARA TRADE CELEBRATION 2016

June 24, 2016 - BUFFALO, NY, USA - World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara held their annual World Trade Celebration event which recognizes the importance of international trade on June 22, 2015 at Buffalo RiverWorks. The event brought together over 200 members of the Buffalo-Niagara region's international business community. The keynote speaker for the program was William C. Lane, former head of Government Affairs for Caterpillar, Inc. Bill recognized the importance of free trade agreements and why they are important now more than any other time in history. To learn more about WTC Buffalo Niagara, click on the source link below: Read More