July 23, 2018 - Kenneth Hilario, reporter, Philadelphia Business Journal recently reported on the launch of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia's new International Business Program developed in partnership with USA Strategic Ventures - Phila. World Trade Center creates 'missing link' to help overseas companies expand into the region Read More Read More
May 30, 2018 - “I am certain that my great, great grandfather would be both amazed and proud that Bassetts Ice Cream is now available on the opposite side of the world,” said Michael Strange, President of Bassetts Ice Cream. In 1861, using a mule-turned churn on his farm in Salem New Jersey, Lewis Dubois Bassett invented what would become America’s oldest ice cream – Bassetts. And it’s safe to say that Mr. Bassett was not thinking of selling his ice cream to South Korea or anywhere outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at that time. By 1885, Bassetts Ice Cream was sold at 5th and Market Street and by 1892 moved to its current location inside Reading Terminal. Ice Cream production was also moved into the basement of the Reading Terminal location. Bassetts Ice Cream has always been a homegrown Philly favorite and its now becoming a popular dessert treat in China and South Korea. With the help of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) trade specialist, Dale Foote, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of International Business Development, Bassetts began exporting to China in 2008 and on June 7, 2017, opened its first store in South Korea. “They don’t rush to enter a new market, “says Foote. “Bassetts uses many of the international trade services of the WTCGP and the PA in-country Authorized Trade Representatives (ATRs) to help them do market research, including government food/ice cream import rules, regulations, required certifications, partner searches and background due diligence, market entry strategies, consumer taste testing/preferences, new market trends, packaging, etc.” Almost a year later, on May 15, 2018, Bassetts opened its 31st store in South Korea. “We were confident that we would see rapid growth,” says Brian Bebee, Bassetts Vice President, Sales and Marketing, but we were still surprised at the rapid pace in adding new stores. We also had the luxury of having partners who fully embraced our brand, have extensive knowledge of franchising and are well versed in the culture of South Korea.” I asked our South Korean Temple University student and WTCGP intern about Bassetts. “It’s a different style of ice cream,” said Yunjin Jo. “Some of my friends tried it and love it.” “One of the reasons for our success in Asia is that our ice cream is less sweet than many of our competitors,” says Bebee. “From our experience, it seems it’s something the Asian palate prefers. We also found that the milkshake is not yet as popular in Asia as it is in the United State – yet.” “Bassetts ice cream is something new that we want,” adds Yunjin Jo. They offer numerous flavors, and they are even specialized only for ice cream. There are not many ice cream specialized brands. We were thirsty for a new style of ice cream.” Fruit, nut and green tea flavors are all very popular in South Korea, “says Bebee. “But our best seller in South Korea is cookies and cream. And in both China and the United States our best seller is plain ole vanilla!” Bassetts stores are called “Bassetts Ice Cream Café” in South Korea and unlike the Reading Terminal Market store; they serve sandwiches, beverages, coffee and desserts, such as ice cream cakes. Bassetts Ice Cream cake became available in the United States in 2013. “We were able to introduce ice cream cakes in late November 2017 in South Korea,” Bebee explains. “It went really well and was just in time for the Christmas season and the Korean Lunar New Year; despite the fact this winter was one of the coldest in Korean history.” So what’s next for Bassetts in South Korea? “While our Korea customer certainly has plans to sell Bassetts Ice Cream through foodservice and grocery channels, and is laying the groundwork for that now, the initial focus has been on opening the Bassetts Ice Cream Cafes in order to establish brand recognition, “says President Michael Strange. We expect that they will move into the new channels over the next several months.” According to Dale Foote, whatever sales direction Bassetts decides to take internationally, will likely yield success. “Bassetts is very open, adaptable and flexible when it comes to considering new flavors, such as green tea for the Asian market, and/or introducing ice cream cakes for the South Korea market. Bassetts’ exporting experience(s) for both China and South Korea should prove to be very beneficial as we continue to work closely with Bassetts to expand into additional new markets and countries in Asia and/or the Middle East. “ And we think that Great Great Grandpa would be very proud!!! Photo from Left to Right: Steven Yoon, Principal and Chief Marketing Officer, Bassetts Korea Co., Ltd. and Michael Strange, President, Bassetts Ice Cream Read More
May 17, 2018 - “The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia really helped us. We can do the technology but we need their help to spread it around the world,” said Scott Bentley, CEO, VideoRay after receiving his award at the 16th Annual World Trade Centers Award and Celebration. On May 3rd over 300 guests streamed up the magnificent staircase of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia to celebrate those individuals and organizations who have contributed to the economic growth of Southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey through global trade. The standing-room crowd gathered in the museum’s grand rotunda to honor Leo, Tom Jr., and Michael Holt of Holt Logistics Corp who received the Global Business Leadership Award; VideoRay, the PA Member Company of the Year award; TD Bank, the NJ Member Company of the Year award and Chemtech International the first Legacy Award. WTCGP Board Chairman, Gary Biehn introduced emcee, Ukee Washington, CBS3 Philly news anchor, who stated the purpose of our award ceremony, “Each year the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia holds a celebration to honor the global achievements of so many companies and individuals who have exceeded the standards for international trade, services, and economic development.” Ukee kept the excitement of the evening going as he cued up the jazz quartet who performed select music for each award recipient as they walked up to the podium to receive their award. The program also featured tribute videos for each honoree - Holt Logistics Video, VideoRay video, TD Bank Video, and Chemtech International Video And the photos say it all….click here for the photo gallery. “When I listened to the words of appreciation and commitment to our organization, whether through their videos or from the podium, I wanted to shout out, “Yes! This is what being a World Trade Center is all about.” I am grateful to our host committee and the individuals and organization who supported us in our celebration of our honorees, but who also helped us to raise the necessary funds to continue our work,” said Linda Conlin, President, WTCGP. Read More
April 11, 2018 - Kaushik “Kosh” Daphtary received a letter inviting him to attend an event at the Delaware River Port Authority in Camden, NJ. That event was the announcement of the formation of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia - the year was 2002. Marty Schiffman, current board member and one of the founders of the WTCGP was introducing the audience to the newly appointed President, Joanna Savvides. “There were about 30 companies represented in the room that day,” recounts Kosh Daphtary, President of Chemtech International. “Marty announced Joanna as President and then asked if anyone in the room would want to become a member of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia. I raised my hand and Marty asked me to write a check,” Daphtary says smiling. “I was the very first member of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia.” This year, Chemtech International will receive the first Legacy Award from the WTCGP at our 16th Annual World Trade Centers Day Annual Awards and Celebration taking place at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts on May 3, 2018. “It’s only fitting that Chemtech International will receive the first Legacy Award,” says Linda Conlin, President of WTCGP. “During one of our team discussions, we realized that during our annual awards celebration we also need to recognize those companies who have stood by us and believe in the mission of our organization.” Kosh Daphtary is currently Chairman and CEO of Chemtech International. Kosh’s son Neel Daphtary is President and his wife Surma Daphtary is Managing Director. History of Chemtech International Kosh Daphtary arrived in the United States in 1963 and within a short time, earned a bachelor degree in chemical engineering and chemistry, a master’s degree in chemical engineering and completion of the Wharton School of Business Management Graduate Program. In 1984, with a $400 investment and experience in a variety of industries including pulp and paper, plant design, construction and chemical Kosh and his wife Surma decided to start their own company – Chemtech International. Within 2 years, Kosh traveled to Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia and after finding some eager entrepreneurs, he secured his first distributors. Soon, he was spending almost 70 percent of his time traveling overseas for one to two months at a time. While he traveled extensively overseas and within the U.S. to build the business and customer base, Kosh’s wife and co-founder, Surma, was in charge of administration and business at home. Surma also traveled domestically and internationally when necessary to meet with customers and distributors. Over the years Chemtech has participated in several Trade Missions and Expos organized by the PA Department of Community & Economic Development and the U.S. Commercial Services offices, which took him to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Beijing, Mexico and South Africa. Kosh also took several trade missions with former Governors Tom Ridge and Mark Schweiker. By 1999, 30 percent of Chemtech’s business was international. Chemtech Awards In 2000, then Governor Tom Ridge sent Kosh Daphtary two letters. The first letter arrived on March 7, 2000 congratulating Chemtech International as a “PA 100 Company”, which entitled the company to free services by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Export Consortium’s (SEPEC), to help develop and build its international marketing strategy. A short time later in August of 2000, Governor Tom Ridge sent another letter to Kosh, this time congratulating Chemtech International as the winner of the Governor’s Export Excellence Award; an award Chemtech would receive again two years later by Governor Mark Schweiker. In 2002, Chemtech also received the Export Achievement Certificate from the US Department of Commerce / US Commercial Service for its accomplishments in the global marketplace. Chemtech offers a broad range of innovative environmental and safety compatible products and technologies with applications in various market segments: packaging, materials handling and environmental related products serving the chemical, electronics, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and automotive industries. Ron Drozd, WTCGP Export Services Manager has been proud to assist Chemtech in 28 countries, including India, Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Taiwan, France, Vietnam, Germany, China, the Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, Brazil, Chile, Spain, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Japan, Thailand, Hungary, Norway, Malaysia, South Korea, and Indonesia. Chemtech’s export sales represent 50% of total revenues. Chemtech International now exports products to over 50 countries. And Chemtech exports are “Made in America. “The factories we work with are in the United States, and not one product is imported, “says President, Neel Daphtary. “Our business is growing.” Technological advances in international business have helped companies like Chemtech maintain a presence in the marketplace without having to board an airplane for meetings. “Our transactions are done virtually, every day. We are able to reach a broad range of people and stay in touch with our loyal customers,” adds Neel. Our customers use smartphones and we are able to respond to their needs immediately. While Kosh embraces new technology, he still believes that nothing compares to a face-to-face meeting with customers. “I used to travel an average of 180 days a year outside of the US and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Kosh says. “Our success is due to our staying power and our strong commitment to our customers. The hallmark of Chemtech’s success for the past 33 years is our goal to maintain continuity and strong customer perception. We have built a reputation to meet and exceed quality and service remain loyal to our suppliers.” Chemtech International currently serves on the WTCGP Advisory Council since its inception, and also serves on the Board of the Global Philadelphia Association. Congratulations to the Daphtary family for their commitment to the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia and for believing in our mission. Read More
April 9, 2018 - Translation affects every aspect of our lives in business and personally and literally makes the world go round. Every letter and phrase needs to be converted precisely to perfectly match not only the language but also the culture. In The book, Found in Translation: How Language Shapes Our Lives and Transforms the World, authors Nataly Kelly and Jost Zetzsche write of translation errors that are not only costly but also dangerous. HSBC was forced to launch a $10 million rebranding campaign to repair the mistranslated slogan, “Assume Nothing,” which was translated to “Do Nothing” in various countries. WTCGP trade specialists counsel client companies to connect with a professional translation service company before entering a new market. Member company, MTM Linguasoft, a full-service translation company provides a wide range of services to help companies avoid translation landmines. The idea to start MTM LinguaSoft came to Myriam Siftar in 2002, while working at a business incubator helping French businesses expand into the United States market. “I saw firsthand that even if you have the best products or services, the opportunity for overseas growth is limited if you don’t speak the language of your prospective customers. And with the rise of online presence, it was obvious that global businesses would need international websites with multilingual content. From the start, I wanted the company to focus on the intersection of technology, language, and culture,” says Myriam Siftar, President MTM offers business translation services to support global companies with international trade in all sectors, including legal and medical translations. MTM also support global marketing and sales campaigns in the form of multilingual websites, landing pages and content for trade shows and catalogs. “It’s a digital world, so the demand for translated websites, mobile apps, and e-learning has been growing steadily, and that shouldn’t surprise anyone,” adds Siftar “We worked with a mobile app developer to create translated versions of their flagship apps for eight new language markets: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish. We also translated and localized their website for these languages. We helped with international search optimization to make sure the localized websites and apps were found by search engines in the target markets. Within three months, our client saw an average 30% increase in sales in these markets. There is also increased demand for digital video. “The most dramatic increase we’ve seen over the past few years has been in demand for multilingual voiceovers for digital video. Product demonstrations and e-learning modules are more effective with voiceovers because translated subtitles distract from the visual content. Digital voice recording is more flexible and affordable than it used to be, and clients are taking advantage of that,” says Siftar MTM clients understand the critical importance of using professional translation services. For those who believe Google Translate or an in-country bi-lingual employee can handle it check out this interesting list provided by MTM “Top Ten Misconceptions About Translation.” So what’s the most important reason to use professional translation services?“Revenues,” says Siftar. “There’s a quote from a former German chancellor: “If I’m selling to you, I speak your language. If I’m buying, dann müssen Sie Deutsch sprechen!” Regardless of how well they speak English, clients prefer information in their own language, and plenty of your competitors are willing to comply. This wasn’t always the case: twenty years ago, about 80% of the Internet was in English. Today, only 25% of the Internet is in English.” Read More
February 23, 2018 - A lot can happen when you put metal on the edge of cardboard. “Imagine all important documents that sat in stacks in church basements and institutions and were ruined because they weren’t stored properly,” says Paul Markert, Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Metal Edge International, Inc. In 1896, a German technician placed metal edges along the four corners of a cardboard box and invented a box assembly method used worldwide from the National Archives to museums and institutions around the globe. The metal edges re-enforce each box corner, which adds strength and long-lasting protection for the important documents within. And have you ever noticed the metal blade on a box of aluminum foil or plastic wrap used to dispense the roll material? Metal Edge International supplies that metal too. “We are the market leader in offering a number of dispensing blade choices for the global Aluminum foil and Cling Film market. Our primary focus is commercial / catering size rolls where performance, quality, safety and utility are required, says Markert.“ Metal Edge International, Inc. manufactures boxes, dispensing blades, corner metal (Fastay is their brand) and assembly equipment, enabling customers to manufacture their own packaging in-house. They also affix blades onto unassembled cartons. Metal Edge dispensing blades are available in a variety of choices for multiple applications and uses. A family owned and operated company, Metal Edger International was founded in 1978, In North Wales, Pennsylvania, Today, the company’s global reach extends to clients in 6 continents and 33 countries and employs 14 total staff. “We are an industry leader serving local, national and multi-national companies,” says Markert as he points to a map on the wall of his office. Our strength is in our people, product innovation, understanding our market niche and providing dispensing solutions to each individual client. Paul Markert holding a sample of a metal edge storage box “Ninety-nine percent of our products are produced in our facility in North Wales, PA,” says Markert. The company also has a warehouse in Chicago, Illinois and a facility in Shanghai, China. During a tour of the North Wales factory warehouse, Markert explains Metal Edge’s winning customer service. “By working directly with designers, product and brand managers, our team can offer innovative, customized packaging solutions.” As a member of the WTCGP CEOs China Operations Club, Paul Markert relies on the WTCGP for up-to-the-minute information on global markets. “I like to stay in the know and being a member of the WTCGP China Club helps me keep up with what’s happening,” he adds. “Yes, the WTCGP has helped grow our global business.” The WTCGP also appreciates Paul Markert’s advice as a contributor of the WTCGP Advisory Council. His vast manufacturing and global sales experience gives the WTCGP valuable input on how to better serve our members and clients. Thank you Metal Edge International, Inc. for your support of the WTCGP. For more information on Metal Edge visit http://www.metaledge.com. Read More
February 2, 2018 - The World Trade Centers Association is making new member recruitment campaign assets available, designed by Cara Debkowski of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia to all Centers of the Association. World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia’s “Stamp of Approval for Global Trade” campaign to recruit members was launched in November and impressed staff at the World Trade Center Arkansas, who wanted to utilize a similar idea for their membership strategy. “Our first thought was to design something of our own, but the headline and Cara’s design were already brilliant,” said Sam Cushman, the strategic communications officer for the World Trade Center Arkansas. “So I reached out to Graziella DiNuzzo in Philadelphia and asked to what extent her team would be willing to let us to use the campaign. She had the wonderful idea of bringing this before the Association to make the campaign assets available to all World Trade Centers.” The assets will be available through the Resource Center on the World Trade Centers Association website. In addition to the campaign assets released by the Center in Philadelphia, the World Trade Center Arkansas will release a template for an exporter directory they are currently developing. The directory functions as a catalogue of exporting Arkansas companies that will help them arrange business-to-business meetings with foreign buyers. “One of the most important jobs we have at HQ is to make sure that great ideas from around the network get shared among our Members,” said Scott Ferguson, CEO of World Trade Centers Association. “The collaboration between these two World Trade Centers on this campaign is another example of the benefits of Membership—connections that help Members grow their businesses.” Read More
December 21, 2017 - The United States, Canada and Mexico are heading into the sixth round of talks on NAFTA in mid-January 2018, and on December 11th, The Consulate General of Canada in New York, together with Canada’s Trade Commissioner in Philadelphia, Vince Finn, held a roundtable discussion and luncheon to discuss the “Modernization of NAFTA.” Over 50 business people gathered at Duane Morris to hear the Honourable Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, talk about the opportunities and challenges of NAFTA in an interview led by Ram Mudambi, Professor of Strategy for Temple University’s Fox School of Business. Mr. Beatty commented on Canada’s commitment to build a stronger relationship with the United States and make trading easier. He also talked about working together to strengthen the Canadian border – the largest land border in the world. The photo of the burger (pictured) summarizes the integrated supply chain between Canada and the U.S. – and that is just this burger. Canada and the United States have been long trading partners - $1.2 million in bilateral goods and services every minute of every day! Some more statistics: • In 2016, total goods and services traded between Canada and the United States totaled nearly $635.1 billion. • Canada is Pennsylvania’s number one customer, with 346,000 jobs in Pennsylvania dependent on trade and investment with Canada. • Annually, Pennsylvania exports $9.9 billion in goods to Canada • Pennsylvania sells more goods to Canada than to its next four largest foreign markets combined • Annually, Pennsylvania imports $10 billion in goods from Canada “Why are their different standards in Canada and the US for a can of soup?” Mr. Beatty asked. If you want to sell a can of soup each country requires a certain amount of salt, and the size of the can is different. The extra manufacturing costs aren’t necessary.” Mr. Beatty ended the interview with a reference to the protectionist measures of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act (sponsored by Senator Reed Smoot and Representative Willis C. Hawley), which was passed by the US Congress in 1930. The tariff, an attempt to help protect domestic farmers and other US businesses against stepped-up imports after World War I, has been said to have prolonged the dire international economic climate of the Great Depression. “We run the risk that in January; we could destroy the most successful relationship between two countries” Phyllis Yaffe, Canada’s Consul General in New York added: “Canada is fully committed to these negotiations and will continue to engage constructively in order to develop mutually-beneficial approaches to improving the agreement. We are concerned with a number of U.S. proposals, which are deeply counter-productive, and would only serve to roll back the benefits provided by NAFTA. Canada’s approach is focused on making a good agreement even better, and making updates that improve NAFTA’s alignment to new realities in trade and investment. We count on political and business leaders across Pennsylvania to make clear to the Administration that American families, businesses, and communities have much to gain from open and balanced trade, and much to lose if our negotiations are unsuccessful. Nothing less than our joint prosperity is at stake." Following the meeting, Vincent Finn offered the following information: • Canada has engaged constructively throughout the NAFTA renegotiations. From the very beginning at Round One, we delivered prepared text for all areas, which we had promised, including a comprehensive proposal on improving the ISDS system. • The unconventional US proposals are not supported by US industry and stakeholders, and will not help the negotiations move towards the ‘win-win-win’ outcome that VP Pence alluded to in July during the National Governors’ Association meeting in Rhode Island. • Canada will continue to be flexible during the negotiations and look for solutions that spur job creation and growth of the middle class in the US, Canada and Mexico. Background on specific clauses: • A sunset clause: This would create an unstable business environment and hamper foreign investment in North America. NAFTA has provided a stable framework for businesses and investors in North America, and this needs to be maintained. • Rules of origin for the automotive sector: The U.S. auto proposal would require a regional value content requirement of 85%, a 50% U.S. content requirement and tracing of all inputs. The proposal is wholly unworkable and would not only be damaging to the Canadian and Mexican auto sectors, but to the U.S. auto sector as well. North American supply chains supporting the production of North American cars are deeply integrated and highly efficient, making the North American cars we build together competitive. Auto manufacturers in the United States (as well as Mexico and Canada) have been adamant that the existing NAFTA is working and that modernizing the agreement should be done with a view to doing no harm. • On trade remedies and dispute settlement: Effective, transparent, and enforceable dispute settlement provisions are a critical part of any free trade agreement, and they have been essential to the success of NAFTA. Dispute settlement mechanisms under NAFTA, including the binational panels for anti-dumping and countervailing duties, have proven to be beneficial to all three NAFTA parties since its inception in 1994. • Government procurement: The U.S. has tabled a “dollar-for–dollar” proposal, which would virtually eliminate Canadian access to the U.S. procurement market under NAFTA. Canada and the U.S. are each other’s largest trading partners. Our view is that we should approach this negotiation with the aim of giving each other the best access possible to our respective government procurement markets. Linda Conlin, President of WTCGP stated, “The WTCGP was pleased to partner with the Consulate General of Canada in NY to organize Canadian Chamber President Perrin Beatty’s discussion with our business community. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with other members of the North American World Trade Centers where we were briefed by the US Chamber of Commerce on their efforts to advocate for a successful modernization of the NAFTA agreement. Together with our fellow world trade centers, we support progress on this important trilateral agreement and applaud all efforts to expand worldwide the growth of economic opportunity and prosperity through trade.” Read More
November 2, 2017 - Ruth Frey and CHOP Chief of Oncology Dr. Stephen Hunger were on their way to Philadelphia International Airport to catch a flight to Saudi Arabia to meet with Ministers of Health and referring physicians. Their mission: Bring patients in need of specialized care to Philadelphia. “Families in many countries around the world can’t access specialized care for their children, in many instances, it’s a difference between life and death,” said Frey, CHOP’s Executive Director for International Relationships and Programs. Frey has traveled to the Middle East and other countries before, working with their embassies to pave the way to CHOP for patients such as Abdulrahman Abanemi from Saudi Arabia who has Holt-Oram syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disorder that causes heart and limb abnormalities. Approximately 100 countries have sent their critically ill patients to CHOP’s Department of Global Medicine for complex medical care. That’s because CHOP is a quaternary care hospital, which means the hospital offers treatment for rare disorders and uncommon specialized surgeries. CHOP’s reputation for specialized care is noted by physicians across the world. Endocrinologists at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Subiaco, Australia, for instance, have referred patients to CHOP’s Congenital Hyperinsulinism Center — patients such as 8-week-old Lachlan Cooper, who was born with the pancreatic disease. Three weeks after taking the 35-hour journey from Perth to Philadelphia, baby Lachlan was cured. Leonard Karp, president and CEO of Philadelphia International Medicine (PIM), has dedicated over 25 years of his career establishing the Philadelphia region as an international healthcare destination of choice. PIM provides international patients and physicians with access to doctors and surgeons from Temple, Jefferson, Fox Chase Cancer Center, WillsEye Hospital and beyond, and patients have been received from across the globe, from the Caribbean and Latin America to Europe and Asia. PIM recently entered into a partnership with the Sociedad Mexicana de Oncología (SMeO) that will allow physicians at the two institutions to collaborate on treatments. The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia helped PIM connect with the appropriate representative in Mexico to make the partnership happen. “We want to assist on the expansion of SMeO’s mission of advancing Mexico’s healthcare community by providing the opportunity to engage and establish relationships with PIM hospitals,” said Karp. The region’s health systems are even helping to fill the need for lifesaving treatments for China’s growing middle class. Companies such as Premier Global Care, based in King of Prussia, are helping to serve the average of 60,000 Chinese citizens who seek medical assistance abroad every year. The bottom line: Philadelphia has top doctors and surgeons that are actively sought out by international patients, and the economic impact for the region is huge. When patients travel to Philadelphia, they oftentimes bring their entire family. Outside of the cost of medical treatment, which may be covered by governments or insurance, international patients and their families staying in Philadelphia contribute to regional economy. With some hospital stays as long as a year or more, families are spending on airline travel, housing, food, clothing, education for young family members, tourism and more. Not to mention the importance of delivering care to those who typically can not access it. Frey told a story of a 7-year-old CHOP patient currently learning to walk who asked one of the hospital’s patient navigators for “something special” — sneakers. “Yesterday, [the patient navigator] alerted our staff to join him on a Skype call. He had something to show us. While our staff and her parents watched via Skype, our girl gently stepped into a pair of sneakers she had always dreamed of wearing — and took her first steps,” said Frey. “That’s why we do what we do every day. That’s why I love my job. ” Read More
October 17, 2017 - In June, the WTCGP and WTC Tianjin, China signed an MOU to introduce our member companies to opportunities in Tianjin - and on September 22nd, we did just that! Dr. John Bennett, WTCGP board member, and Chairman and CEO, Devon International Group, recently returned from a productive meeting at World Trade Center, Tianjin China where he met with Mr. Eric Cao, WTC, Tianjin, Executive Director and Tiejun Zhang, Deputy Director-General, Tianjin Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning The discussion? Healthcare coverage or lack thereof. Extending healthcare benefits to all citizens is a hot topic, not only in the US but also in the Peoples Republic of China. Mr. Zhang would like to provide expanded healthcare benefits to include coverage of approved specialty drugs and some medical procedures that are not covered by China's Social Security Program. Devon International Group was also glad to report some confirmed steps forward, "We have received approval to offer Catastrophic Health Coverage to the Peoples Republic of China," says CEO, Dr. John Bennett. "We are the second US Company to offer coverage for severe medical problems in the US, and are glad to be partnering with world-renowned reinsurance company, Munich Reinsurance America." Next steps? Mr. Zhang will provide additional information to the Devon International Team and together they will move closer to providing extended healthcare coverage to the citizens of Tianjin, China. Photo Caption: From left to right: Eric Cao - Deputy Chief of Office, Tianjin Municipal Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Xueming Zhao - Director General, Tianjin Municipal Council for the Promotion of International Trade, John A. Bennett - Chairman and CEO of DIG, Tiejun Zhang - Deputy Director General, Tianjin Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning, Ruth Wu - Chief Operating Officer, DIG, Julian Chu - Managing Director China, DIG Read More
August 16, 2017 - When Dave Whitman and Robert Jones founded Sunhillo Corporation in 1991, they did not create a business plan – they went right to work. Dave and Robert met at the company they worked for, Formation, in Moorestown, NJ and decided to combine their expertise in radar surveillance technology. After 6 months in business, Dave and Bob landed their first subcontract for IBM, to develop a radar interface for Taiwan. For the past 25 years, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia member company Sunhillo has been developing products and systems to distribute radar data, more specifically, to convert and filter surveillance data used by Air Traffic Automation systems. Headquartered in West Berlin, NJ, within 45 minutes of the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center (WJHTC), Sunhillo also provides technical services to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including Atlantic City Technical Center, which is supported by 80 Sunhillo employees. http://www.sunhillo.com/ Today Sunhillo does $20,000,000 in annual global sales and is an industry leader in surveillance data distribution and conversion products. With the need for increased security around the world, Sunhillo data systems and software are in demand. Sunhillo is in every airport in the United States! In 2001, Sunhillo began to export. “Between 8 to 15% of our business is international and 7 to 10% is outside of North America. Canada has become a big market for us and growing our international sales is a top priority since we are saturating our FAA business, “says Dave Whitman, President, Sunhillo Corporation. “The WTCGP has helped provide vital information on exporting and has helped connect us with cost saving export finance options.” Sunhillo Corporation has been a member of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia since 2015 and in 2016 received the New Jersey Member Company of the Year Award at a ceremony at our World Trade Center’s Day Awards and Celebration, which took place at the Independence Seaport Museum. To date, Sunhillo is exporting to 13 countries, which include Thailand, France, Spain, Belgium, United Kingdom and Brazil. In the UK, Sunhillo employs a full time sales person. While 90% of Sunhillo customers are Government Air Traffic Service providers, such as the FAA and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA in UK and China), they also sell to the Department of Defense (DOD) and Homeland Security. Sunhillo surveillance is used to monitor the United States-Mexican Border and by Drug Interdiction personnel in the Caribbean. And Sunhillo is protecting the President of the United States! The US Secret Service uses Sunhillo products every time the President travels. And the Space Shuttle! Sunhillo has also been deployed to track several space shuttle landings. Tasked with the mission to continue to create the latest in surveillance technology, the team at Sunhillo, an employee owned company, works to protect people, places and things around the globe. It’s no surprise that with increased global security needs, Sunhillo has seen a steady 12% growth in business over the last ten years. We are proud to call Sunhillo a member of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia and look forward to reporting additional success stories. Photo: Left to Right: Linda Conlin, President, WTCGP, and Gary Biehn, Board Chairman, WTCGP present the Member Company of the Year Award to Dave Whitman, President, Sunhillo Corporation, in May 2015 at Independence Seaport Museum, Philadelphia, PA. Read More
August 15, 2017 - On Wednesday, August 9, 2017, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1million, three-year matching grant to the The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), to support the implementation of a multi-partner Greater Philadelphia Metro Export plan to increase export participation among small and medium sized businesses. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross stated, “The Trump Administration is committed to supporting local businesses which have suffered from unfair trade in the past. I look forward to seeing how this plan will help companies throughout the region expand as well as increase exports.” “We are at a watershed moment for Greater Philadelphia, where collectively, we can significantly accelerate the contribution exports make to economic growth and job creation in our Region’s economy. Thanks to this important EDA support, WTCGP, working together with partner organizations in the private and public sectors, will be able to implement the key strategies of the Greater Philadelphia Export Plan,” said Linda Conlin, President, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia. The WTCGP and the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia recently released the Greater Philadelphia Export Plan, a three-year campaign to build export awareness and capacity among the region’s small and medium sized businesses and catalyze export growth in priority sectors where the region demonstrates competitive advantage. The plan also focuses on strengthening the region’s strong export services ecosystem. Over the next three years, The WTCGP will use the grant funds to directly assist 200 small and medium sized businesses to develop successful export strategies which will result in over $200 million in new exports. In addition to trade counseling, approximately 30 export related events and workshops will help reach, educate and mentor companies new to exporting. Despite 86 percent of global economic growth projected to occur outside the United States between 2015 and 2020, only one 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. Greater Philadelphia Export Plan About the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (www.wtcphila.org) The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) is one of over 320 World Trade Centers in 89 countries around the globe. A non-profit and membership - based organization, the WTCGP 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 $1.6B in incremental export sales, supporting over 20,200 jobs. About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov) The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth. Read More