News

Recent Arrivals and Promotions at WTCGP

July 16, 2015 - Dino Ramos Promoted to Chief Operating Officer Dino Ramos was promoted to Chief Operating Officer for the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia in June 2015. In partnership with the President, Dino will provide overall strategic and operational support to the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP). Dino Ramos has served eleven years with the WTCGP and has a 35-year career in international business, spanning over 50 markets. Dino Ramos oversees implementation of such programs as the World Trade PA Program, Job Creation through Export Development, and International Design and Engineering Consortium. As an Export Sales Manager for the Hunt Corporation, Dino was responsible for sales and marketing in over 50 countries. His long tenure at Hunt included managing European sales, export sales forecasting, international sales and operational planning, export administration and international marketing and marketing services. Prior to Hunt, Dino spent five years working in Singapore as Far East Sales Manager for King Press and another five-year stint in Vietnam and Thailand for the U.S. General Accounting Office. Dino holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from East Tennessee State University and attended George Washington University Graduate School of Business. He is familiar with Greek and French and has some understanding of Chinese, Arabic, Thai and Vietnamese. Marcos Reynaga, Marketing Coordinator Marcos joined the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia in June 2015 as Marketing Coordinator. Before joining the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia Marcos worked for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland (OR) as development manager and most recently for the Philadelphia division as communications officer. With distinguished achievements in the creative field and special events as well as having extensive collaboration in development and administrative management Marcos specializes in organizational growth and sustainability through World Trade Center design, branding and marketing strategy. Marcos has 6 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, and has more than 12 years of experience in the arts and communications field, and remains active in the freelance sector as a graphic designer and strategic specialist. Adrianne Ali, Marketing and Events, Drexel University Intern Adrianne joined the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia in March 2015 as part of Drexel University’s 6 month cooperative program. As the Marketing and Events Co-op she helps manage all social media accounts, and writes content for the monthly newsletters, website blog and other promotional materials. Adrianne also assists the Director of Communications and Marketing Coordinator with other marketing tasks and planning events. Previously, she worked at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine as the Communications Co-op. Adrianne has also worked as the Marketing and Promotions Intern at one of Madrid’s top Flamenco restaurants. She is currently in her third year at Drexel University, majoring in Communications, with a concentration in Public Relations, and minoring in International Area Studies. On campus, she is a part of Drexel’s Public Relations Student Society of America and Drexel’s Special Olympics Student Organization. By 2017, she will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree and an Accelerated Master of Science degree in Communications. Giuseppe Luca Tota, International Business Development, Drexel University Intern Giuseppe Luca Tota joined the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia in March 2015 as part of Drexel University’s six month cooperative program. As an International Business Development co-op, he is responsible for researching information relevant to business development in order to conduct market, country, and topical research. Giuseppe Luca also accompanies international trade specialists on client meetings and processes follow-up action items for clients. Giuseppe Luca is originally from Puglia, a town in Southern Italy, and is fluent in both English and Italian. His passion for volunteering led to a mission trip in a rural village in Nicaragua, where he had the opportunity to build an elementary school. Giuseppe Luca is in his second year at Drexel University, majoring in International Business and minoring in Finance. He is part of the Pennoni Honors College and has served as a peer leader for incoming freshman. By 2018, he will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Chinmay Wanmali, Market Research Analyst, Drexel University C-Suite Intern Chinmay joined World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia in June 2015 as the Market Research Analyst under the Drexel C-Suite Co-Op program. As a Market Research Analyst, he provides actionable insights into the target markets including industry competitive analysis for developing market entry strategies and addressing export challenges. In his previous role as Operations Analyst at Take 2 Cosmetics in India, he successfully improved the procurement process of the firm, leveraging company data for analysis and strategy, significantly reducing company cost. A graduate from Amity University with a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering, Chinmay is passionate about using data to help businesses grow and optimize their performance. He is currently pursuing his MBA in Business Analytics at Drexel University where he has been inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma honor society in recognition of high scholastic achievement. 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WTCGP CEOs' China Operations Club Summer Social

June 25, 2015 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - On Wednesday, June 17th, 2015 members of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) CEOs’ China Operations Club gathered for their annual Summer Social at the “Oakwell,” home of Dr. and Mrs. John Bennett. Guests enjoyed a lovely evening filled with live music and fine cuisine in celebration of the Club’s continued success. This wonderful collective of local and international colleagues and friends exchanged pivotal experiences and knowledge gleaned from their work in the evolving China market. The CEOs’ China Operations Club, now in its 11th year, is extremely valuable for member companies to share among themselves so all can do more and better business in China. While the traditional CEO roundtable meetings address current business topics through guest speakers and group discussion, the Summer Social is an unmatched event for member-only networking and cultural learning. As stated by a member, “It was an enjoyable way to network and share stories of what everyone is experiencing while working with China and what they are expecting to happen next… it was a good representation of the blending of Chinese and American cultures and how they can be harmonized.” One of many highlights of the night included the music of internationally acclaimed artist, Min Xiao-Fen, playing and singing traditional Chinese music influenced by American jazz and blues. Min had the honor of introducing many Club members to traditional Chinese instruments the pipa, sanxian and ruan, for the first time. “Whether in a formal roundtable discussion or more relaxed setting such as our Summer Social, the China Club builds important relationships–and even friendships. It is one of the things that we do best–connecting our member companies so that they share the value of their market experience and learn from one another, often ending in partnered strategies,” said Linda Mysliwy Conlin, WTCGP President. View highlights and videos from Min's performance on WTCGP's YouTube page. View pictures from the event on WTCGP's Flickr album. Read More

PA and NJ companies to be recognized on May 7

April 17, 2015 - Each year the The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia recognizes two member companies (one each in Pennsylvania and South Jersey), whose global achievement has contributed to the economic growth and prosperity of the Greater Philadelphia region. This year's honorees are Lasko Products, Inc. (PA) and F.W. Winter Inc. & Co. (NJ). Read More

Global Cities Initiative Committee in Action

March 20, 2015 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - WTCGP President Linda Conlin joined Josh Sevin of the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia recently joined fellow metro regions involved in the Brookings/JP Morgan Chase Global Cities Initiative to participate in a working session to launch the development of an export strategy for the Greater Philadelphia metro region. As co-leaders of Greater Philadelphia's year-long effort, which will involve a Steering Committee drawn from the Region, they also took part in events marking the release of Indianapolis' export plan. To learn more about WTC Greater Philadelphia, click on the source link below: Read More

Ex-Im Bank, the United States, and Globalization

March 17, 2015 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - WTCGP President Linda Conlin joined a panel discussion on Ex-Im Bank and its support of American exporters, particularly small- and medium-sized businesses. The conversation was hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, which posted audio and video on their website. To see the original article, click on the source link below: Read More

Global Business Conference '15 was a great success

March 16, 2015 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - On March 12th, the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia brought together business leaders from local, regional, and national organizations to discuss international trade. With phenomenal speakers and informative presentations throughout the morning, the 12th Annual conference provided insider knowledge of upcoming trends and opportunities in global business. To learn more about WTC Greater Philadelphia, click on the source link below: Read More

2015 Global Business Leadership Award Phil Rinaldi

February 12, 2015 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - The World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia Selects Phil Rinaldi, CEO, Philadelphia Energy Solutions To Receive the 2015 Global Business Leadership Award Ceremony and Reception:May 7, 2015 at the Franklin Institute Philadelphia, PA The World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) has selected Phil Rinaldi, CEO, Philadelphia Energy Solutions, to receive the WTCGP’s highest award given to an individual - the Global Business Leadership Award. The Global Business Leadership Award is given annually to individuals, in recognition of their global vision and contribution to regional economic growth and jobs through global trade. “Mr. Rinaldi’s vision for the region as an energy hub, expanding industry and manufacturing, clearly positions the region to attract global trade and investment and compete more aggressively in the global marketplace. We are delighted that he has accepted our award,” says Linda Conlin, President, WTCGP. “I am honored to receive this Global Business Leadership award from the World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia. My vision and my passion is to make Philadelphia the energy hub of the northeast and the support here has been extraordinary,” says Phil Rinaldi, CEO, Philadelphia Energy Solutions. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the United Nations, in cooperation with the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) chartered a day to be recognized around the world as “World Trade Centers Day.” Every World Trade Center creates its own signature event with the common goal of celebrating peace and prosperity through global trade. Each year the WTCGP also recognizes two member companies (one each in Pennsylvania and South Jersey), whose global achievement has contributed to the economic growth and prosperity of the Greater Philadelphia region. The member company award recipient announcement is expected in late January 2015. On May 7, 2015, the WTCGP will be joining the region’s international business community and senior government officials to honor Phil Rinaldi at an award ceremony and reception to be held at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA. About the World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia The World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), a non-profit and membership - based organization, accelerates global business growth for companies in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey by providing customized, one-on-one trade counseling, market research, educational programs, trade mission support, business networking events, and powerful connections to customers and partners worldwide, including 325 world trade centers in 92 countries. Since 2002, the WTCGP has served as a catalyst for regional economic growth and job creation, helping area companies generate over $1.2B in incremental export sales, supporting over 15,000 jobs. About Philadelphia Energy Solutions Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES), headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a leading manufacturer of petroleum and petrochemical products and operates two domestic refineries, Girard Point and Point Breeze, and is the longest continuously operating refinery on the East Coast, processing approximately 330,000 barrels of crude oil per day making it the largest oil refining complex on the Eastern seaboard. Media Contact: Graziella DiNuzzogdinuzzo@wtcphila.org 609-680-7670 Read More

WTCGP 12th Annual Global Business Conference

January 28, 2015 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia 12th Annual Global Business Conference Thursday, March 12, 20158 am to 12:30 pmIn partnership with LeBow College of Business Taking place at Drexel University Creese Student Center, Behrakis Grand Hall, 32nd and Chestnut Street, Philadelphia Featuring: Mark Linscott, Assistant United States Trade Representative for WTO and Multilateral Affairs William J. Seward, President of International Sales, UPS Maureen Smith, Acting Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) will hold its 12th annual Global Business Conference at Drexel University on Thursday, March 12, 2015, from 8 am to 12:30 pm at Creese Student, Behrakis Grand Hall 32nd and Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA A WTCGP signature event, the Global Business Conference brings together the region's international business leaders, senior U.S. government officials and industry executives. Keynote speakers and panelists will provide an outlook on global market trends and national policies. The event will also provide practical tools to help businesses increase their global sales. This years Global Business Conference is entitled: Gaining the Global Advantage: Making Free Trade Agreements Work for You. The conference will include: A global economic outlook for 2015 – HSBC economist An opening keynote address on U.S. Trade Policy – Mark Linscott, Assistant United States Trade Representative for WTO and Multilateral Affairs A corporate perspective on why free trade matters - William J. Seward, President of International Sales, UPS Welcome remarks by Mayor of Philadelphia, Michael A. Nutter A practical session demonstrating how companies can access tariff and other information on FTA countries to determine best market strategies- Maureen Smith, Acting Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce About the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), a non-profit and membership - based organization, accelerates global business growth for companies in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey by providing customized, one-on-one trade counseling, market research, educational programs, trade mission support, business networking events, and powerful connections to customers and partners worldwide, including 325 world trade centers in 92 countries. Since 2002, the WTCGP has served as a catalyst for regional economic growth and job creation, helping area companies generate over $1.2B in incremental export sales, supporting over 15,000 jobs. For more information, please contact Graziella DiNuzzo at +1-609-680-7670 or gdinuzzo@wtcphila.org . Read More

WTCGP To Present Philadelphia's 1st Embassy Series

January 28, 2015 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia Partners with the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia To Present Philadelphia’s First Embassy Series New Program to Launch February 25, 2015 at: Top of the Tower 1717 Arch StreetPhiladelphia, PA February 25 kick off - Spotlight on Germany:Keynote Speaker: Germany’s Senior commercial diplomat in the United States, Hendrik Barkeling, Head of the Economic and Commercial Section, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Washington, D.C. Contact: Graziella DiNuzzo gdinuzzo@wtcphila.org 609-680-7670 The World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) and the Consular Corps Association (CCAP) of Philadelphia are partnering to present the city’s first Embassy Series, a program that brings to Philadelphia senior international diplomats and experts for a high level dialogue, forging cross border relationships and sharing global business opportunities and best practices. The WTCGP and CCAP launch the new program on February 25th at Top of the Tower, 1717 Arch St., with the “Embassy Series – Spotlight on Germany.” The keynote speaker is Germany’s senior commercial diplomat in the United States, Hendrik Barkeling, Head of the Economic and Commercial Section, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Washington, D.C. Tickets are $40 for WTCGP, CCAP and German American Chamber of Commerce members, $45 for non-members, and $50 at the door. According to Linda Conlin, President of the World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia, “This program supports our mission of accelerating global growth for companies in our region by connecting them with the latest country information and the key contacts they need to access opportunities in target markets around the world. Collaborating with the Consular Corps Association is a natural choice, given the strong network of its distinguished membership.” Krista Bard, President of the Consular Corps Association and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lithuania, concurs, noting, “Historically, consular officials advocated diplomatic as well as commercial relations. Within the transforming diplomatic system, there is an increasing emphasis on our fostering trade, investment and technology transfer. WTCGP is an amazing resource and our partnership expands horizons for us all.” About the World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia The World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), a non-profit and membership - based organization, accelerates global business growth for companies in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey by providing customized, one-on-one trade counseling, market research, educational programs, trade mission support, business networking events, and powerful connections to customers and partners worldwide, including 326 world trade centers in 92 countries. Since 2002, the WTCGP has served as a catalyst for regional economic growth and job creation, helping area companies generate over $1.3B in incremental export sales, supporting over 16,000 jobs. About the Consular Corps of Philadelphia The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia is the first and oldest such group in the United States, with international representation since the birth of the nation. CCAP’s primary mission is to support its members in facilitating economic, educational, scientific and cultural exchanges between the countries they represent and this region, please see www.consularcorpsofphiladelphia.org Read More

Philadelphia Chosen for Global Cities Initiative

January 28, 2015 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - Today, Greater Philadelphia is joining an economic development network created by the Global Cities Initiative (GCI), a five-year joint project of the Brookings Institution and JPMorgan Chase. This network, the Global Cities Initiative’s Exchange, assists metropolitan areas as they develop plans to achieve sustainable growth, first addressing exports and then foreign direct investment. Greater Philadelphia will start its involvement in the Exchange by developing a metropolitan export plan in 2015. Greater Philadelphia is one of eight metro areas accepted to the GCI Exchange’s 2015 group, the final cohort of the 28-metro-area network. The Brookings Institution selected metro areas for the Exchange through a competitive process based on their readiness and commitment to pursue the Exchange’s global competitiveness principles. “For the Exchange, we selected metro areas that are committed to expanding their global economic reach by working together to identify regional competitive strengths and increase exports,” said Marek Gootman, director of strategic partnerships and global initiatives at Brookings. “The eight metro areas selected for this final round represent a growing group of U.S. metro areas that understand the need to embrace the global market to remain competitive in the 21st century economy.” The selection follows a November announcement by the Economy League and the World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia that the organizations would bring together business, government, and nonprofit stakeholders to develop an action-oriented export growth plan for the region. Despite 79 percent of global GDP growth projected to occur outside the United States between 2013 and 2018, only five percent of U.S. companies currently export and, among those that do, 58 percent export to only one market. These numbers underscore the significant opportunity for Greater Philadelphia and other U.S. metros to grow by going global. “We’re confident that Greater Philadelphia will be both a great contributor and beneficiary as part of this network, and we believe that this is exactly the kind of innovative planning that will ensure our community’s long-term economic success,” said JPMorgan Chase Greater Philadelphia Market President Mark Schrieber. “We have a long history of helping businesses connect to global markets, and now the Exchange brings additional resources to help our region’s leaders design strategies to further create jobs and grow our economy through greater global engagement.” Greater Philadelphia will be represented in the Exchange by a team of local leaders including Josh Sevin, Managing Director for Regional Engagement, Economy League of Greater Philadelphia; Linda Conlin, President, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia; Sapna Bhatt, Director - International Business Development, City of Philadelphia Mayor’s Office; and Wilfred Muskens, Deputy Secretary for International Business Development, Pennsylvania Dept. of Community & Economic Development. “The timing could not be better for Greater Philadelphia to join the Global Cities Initiative’s Exchange,” said Economy League Executive Director Steve Wray. “It will allow us to draw upon the experiences of peer regions and the expertise of Brookings to tailor strategies that make our region more globally competitive over the long haul.” “The World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia has been helping local companies increase international sales for over 13 years. We are pleased to join the Economy League and the region’s public and private sector leaders in this initiative to accelerate global business growth and generate new jobs,” said WTCGP President Linda Conlin. “By participating in the Exchange, Greater Philadelphia is well- positioned to build on past efforts and take regional trade and investment to the next level.” The members of the new Exchange cohort include Philadelphia; Baltimore; Fresno, CA; Houston; Kansas City, MO; Salt Lake City; Seattle; and St. Louis. They join Atlanta; Charleston, SC; Chicago; Columbus, OH; Des Moines, IA; Indianapolis; Jacksonville, FL; Los Angeles; Louisville-Lexington, KY; Minneapolis-Saint Paul; Milwaukee; Phoenix; Portland, OR; Sacramento, CA; San Antonio; San Diego; Syracuse, NY; Tampa Bay, FL; upstate South Carolina (Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson region); and Wichita, KS, to share best practices as they create and implement their global trade and investment strategies. Launched in 2012, the Global Cities Initiative helps business and civic leaders grow their metropolitan economies by strengthening international connections and competitiveness. GCI activities include producing data and research to guide decisions, fostering practice and policy innovations, and facilitating a peer learning network. For more information on the Global Cities Initiative, visit www.brookings.edu/projects/global-cities.aspx or www.jpmorganchase.com/globalcities. For more about the GCI Exchange, visit http://www.brookings.edu/about/projects/global-cities/exchange. About the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia The Economy League of Greater Philadelphia is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to ensuring the region's prosperity through analysis and action. We bring together established and emerging leaders to understand the region's challenges and work toward innovative solutions. For more information, visit www.EconomyLeague.org or www.WorldClassGreaterPhila.org. About the World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia The World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), a non-profit and membership - based organization, accelerates global business growth for companies in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey by providing customized, one-on-one trade counseling, market research, educational programs, trade mission support, business networking events, and powerful connections to customers and partners worldwide, including 326 world trade centers in 92 countries. Since 2002, the WTCGP has served as a catalyst for regional economic growth and job creation, helping area companies generate over $1.3B in incremental export sales, supporting over 17,000 jobs. For more information, please click on the source link below: Read More

Philadelphia Inquirer asks WTCGP about Cuba

December 18, 2014 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - Diane Mastrull, staff writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer interviewed Linda Conlin, President of WTCGP and Dino Ramos, Senior Vice President, following breaking news that President Obama has decided to reestablish diplomatic ties with Cuba. READ THE FULL ARTICLE BELOW: Local businesses mull Cuban trade possibilities Diane Mastrull, Inquirer staff writer Dulce de leche is not currently a flavor offered by Philadelphia-based Bassetts Ice Cream Co. "Closest to that is our classic butterscotch vanilla, which has . . . those caramel notes that a dulce de leche does," Bassetts president Michael Strange said Wednesday when asked whether and how his company would serve Cuba if a U.S. plan to reestablish diplomatic ties and expand economic trade after nearly 53 years succeeds. "If we find the right retail partners there . . . and they give us direction on flavor . . . I would certainly look into developing those flavors," Strange said. As it happened, he was on a call with one of Bassetts' newest export markets, China, when President Obama announced a new relationship with the Caribbean nation, one that inspired hopefulness among the region's business community. "We've been able to travel there for several years now as part of a group. Opening it up on an individual basis, which we hope is what's going to happen, will be very exciting," said Chris Novelli, office manager at Just to Travel of Bridgeport, which recently merged with Wings Travel Group in Blue Bell. "It's a wonderful destination." Cuba's coveted cigars becoming legally sanctioned for sale in this country would certainly be cause for a celebratory smoke among many stogie aficionados. But "until anything becomes official," it wasn't something Holt's Cigar Co. was willing to comment on Wednesday, said J.R. Johnson, manager of the Center City store. There are substantial hurdles to clear before any U.S. business can count on trade with Cuba, noted officials at the World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia, a nonprofit that has helped companies in Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey generate more than $1 billion in export sales since its creation in 2002. Chief among them: "It's up to Congress to take affirmative action before restrictions can be eased or lifted," said Linda Mysliwy Conlin, President of the WTC Greater Philadelphia and formerly vice chair of the U.S. Export-Import Bank. "As a World Trade Center, we remain optimistic that when the timing is right and appropriate and the U.S. government lifts sanctions," Conlin said, "we will be ready to help our companies correctly assess opportunities and be able to navigate the complexities and risks." Those are not minor, said Dino Ramos, the center's senior vice president of trade services. "My main concern for our clients would be getting paid. Right now, the big problem is they [Cuba] lack hard currency. . . . And then the other caveat would be, right now, there are very few private-sector buyers. Most of the goods and services are controlled by government agencies. I don't think their government has much money." That said, Ramos noted that other countries have been trading with Cuba, including Canada and Spain. At the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship at Drexel University, Roy Carriker, a professor and director of technology entrepreneurship, said an educational mission to Cuba a couple years ago convinced him that U.S. businesses specializing in modern technologies - by that, he meant even basic plumbing - are "going to find opportunity there. The whole infrastructure is crumbling." He also left wanting to return with Drexel students. "There was just this incredible level of entrepreneurship," Carriker said, recalling physicians' driving taxis to make ends meet, as well as a man he found strategically positioned next to artisans who was crafting tubes out of cardboard and duct tape to transport rolled-up artwork. "Everyone in Cuba has to be an entrepreneur to survive," he said. At Bassetts, Strange will first wait for Congress to act and then for trade missions to identify potential reliable buyers. Key for Bassetts will be a growing hospitality and tourism industry, which would spawn more hotels and restaurants, he said. Strange will have time to come up with flavors, suggested Wilfred Muskens, Pennsylvania's deputy secretary for international business development. He has no immediate plans to open trade offices in Cuba. "We could start looking at Cuba carefully maybe in the next year or two," Muskens said. "Our strategy . . . is really to focus on markets that are already open, for example the United Arab Emirates or Indonesia." To read the original article, click on the source link below: Read More

Gary Biehn Appointed Board Chairman of WTCGP

November 12, 2014 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - As voted on November 6, 2014 at the annual Board of Directors meeting of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), Gary P. Biehn, Partner and Chair, China Business Group and International Group of the Philadelphia, PA law firm, White and Williams, LLP, has been appointed Board Chairman of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia. Gary Biehn will replace Anthony S. Bartolomeo, P.E., President and CEO, of Pennoni, who had been Board Chairman of the WTCGP since 2004. Gary Biehn has been a Board Member of the WTCGP since 2008 and served as Vice-Chairman of the board from 2012 through November 2014. As Vice-Chairman, Gary oversaw a number of key initiatives including most recently the development of the WTCGP’s three-year Strategic Plan (2015-2017). As a partner of White and Williams, Gary assists clients with new business development and strategic partnerships in China and Europe. Gary works closely with White and Williams’ strategic law firm alliances in Shanghai and Tianjin, China as well as advisors in Europe. Most recently, Gary assisted the Philadelphia Orchestra with contract preparation and negotiation for its 2013 and 2014 China Tours and has also worked with a U.S. based supplier of nuclear storage technology for the dry storage facility at Chernobyl, Ukraine to implement ongoing contract negotiations for “stage 2” of the project. “It is an honor to serve as Chair of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, this region’s premier center for global trade and commerce. In his seven years of service as our Chair, Tony Bartolomeo set a high bar of excellence and I am dedicated to continuing in this tradition. I look forward to working with President Linda Conlin, her dedicated staff and my fellow Board members as the WTCGP continues its mission of shaping the global future of this region,” says Gary Biehn, Board Chairman, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia and Partner, White and Williams, LLP. The Board of Directors of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia consists of: Gary P. Biehn, Partner, Board Chairman, White and Williams, LLP Walter D’Alessio, Vice Chairman, NorthMarq Capital, Inc. Steven J. Batzer, Treasurer, WBD Investment Group Martin G. Belisario, Secretary, Attorney at Law, Panitch Schwarze Belisario and Nadel LLP Dr. John A. Bennett, President and CEO, Devon International Group Ed Breiner, President and CEO, Schramm, Inc. Kevin Castagnola, Executive Director & CEO, South Jersey Port Corporation (Ex-Officio) David A. DeLizza, PE, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Pennoni Debra P. DiLorenzo, President, Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey John T. Hanson, Acting Chief Executive Officer, DRPA Thomas Leonard, Partner, Obermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell, Hippel James T. McDermott, Jr. Executive Director, Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (Ex-Officio) Julie Mostov, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Global Initiatives, Drexel University Bernadine J. Munley, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, President & CEO, Ben Franklin Technology Partners Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr., Ph.D., President, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Joseph J. Scalio, Partner, KPMG LLP Marty Schiffman, Managing Partner, Waterfront Renaissance Associates LP Susan Susanne Svizeny, Executive Vice President and Division Manager, Wells Fargo Rob Wonderling, President and CEO, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce (Ex-Officio) About the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia: The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), a non-profit and membership - based organization, accelerates global business growth for companies in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey by providing customized, one-on-one trade counseling, market research, educational programs, trade mission support, business networking events, and powerful connections to customers and partners worldwide. Since 2002, the WTCGP has served as a catalyst for regional economic growth and job creation, helping area companies generate over $1.2B in incremental export sales, supporting over 15,000 jobs. Read More