News

Special Report: A Vision of Trade

August 22, 2024 - It is with great pride that we share the July/August Global Miami Magazine feature cover story on the World Trade Center Miami . This comprehensive report brings to light the success story behind our organization, from its humble origins in 1971, to the evolutionary and contemporary driving force in Miami’s international business community that the WTCM is today. Learn about our past, present, as well as our future direction on pages 59-86. Capture the more than 50 years the WTCM has facilitated international commerce in Miami-Dade County with renowned trade shows, missions, special events, educational programs, promotion of two-way trade and other forms of assistance. The WTCM is a member of the World Trade Centers Association with over 300 World Trade Centers in more than 90 countries around the world. Read More

CARGA LOGISTICA AMERICAS SUMMIT 2024

December 13, 2023 - 2023 10/26 PRESS RELEASE COOPERATION MM WTCM CARGA LOGISTICA AMERICAS SUMMIT 2024 Munich/Miami, October 26, 2023 Press Release Partners for the Transport and Logistics Industry Messe München and World Trade Center Miami announce cooperation Messe München and World Trade Center Miami are pooling their expertise and will organize a joint conference with “carga logistica Americas Summit” for the transport and logistics industry in 2024. The first edition of carga logistica Americas Summit will take place from October 15 to 16, 2024 in Panama City and will focus on the Latin American market. Latin America in focus The German trade show organizer and the American non-profit organization both have many years of experience in organizing innovative and leading events. Dr. Robert Schönberger, Global Industry Lead at Messe München, says, “With this partnership, transport logistic Americas and Air Cargo Americas will further strengthen their position in the American market.” Ivan Barrios, President & CEO of World Trade Center Miami, adds, “With a focus on Latin America in 2024, the event serves one of the fastest growing markets in the world, which also plays a critical role in the global transportation and logistics landscape.” Panama – important hub for all transport modes The 2024 conference event, which will be held in Panama, will focus on Latin America, as an important hub for various modes of transportation. Exemplary of this is Panama and its special geographic location, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and makes the country a key player in global logistics. From the Panama Canal to modern air and sea ports, the location offers a unique infrastructure that serves all modes of transportation and is the gateway to Latin America. Cooperation also on trade fair event at Miami location For the new partners, the conference in Panama is intended to be the starting point for both event brands to then return to Miami together in the fall of 2025 and build on their successes. Messe München will contribute its strong international network and expertise in trade fair organization, while World Trade Center Miami will primarily contribute its close networking in the local economy and reliable relations with Latin America. Barrios and Schönberger jointly agree: “We want to create relevant platforms for the industry so that exhibiting companies can maintain existing contacts, as well as make new ones and above all initiate business.” For more information, visit www.tl-americas.org Transport logistic exhibitions The international industry network of transport logistic exhibitions consists of ten events. In addition to the leading international trade fair transport logistic in Munich, transport logistic China takes place every two years in China, and the transport logistic China Forum alternates with it every year, both in Shanghai. In Turkey, Messe München and EKO Fair Limited organize the logitrans International Transport Logistics Exhibition in Istanbul every year. Messe München is organizing transport logistic Americas, which will be held every two years in USA. From November 2023, transport logistic Southeast Asia will also be held in Singapore for the first time. At all trade fairs, the air cargo sector plays an essential role. As part of transport logistic in Munich, air cargo Europe is the world’slargest air cargo trade fair, while air cargo China is the leading event in Asia. In addition, air cargo India and air cargo Africa are independent trade fairs. Messe München Messe München is one of the leading exhibition organizers worldwide with more than 50 of its own trade shows for capital goods, consumer goods and new technologies. Every year, a total of over 50,000 exhibitors and around three million visitors take part in more than 200 events at the exhibition center in Munich, at the ICM – Internationales Congress Center München, the Conference Center Nord and the MOC Veranstaltungscenter München as well as abroad. Together with its subsidiary companies, Messe München organizes trade shows in China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Turkey. With a network of associated companies in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, and with around 70 representatives abroad for more than 100 countries, Messe München has a truly global presence. World Trade Center Miami World Trade Center Miami is a member of the World Trade Centers Association which is the preeminent global trade organization promoting two-way trade. There are more than 300 World Trade Centers located in nearly 100 countries with a total membership of 2 million corporate members and associates. In the Western Hemisphere, there are more than 60 World Trade Centers either in operation or in the planning and/or construction stage. For more than 25 years, World Trade Center Miami (WTCM) has facilitated international commerce in Miami-Dade County. Through trade shows, missions, special events, educational programs and other forms of assistance, WTCM has played a leading role in spurring the growth of the region’s most important economic sector, generating more than $3.8 billion in reported international sales and stimulating the formation of thousands of new jobs. As a powerful voice for business growth and economic prosperity, WTCM is dedicated to leading South Florida into a new era of international trade. Guided by our Board of Directors and assisted by our community partners, our Center helps companies connect with the world and contributes to our regional economy. World Trade Center Miami, Florida’s oldest global organization, fosters and enhances international business opportunities for companies in the western hemisphere. Read More

World Trade Center Miami Honors Women Leaders

March 13, 2020 - By Charlotte Gallogly, Founding President, World Trade Center Miami For 17 years, the World Trade Center Miami (WTCM) has made it a priority to recognize women leaders who are making vital contributions to our economy every day. On March 6, we honored five outstanding women at our 17th International Women’s Day Awards Luncheon at the Double Tree by Hilton Miami Airport Convention Center. More than 500 professionals attended our annual high-profile luncheon, which drew more than 30 business and media sponsors. Our 2020 honorees were Miami-Dade County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson; Marie Gill, founder & CEO of Gill & Associates; Susan Harper, Consul General of Canada in Miami; Karen Kuhn, associate chief counsel of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Christine Valls, vice president of sales of Florida, Latin America, and the Caribbean for American Airlines. Altogether, the WTCM has recognized 92 powerful women leaders since 2004. By hosting this annual event, the WTCM is helping to break the glass ceiling for women in international trade, while supporting our regional economy. We believe gender parity is a vital issue for the global trade and logistics industry, and World Trade Centers can be powerful catalysts for change. There are many benefits to recognizing and promoting women leaders, including:• Creating new opportunities for partnerships with the private sector, as well as seaports, airports and trade and transportation agencies.• Gaining positive publicity from TV broadcasts, as well as press releases and social media posts.• Increasing goodwill and support from the local community. Through our International Women’s Day Awards luncheon and year-round promotion of women professionals, the WTCM has been successful in raising awareness and expanding our diverse constituency in Miami. We believe our model can be applied by other World Trade Centers, and would be glad to share our materials. If you are interested, please send an email to info@worldtrade.org. We also encourage World Trade Centers to recruit more women for leadership positions, including service on the board of directors, and gain the benefits of fresh ideas and perspectives. By recognizing and supporting women leaders, we can open the door to new career opportunities for today’s professionals and for younger generations in the future. Read More

17th International Women's Day Awards in Miami

February 24, 2020 - World Trade Center Miami and South Florida’s international business community, will be celebrating the 17th Annual International Women’s Day luncheon scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2020, at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel. We will honor five women who understand the importance of trade in our city. International Women’s Day has been celebrated by the United Nations (UN) since 1975. The UN’s annual commemoration serves to highlight women’s issues globally and focuses on their achievements. In 2004, the World Trade Center Miami decided to sponsor this event annually to recognize women who have inspired others to make major achievements in international business. We are doing a special tribute to Charlotte Gallogly to honor her many contributions as president of the WTCM for 30 years. Most especially we want to highlight the creation of this luncheon in 2004 to commemorate women’s achievements in the area of international business. Eighty-eight women have been honored so far! For the 2020 event, we will be honoring five outstanding women:- Commissioner Audrey M. Edmonson, Chairwoman, Miami Dade County Commission- Marie Gill, President, M. Gill & Associates- Susan Harper, Consul General of Canada in Miami, Consulate General of Canada- Karen A. Kuhn, Associate Chief Counsel, Field Counsel Miami, Customs and Border Protection- Christine Valls, Regional Managing Director of Sales, Florida, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the U.S., American Airlines Read More

Trade Shows Offer New Revenue Opportunities

October 28, 2019 - Many licensees of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) are looking for new sources of revenue to support their trade promotion services and reduce their dependence on member dues. One strategy to consider is hosting a trade show that focuses on the business needs of a local, regional or hemispheric market. This might involve launching a new show, perhaps in partnership with an events company. Investing in a trade show can generate new revenue from exhibitors, sponsorships, attendee registration fees, and media partnerships. It takes careful planning and implementation, but hosting a trade show can make a significant contribution to a World Trade Center’s revenue and profitability, while raising awareness of the center’s services, and assisting the business community. A Proven Strategy At the World Trade Center Miami (WTCM), trade shows play a vital role in advancing our mission of promoting our community as the Trade and Logistics Hub of the Americas. Since the 1990s, our trade shows have generated more than $3.8 billion in reported international sales and stimulated the formation of thousands of new jobs. In September, the WTCM hosted the 23rd annual Americas Food and Beverage Show and Conference – a unique one-stop marketplaces designed to bring together all segments of the food and beverage industry to expand their sales opportunities. Our sponsors included the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Our 2019 food and beverage show attracted more than 11,000 decision-making buyers who visited the booths of 435 exhibitors from 26 countries. Our show included special pavilions for exhibitors from Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, France, Spain, Thailand and the Unites States. Altogether, our exhibitors reported more than $100 million in anticipated sales. They also donated their unsold food and beverage items to The Bahamas, as part of the international humanitarian relief effort in the wake of devastating Hurricane Dorian. Our 15th annual Air Cargo Americas International Congress and Exhibition was held the last week of October. More than 4,500 international aviation executives from 72 countries registered for the trade show, which was hosted by Miami International Airport – our community’s leading economic engine – and powered by our World Trade Center. While final figures are not yet available, our 2017 show resulted in more than $10 million in actual and projected sales. Both our trade shows included conferences featuring notable speakers and panelists discussing issues related to each specific market. For instance, our Air Cargo Americas Conference featured updates on the latest security and safety regulations being used in the Western Hemisphere to secure cargo from the intrusion of biological, chemical or explosive materials. Together, these two trade shows generated more than $2 million in revenue for our World Trade Center in 2019. Tips for Success If you are considering adding a trade show to your Center’s services, it’s essential to begin planning at least a year in advance of the anticipated date for the event. It takes time to secure a suitable venue, recruit a sales team and begin promoting the show. You should also conduct a market study to determine the potential demand for a new show. This might involve surveying your members, holding focus groups or talking with other leaders in your global trade and logistics community. You could also organize smaller events, such as receptions, lectures or networking activities, to gauge the level of interest in your trade show. After determining the focus for your event, you should see if there are competing or complimentary shows in your geographic region. That can affect your decision on whether or not to go forward, as well as the timing of your show. If you decide to launch a show, you should consider engaging an experienced trade show professional who can manage the complex day-to-day activities involved in selling and promoting your event. Please feel free to contact our team at the World Trade Center Miami for advice on operating a successful trade show. Read More

16th Annual International Women's Day Awards Lunch

February 11, 2019 - 16th INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY AWARDS LUNCHEON IN MIAMI HONORS WOMEN LEADERS IN THE TRADE & LOGISTICS COMMUNITYThe World Trade World Trade Center Miami will recognize six female business leaders in the trade and logistics industry. World Trade Center Miami will host an awards luncheon at the Double Tree by Hilton Miami Airport Convention Center East Hall on Friday, March 8, 2019. The awards luncheon will take place from 11:45 am to 1:45 pm and will honor women who have made significant contributions in advancing international trade and business in Florida.16th Annual International Women’s Day Award Honorees:• Carmen Betancourt-Lewis, Vice President, Miami Today• Hilda Garcia, Director US Imports and Central America Exports, Seaboard Marine• Sheila Hollo, Philanthropist, Tibor and Sheila Hollo School of Real Estate, FIU Tibor and Sheila Hollo Foundation• Alyce Robertson, Executive Director Miami Downtown Development Authority• Virginia Sanchez, Government Affairs Advisor, FedEx Express Latin America and Caribbean• Kemisha D. Sherrell, Assistant Port Director, Trade Operations, Miami International Airport U.S. Customs & Border ProtectionCharlotte Gallogly, president of World Trade Center Miami, states, “Now, more than ever, is the time to recognize and celebrate women business leaders in Florida’s trade community to make way and inspire future female leaders.”This year’s luncheon is sponsored by; AFIF America’s Flower Connection, Boeing, FedEx Express, Seaboard Marine, Tibor & Sheila Hollo Charitable Foundation, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Canada Consulate General Miami, Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald, Tropical Shipping, Enterprise Florida and Miami International Airport. This event is a part of the World Trade Center Miami’s “1000 Women Strong Trade Initiative” a pledge to advocate: • Empowering women to raise their voices in support of international trade and of ongoing and new initiatives in gender parity in the international trade arena. • Strengthening U.S. free trade agreements to provide equal access to opportunities for women- owned businesses and promote gender equality in the workplace. • Automating U.S. and global trade processes, which remove barriers to trade and growth, and in turn, creates opportunities for workplace advancements for women. • Investing in South Florida’s trade-related infrastructure and creating exciting new business opportunities for women entrepreneurs and executives in our community. • Enhancing career and professional opportunities for women in South Florida through leadership and mentoring programs. The deadline to register for this event is March 4, 2019. To reserve a seat for please go to www.iwd.worldtrade.org, if you have any questions please contact the World Trade Center directly at 305-871-7910 or email info@worldtrade.org. Read More

A New Chair at World Trade Center Miami

February 4, 2019 - Banking and Community Leader Roberto Muñoz Named 2019 Chairman of the World Trade Center Miami. Roberto R. Muñoz, a well-known banking and community leader, has been named 2019 chairman of the World Trade Center Miami, the region’s leading global trade promotion organization. “We plan to leverage our global connections, organize signature events and build strong partnerships to increase two-way trade and promote Miami as the ‘Trade and Logistics Capital of the Americas’,” said Muñoz. “I am looking forward to enhancing our nonprofit business organization as a growth platform for Miami’s international trade and logistics community.” A senior banking market executive known for achieving goals and delivering financial results, Muñoz is Miami-Dade market president and Commercial Banking and Wealth Management executive for Capital Bank, a $40 billion division of Memphis-based First Horizon National Corporation. “Roberto Muñoz is an excellent community leader with deep experience in global finance and commerce,” said Charlotte Gallogly, president and CEO, the World Trade Center Miami. “Our non-profit organization plays a key role in supporting global trade, which is Miami-Dade's largest industry sector." A leader in numerous professional and civic organizations, Muñoz is an officer on the executive board of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council; treasurer and finance committee chair of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce; and former chairman and president of the Florida International Bankers Association. Muñoz serves on the executive board of The Center for Financial Training Southeastern Chapter; the advisory board of the Center for Leadership at Florida International University; and is a member of the Hong Kong Business Association of Florida. In the community, Muñoz serves as an officer and executive board member of the Boy Scouts of America South Florida Chapter, and the 2019 recipient of its “Distinguished Citizen Award.” He is also a board member of the Chapman Partnership for the Homeless. Muñoz numerous other awards and recognitions include the 12th Annual “International Banking and Finance Award” by The Miami-Dade Beacon Council in 2014, and the inaugural “Philanthropist of the Year” award by Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of South Florida in 2015. He was named the “Florida Business Ambassador Award” by Gov. Rick Scott in 2015 and was appointed as a founding board member of the Florida Film and Television Investment Board in 1994 by Gov. Lawton Chiles. As Miami’s leading global trade organization, whose roots go back to 1971, the WTCM has generated more than $3.8 billion in international sales over the past 30 years and stimulated the creation of thousands of new jobs. The WTCM is a member of the World Trade Center Association, a global network of more than 325 centers in 91 countries. Today, the WTCM continues to facilitate international commerce in Miami, organizing four large-scale events: Air Cargo Americas Show, Americas Food and Beverage Show, World Trade Week Miami and the International Women’s Day Initiative. For more information on the World Trade Center Miami, call 305-871-7910 or visit www.worldtrade.org. Read More

A Successful 22nd Americas Food & Beverage Show

October 9, 2018 - 22nd Americas Food and Beverage Show Made a Strong Comeback with nearly 450 companies from 13 Different Countries Showcasing New Products World Trade Center Miami hosts two-day trade show facilitating business deals in a global market place allowing for economic growth in all regions of the Americas. Miami, FL (October 2, 2018) One of the key strengths of the Americas Food and Beverage Show is the ability to meet and connect with industry buyers, distributors and manufacturers; from many different countries, in one location. This year there were over 450 companies from the United States, Canada, Thailand, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Turkey, Poland, Jordan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa. The show had nearly 10,000 food and beverage professionals in attendance over the course of two-days at the Miami Beach Convention Center. More than 50 companies from the United States made up the USA Pavilion thanks to the coordinated efforts and the invaluable partnerships The World Trade Center Miami has with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Canada presented the second largest pavilion at the show with twenty Canadian companies; followed by Africa’s pavilion with 17 African companies. This year the Thai Trade Center in Miami presented ten companies with over 200 products from Thailand. The 2018 Americas Food and Beverage Trade show opened on Monday morning and featured 450 exhibiting companies, including 200 first-time exhibitors. More than 40 percent of 2018 attendee survey respondents indicated that their company has connected with the right buyer and/or distributor and will close or have already closed deals at the show. Part of the program also included a seminar schedule with nine seminars including a session on egg trends and how to use U.S. eggs and egg products to increase your bottom line. This seminar was sponsored by the U.S. Poultry and Egg Export Council. Richard Battaglia, Director of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service based in Miami says, “The Americas Food and Beverage Show is an excellent show for new-to-market exporters. It’s the most important show for our region, on average we get five hundred buyers from the Caribbean region coming over here to the show. I would encourage any exporters who are interested in the Caribbean region and Central and South America to participate in this event.” For more than 32 years, the World Trade Center Miami (WTCM) has facilitated international commerce in Miami-Dade County. Through trade shows, missions, special events, educational programs and other forms of assistance, the WTCM has played a leading role in spurring the growth of the region's most important economic sector, generating more than $3.8 billion in reported international sales and stimulating the formation of thousands of new jobs. The World Trade Center Miami, Florida’s oldest global organization, fosters and enhances international business opportunities for companies in the western hemisphere. Read More

22ND Americas Food & Beverage Show Is Back

July 27, 2018 - With New Show Format and Exhibition Booth Space Availability. World Trade Center Miami will host professionals in the food and beverage industries from more than 60 countries in the Americas with an exciting new program and country pavilions. The Americas Food and Beverage Show and Conference is on October 1-2, 2018 at the Miami Beach Convention Center - 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139. This event is organized by the World Trade Center Miami and sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). The Americas Food and Beverage show is one of the longest running and best food and beverage trade shows in the United States and makes a lasting economic impact through international trade. Last year, the show was canceled due to Hurricane Irma, a first in its 22-year history; thankfully, event insurance coverage refunded all exhibitors. This year the new format will have the trade show floor set up in Hall D of the Convention Center along with a new layout of country pavilions and a specially featured Florida Pavilion and Beverages Pavilion. Due to a high demand for booth space and event access, the show is open only to professionals in the food and beverage industry, exhibitors and attendees can register for the show by going to www.americasfoodandbeverageshow.com. The 22nd Americas Food and Beverage Show will have over 400 exhibit spaces from over 500 companies. The latest show hosted food and beverage companies from over 50 countries in the Americas including a showcase of never before seen products from first time participating countries; Bangladesh, Cameroon, Rwanda and Sierra Leone. This year a comprehensive seminar schedule will include topics on trends in the industry and trade regulations. Get the full schedule at www.americasfoodandbeverge.com. Charlotte Gallogly, president of World Trade Center Miami, says, “We look forward to welcoming new exhibitors and returning companies to Miami Beach for a dynamic convention and trade show with countless opportunities to meet food and beverage suppliers one-on-one. The 22nd Americas Food and Beverage Show is a unique event for buyers, caterers, chefs, retailers and professionals in the industry to engage, do business and connect. The 22nd annual Americas Food and Beverage Show and Conference is organized and sponsored by the Word Trade Center Miami, US Department of Agriculture and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. The Americas Food & Beverage Show and its networking events are designed to bring together all segments of the food and beverage industry in order to increase business and trade opportunities in a global marketplace. www.americasfoodandbeverage.comFor More Info Contact: Yendi AlvarezPhone: (786) 366-1762Email: yendi@worldtrade.org Read More

World Trade Week Miami is in May

March 30, 2018 - Sign up now for one of the many events and workshops focused on trade and international business in Miami and the Americas. World Trade Week Miami is a part of World Trade Month in May. The World Trade Center Miami has a variety of workshops, conferences and networking events throughout Miami during the entire month of May. These events are focused on enhancing trade and international business in Miami and the Americas. Global trade statistics in Miami's trade community rose 3.08 percent, from $104.49 billion to $107.71 billion in 2017 according to the latest data from U.S. Census Bureau. If you are interested in participating in any of the events during World Trade Week Miami and World Trade Month in May email ibarrios@worldtrade.org or call directly to 305-871-7910. Don't forget to follow us on Social Media. We're always ready to help out. INSTAGRAM - @worldtradecentermiami TWITTER - @WTCMiami LINKEDIN COMPANY PAGE - World Trade Center Miami FACEBOOK - WORLD TRADE CENTER MIAMI Read More

World Trade Center Miami Launches Radio Talk Show

March 28, 2018 - Weekly radio talk show takes an in depth look at the international business and trade community in South Florida. World Trade Center Miami has launched a new weekly radio show called Trading After Hours on AM 880 Wallstreet Business Network “The Biz”. This program airs live on Tuesdays from 5-6pm and covers topics on current trends, federal regulations and business development in the international trade community of South Florida. Guests include major players in the trade community from financial and federal organizations like US Customs and Border Patrol, Port Miami and Miami International Airport. Trading After Hours radio show is hosted by Rich Roffman; a 30-year veteran publisher with extensive experience in the domestic and international arena. Rich also serves on the Board of Directors for World Trade Center Miami. Segments from the latest show went over the history of World Trade Center Miami, the importance of international trade to Florida and Miami, updates on NAFTA and Trade Agreements as well as Banking and Trade Finance. Guests to the program included: • Charlotte Gallogly, President, World Trade Center Miami• Ivan Barrios, Vice Presdient, World Trade Center Miami• Lenny Feldman, Managing Member, Miami Office, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. & Co-Chair Elect for U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee• Roberto Munoz, Vice-Chair, World Trade Center Miami President of the World Trade Center Miami, Charlotte Gallogly says, “Trading After Hours on AM880 the Biz allows us to amplify our message as a powerful voice for business growth and economic prosperity. World Trade Center Miami is dedicated to leading South Florida into a new era of international trade. Guided by our Board of Directors and assisted by our community partners, our Center helps companies connect with the world and contributes to our regional economy. The World Trade Center Miami’s mission is to promote Miami as the Trade & Logistics Hub of the Americas.” The World Trade Center Miami, Florida's oldest global organization, fosters and enhances international business opportunities for companies in the western hemisphere. Visit our website for more information www.worldtrade.org. For more information please contact the World Trade Center directly at 305-871-7910 or email info@worldtrade.org. Read More

WTC Miami Hosts International Women's Day Luncheon

March 22, 2018 - MIAMI (March 8) – U.S. policymakers should encourage small and mid-size businesses to take advantage of abundant opportunities in the global market rather than put up barriers to trade, according to Laura Lane, president, Global Public Affairs, UPS. "We need to make global trade more inclusive," said Lane in her keynote talk at the World Trade Center Miami's 15th annual International Women's Day Conference and Luncheon on March 8 at the Miami Airport Convention Center. "Since 95 percent of the world's consumers live outside our borders, we should educate and empower rural, minority- and women-owned businesses, rather than closing off markets." Speaking to more than 500 attendees at the luncheon, Lane outlined UPS's "100,000 Women's Trade Initiative with SMEs Around the Globe." She noted that only one in five exporting companies worldwide is women-owned. "Advancing women's equality could add trillions of dollars to global GDP," she said. Charlotte Gallogly, president of the World Trade Center Miami, welcomed attendees and noted the growth of International Women's Day celebrations around the world, and the progress of women in South Florida. "Fifteen years ago, you didn't see many women in the trade and logistics workforce," she said. "Today, we have hundreds of women here to celebrate our success."After Lane's talk, Gallogly and leaders in Miami-Dade's international business community presented awards to the WTCM’s five 2018 International Women's Day honorees:Dina Amato, center director, Miami Field Office, U.S. Customs & Border Protection Sandra Bridgeman, CFO, Miami-Dade Aviation Department Donna Hrinak, president, Boeing Latin America Michelle Porter, senior port operations manager, Maersk Line Alexandra Villoch, president and publisher, Miami Herald Media Company Prior to the luncheon, the WTCM hosted a workshop on "How to Identify and Deal with Sexual Harassment in the Workforce." Romaine Seguin, president, UPS Americas, and immediate past chair, WTCM, moderated the session, whose panelists were Chamley Conway, VP Human Resources, UPS International – Americas Region; Wendy Kallergis, president, Greater Miami & Beaches Hotel Association; and Michael Farrell, district director, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Miami District. Since 1975, the annual International Women’s Day celebration by the United Nations serves to focus attention on the issues facing women around the world, and highlights their achievements. In 2004, the WTCM began to sponsor this annual event in order to recognize Florida women who have inspired others to make major accomplishments in international business. For more information, call 305-871-7910 or visit www.worldtrade.org. Read More