News

Global Trade, Powered by Women

March 9, 2026 - At World Trade Center Delaware, we’re honoring International Women’s Day by converting visibility into export deals, market access, and measurable growth for women-led companies across the state. Why this is a strategic priority for WTC Delaware When the World Trade Centers Association issued its International Women’s Day Call to Action, World Trade Center Delaware had to turn the moment into action because Delaware’s women-owned incorporated businesses aren’t a feel-good feature. They’re a global growth engine. Women own about one-third of businesses globally, yet their participation in international trade remains under-leveraged creating one of the largest unlockable opportunities for export growth worldwide. In Delaware, women own ~42% of businesses (approximately 30,400 companies), representing a ready pipeline of high-potential exporters across priority sectors. Our role is to reduce structural obstacles, increase resources, and create credible pathways so businesses can move from interest to execution. Our Results-Driven Call to Action Women Exporter Pipeline (IWD Week Launch): We’re building a targeted pipeline of women-led companies ready to export or scale internationally, with a clear next-step plan for each participant (market targeting, go-to-market pathway, and support needs). Export Acceleration Office Hours: Dedicated 1:1 advisory sessions focused on outcomes—market selection, partner introductions through the WTCA network, trade resources, and export readiness actions businesses can implement immediately. Women in Trade Connector Roundtable: A structured connector session pairing women-led firms with export enablers (logistics, compliance, financing, and service partners) and international contacts to generate qualified leads and actionable introductions. Spotlight with Purpose: We’ll highlight up to three Delaware women-led companies in global trade, selected as honorees from the nomination pool. Each honoree will receive a feature story as part of a formal news release, dedicated social media recognition, and inclusion in a press release issued in April. The objective is to drive partnerships, procurement conversations, and market-entry opportunities—not just recognition. March 8th marks the public announcement of this initiative, with the nomination window open through Friday, March 27, 2026. How to participate Nominate a women-led business (or yourself) and share one target market + one export objective for 2026. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, March 27, 2026. Direct nominations should be submitted at the following link: https://web.wtcde.org/atlas/forms/prospect/7 WTC Delaware will align selected participants with the right resources and introductions to move from intention to international growth—because “we the people” are the most powerful voice. Nomination criteria (WTC Delaware – International Women’s Day) Eligibility Delaware-based company (headquartered in DE or with a significant DE operating presence). Women-led (meets at least one): Woman founder/co-founder and active in leadership, or Woman CEO/President/Managing Partner, or ≥51% woman-owned. Export readiness Fits at least one: Currently exporting, or Actively preparing to export within the next 6–12 months, or Seeking to expand into new international markets. Strategic fit Clear product/service offering with a defined customer or industry use case. Ability to support growth responsibly (capacity, supply chain, or delivery plan). Required nomination details Company name, website, and primary contact. Brief description (1–2 sentences) of product/service. One target market (country/region) and one 2026 export goal (e.g., distributor, first purchase order, partner MOU, regulatory pathway, licensing, etc.). Top 1–2 support needs (e.g., market research, introductions, financing, compliance, logistics). Selection priorities (if nominations exceed slots) Companies with specific, time-bound export objectives. Potential for near-term outcomes (qualified introductions, partner conversations, pilot opportunities). Diversity across sectors (e.g., biotech, food/ag, manufacturing, consumer goods, services). Commitment to participate in one WTC Delaware activity (office hours, roundtable, or follow-up). Read More

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

February 3, 2026 - What Does Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and the World Trade Center Delaware Have in Common? There’s a moment in life when you realize you’re no longer operating in your comfort zone and that the only way forward is to rise into a higher version of yourself . I traveled solo for 26 hours, one way, to Tanzania, Africa, to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho Western Route. With a strict 33 pound weight limit, meeting 12 strangers to trek 7 days to summit and then immediately descend (which is just as difficult). Reaching the summit, Uhuru Peak at 19,341 feet above sea level. Some describe the climb as starting at the equator and ending at the North Pole. We went through 5 distinct climate zones ending at the Arctic Zone. Just for reference Everest Base Camp in Nepal is 17,598 feet and Delaware is about 60 feet above sea level. For me, that moment wasn’t a boardroom or a keynote stage. It was on the slopes of Kilimanjaro where ambition meets thin air, where confidence gets quiet, and where leadership becomes less about what you say and more about how you move. And here’s what surprised me most: I’ve read almost every leadership book on the market . I’ve studied frameworks, strategies, and systems. But for 7 days, I witnessed something no book can fully capture a perfect orchestra of teamwork , guided not by ego or titles, but by one common goal and the collective will to succeed. On summit day (Day 7) , we started from Barafu Camp at 15,331 feet and spent 10 hours trekking roughly 3 miles to the glacier peaks at 19,341 feet, Uhuru Peak. Three miles doesn’t sound like much until you’re doing it in the dark, in the cold, at altitude, with every breath earned. It was intense, humbling, and completely outside anything that felt familiar. And yet we as a team of 12 strangers came together and did it. The Summit Wasn’t “Mine.” It Was Built By A System. Our climb took 74 Tanzanian locals working in disciplined coordination: cooks, camp managers, support staff, guides, and porters all doing their part with pride and precision so our team of 12 could keep moving safely and steadily. People celebrate summit photos. What they don’t always see is what the summit represents: preparation, logistics, risk management (the Barranco Wall aka the Death Wall at 12,795 feet), steady problem-solving, and relentless attention to human needs, hydration, warmth, nutrition, timing, morale, and sleep was critical. That’s not just mountaineering. That’s leadership. Out Of Your Comfort Zone Is Where Clarity Lives On Kilimanjaro, I wasn’t in control of the terrain, the weather, or the altitude. I couldn’t “power through” on will alone. The mountain which the locals called "Her Majesty" demanded respect, pace, humility, adaptability, and a willingness to let the process shape you. Global growth is the same. When Delaware businesses expand internationally, they enter conditions that can’t be forced: new regulations, unfamiliar markets, cultural nuance, logistics, currency risk, and relationship-driven trust building. It’s exciting but it’s also uncertain. And uncertainty is where strong leadership either sharpens or slips. The work of WTC Delaware is to help companies navigate that shift with confidence turning complexity into a plan, and a plan into action. The Turning Point: We Became A Team, Not Just A Group Very early in the climb, we realized something that changed everything: As 12 strangers from completely different worlds we had the same goal, we were stronger as a team than as individuals. That decision made long before summit night became our advantage. We moved with awareness of one another. We checked in. We slowed down when someone needed it. We kept each other focused on the next step, not the whole mountain. That’s why all 12 of us summited which is very uncommon . It wasn’t luck. It was alignment. It was shared responsibility. It was each person refusing to let the team fracture under pressure. And that lesson is directly transferable to what I believe Delaware needs to win globally. International growth doesn’t happen through isolated effort. It happens through ecosystems, businesses, legislators, educators, investors, trade partners, and institutions moving with shared purpose. That is the platform we are building at WTC Delaware: a system where companies don’t have to climb alone. Pressure Reveals What Matters Summit night strips everything down to essentials. It’s cold, it’s long, and it’s honest. There’s no room for ego only execution. In global trade and investment, the “summit night” moments show up too: tight timelines, high-stakes negotiations, supply chain disruptions, and decisions made with incomplete information. That’s where leadership becomes practical: · Communicate clearly · Manage risk without losing momentum · Keep people steady when conditions get hard · Stay focused on outcomes, not noise On the mountain, every step mattered. In building WTC Delaware’s next chapter, every decision matters the same way because our members deserve results, not just activity. The Common Ground So what does summiting Kilimanjaro and leading WTC Delaware have in common? Both demand: · Humility to operate outside your comfort zone · Discipline to keep moving when it would be easier to stop · A support system strong enough to make success repeatable · Team alignment that outperforms individual strength · Measurable outcomes that prove progress On January 26 at 12:40 p.m., 12 climbers which included myself, supported by 74 support staff , moving as one team, step by step, into a glacier-lined world above the clouds reached Uhuru Peak 19,341 feet, the Roof of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. Now, I’m bringing that same blueprint home : build the system, align the team, respect the conditions, and keep climbing together!!!!! Come Join us on February 10th from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at the University and Whist Club, 805 North Broom Street, Wilmington DE 19806 for a complimentary breakfast and a chance to Meet and Greet. Read More

Welcome Dr. Mary Swenson

January 15, 2026 - Dear World Trade Center Delaware members and partners, On behalf of the board of directors, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Swenson, Ph.D., as the new president of World Trade Center Delaware. A seasoned international executive and accomplished entrepreneur, Dr. Swenson brings a wealth of experience to the role. As founder of the Delaware-based My Med Choices Inc. and a recognized leader in health care innovation and global partnership development, she offers a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Delaware businesses in the global marketplace. Dr. Swenson’s background in C-suite leadership, combined with her expertise in engaging entrepreneurial funders and venture capital partners, uniquely positions her to lead WTC Delaware into its next chapter. She succeeds Carla Stone, who has led the organization since 2016. Building on that strong foundation, Dr. Swenson is committed to expanding WTC Delaware’s reach, deepening member value, and driving economic growth for businesses across the state. As Janet Dougherty, senior vice president at Fulton Bank and a WTC Delaware board member, noted, “Dr. Swenson is a visionary leader who embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of Delaware.” Please join us in welcoming Dr. Swenson to the team. We look forward to the new doors she will help open for Delaware innovation around the world. Sincerely, The Board of Directors World Trade Center Delaware Read More

Site Operations Supervisor at Port to Port Int.

November 13, 2025 - Port to Port International is seeking a Site Operations Supervisor in Delaware. The Site Operations Supervisor oversees all daily yard, loading, receiving, and administrative activities at the Delaware site. This role ensures efficient container operations, booking coordinations, accurate inventory control, vendor management, and strong interdepartmental coordination. The Supervisor leads the site team while maintaining smooth communication between departments such as Customer Service, Documentation, Warehouse, IT, Maintenance, and Accounting. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is required for this role. To review the full job posting, click here: https://web.wtcde.org/atlas/articles/14899 Read More

Trade Under Pressure

October 28, 2025 - Tariffs are one of the hottest topics in business right now—shifting from week to week, sparking debate, and creating uncertainty for companies worldwide. In this episode, Kelly is joined by Carla Stone, president of World Trade Center Delaware, and David Mathe, director of Export Delaware, to explain what tariffs are, why they matter, and what resources Delaware companies utilize to navigate this rapidly changing situation. Click the link to watch the episode! Read More

A survival guide for Delaware's Global Businesses

October 28, 2025 - For many Americans, President Donald Trump’s tariff policies have made it clear just how dependent we are on international trade. At World Trade Center® (WTC) Delaware, where trade is our middle name, we know something about this. Global networks like the World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA) — an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center® locations in nearly 100 countries and territories, including WTC Delaware — provide us with unique resources to help companies navigate the new economic landscape created by U.S. tariff policies. We do this by providing education, supporting outgoing and inbound trade missions, offering company counseling, hosting information sessions, and connecting Delaware companies to global experts and more than one million affiliated companies in the WTCA network. As the strategic partner to the International Trade Administration, other U.S. agencies, and the World Bank, we have access to policymakers, trade experts, and resources to help Delaware companies become successful international businesses. Companies tell us they don’t know how to minimize the impact of tariffs on their business. They can start with several critical steps: • Know the country of origin, as defined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, for any imported product. This is crucial because tariffs and trade policies often depend on where a product is manufactured — not just where it’s purchased. Misidentifying the country of origin can lead to incorrect tariff classifications, unexpected duties, customs delays, or even penalties. Accurately determining origin helps your business avoid costly surprises. • Make sure that any imported product is correctly classified according to the Harmonized System (HS) codes. Administered by the World Customs Organization, the standardized system of numbers get assigned to products traded internationally and is used worldwide to identify each specific product, administered by the World Customs Organization. Proper classification matters because HS codes determine applicable tariffs, trade regulations, and restrictions. • Be sure that products are correctly identified as either finished goods or components for assembly when importing or exporting. Finished goods may face different tariff rates or restrictions compared to components or raw materials. • Understand the use of the ATA Carnet, an international customs document that allows businesses to temporarily export or import goods for commercial purposes without paying duties or value-added taxes. This means companies don’t have to pay tariffs upfront when moving these goods across borders temporarily, which can significantly ease cash flow and simplify customs procedures. One thing to note: ATA Carnet applies only to temporary imports and exports. It does not cover goods intended for sale or permanent import/export. • Assess whether leveraging Delaware’s Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) No. 99 or utilizing free trade zones overseas can strategically reduce your tariffs burden. FTZs allow companies to defer, reduce, or even eliminate customs duties on imported goods by designating a secure area where products can be stored, assembled, or manufactured before entering U.S. commerce. Knowing the rules, advantages, and procedures of FTZ No. 99 and international free trade zones is essential to optimizing your tariff strategy and staying competitive. In the end, staying flexible is essential. Trade policies will continue to evolve. WTC Delaware is here to provide clarity and support to companies facing rising costs in global business. Whether your company is paying higher tariffs on imports, dealing with retaliatory tariffs on exports, or navigating new supply chain challenges, we’re ready to help. Along with the 300-plus members of the global WTCA network, WTC Delaware’s shared goal is to ensure our businesses continue to thrive in the current tariff climate. Carla Sydney Stone is president of World Trade Center® Delaware Read More

Available Position: Executive Director

October 1, 2025 - World Trade Center Delaware is seeking an Executive Director to continue driving the company's mission for international trade forward. The Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors, and will oversee numerous operations and functions of WTC Delaware. To review the full job posting and description, click here: https://www.wtcde.org/join-our-team.html Read More

Delaware Deep Dive: Trade Under Pressure

September 8, 2025 - World Trade Center Delaware extends its thanks to Kelly Basile at the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to speak with her and David Mathe of Export Delaware about how companies can thrive in today’s ever-changing global economy. Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1eqHN6h_M0 #InternationalTrade #Tariffs #Exporting #Importing Read More

Developing Relations Between Barbados and Delaware

June 10, 2025 - Barbadian Dignitaries to Visit Delaware for Business Roundtable on Trade and Investment What: World Trade Center Delaware, at the request of Delaware State Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton, a Democrat representing the 26th District, will host a breakfast roundtable with a visiting delegation from Barbados. The event will provide Delaware business and organizational leaders an opportunity to meet with Barbados Ambassador to the United States Victor Fernandes and General Consul Lorenzo Harewood, also First Security Deputy and Chief of Mission. Attendees will explore trade and investment opportunities between Delaware and Barbados, with emphasis on high-potential sectors including renewable energy technologies, construction, agriculture, hotel and restaurant equipment, telecommunications, medical equipment, education, logistics and ocean freight, and business services. When: Thursday, June 13, 20258 to 10 a.m. Where: Hilton Wilmington/Christiana100 Continental DriveNewark, DE 19713 Why: The United States is the largest supplier of Barbados’ imports, accounting for 32% of its total imports. Delaware’s economic strengths align with key sectors the U.S. Commercial Service has identified as high-potential markets in Barbados. This meeting aims to strengthen bilateral ties and open new channels for trade, collaboration and investment between Delaware and Barbados. Contact: Carla StonePresident, WTC Delaware cstone@wtcde.org Read More

Carla Stone appointed to WTCA Advisory Council

April 23, 2025 - WILMINGTON, Del. — Carla Stone, president of World Trade Center Delaware, has been appointed to the World Trade Centers Association Trade Services Member Advisory Council, a newly restructured group of global leaders selected for their experience and commitment to advancing international trade. Stone is one of only eight to 10 people chosen for the council, which was formally restructured in December by the WTCA board of directors as a focused body guiding the organization’s strategic focus. The new structure aims to make MACs more agile and better equipped to meet the needs of WTCA’s global network. The Trade Services MAC will work directly with WTCA headquarters to shape the association’s programs, resources and initiatives. Members are expected to bring insight, collaborate with peers across regions, and help build plans to support WTCA’s mission of fostering global connectivity. Stone’s appointment reflects her leadership in the WTCA network and her commitment to trade development. The two-year role will include working closely with WTCA staff and other council members through regular virtual meetings and collaboration. Information on WTCA and its Member Advisory Councils: www.wtca.org . Read More

Startup Aims to Make College More Affordable

April 23, 2025 - WILMINGTON, Del. — Grad Village, an educational crowdfunding and college registry platform under development, has joined the World Trade Center Delaware community after earning second place in the Startup 302 competition. WTC Delaware awarded Grad Village with a yearlong membership. “It's been an incredible opportunity to be surrounded by innovative entrepreneurs and supportive leaders who are committed to helping startups grow,” Jamila Bishop, CEO of Grad Village, said. Grad Village’s mission is to create a space where students can receive direct financial support for their college journey—from tuition and textbooks to housing and meal plans. By combining crowdfunding with personalized registries, the platform aims to make it easier for family, friends and donors to contribute. Grad Village is designed to make college more accessible, one village at a time. “Grad Village is the kind of mission-driven innovation we’re proud to support,” said Carla Stone, president of World Trade Center Delaware. “They’re addressing a real challenge with creativity and heart, and we’re excited to see where their journey takes them.” Through its membership with WTC Delaware, Grad Village hopes to gain connections, mentorship and global insight to bring the platform to life and expand its impact. The team wants to learn from others in the WTC community, explore partnerships, and access resources that support its launch and long-term success. Information about World Trade Center Delaware membership and programs: www.wtcde.org. Read More

How will Delaware be impacted by tariff policies?

April 15, 2025 - What to know about tariffs, and how may they impact Delaware's economy? Molly McVety Delaware News Journal Following a week of economic uncertainty, President Donald Trump’s message to the country was simple – “sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something.” Proposed to spark a manufacturing boom in the United States, President Donald Trump’s tariff agenda has been hotly contested by economists since the idea was first presented, and the frequent adjustments made by the administration have led to confusion among taxpayers and industry leaders alike. The uncertainty surrounding the policy alone could upend the economy of Delaware and the nation as a whole, many experts contend, and alter global trade alliances. Some of Delaware’s biggest trade partners have been hit the hardest by Trump’s tariff policies, and the consequences are still largely unknown as the President continues to waver on a long-term plan. Read More