February 23, 2016 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - Check out World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia's WTC Review 2016 Issue No. 1, full of WTCGP updates, member highlights, business and trade announcements, events, and special reports. View Online View PDF Read More
January 21, 2016 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia Member Knighthawk Tours spearheads Harley entry into China When you think of Harley bikers, Peter Fonda in “Easy Rider” may come to mind. Chinese tourists on a Harley? Not so much. Yet Jeff Ji, owner of World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia member company Knighthawk Tours, is changing that perception – anyone can and should be able to ride a Harley Davidson, especially in China. Want to ride a Harley to see the Great Wall or Confucius sites in China? Sign up for one of Knighthawk’s tours. And, for Chinese tourists who want to take a 2,600 mile Harley ride through scenic Pennsylvania, Knighthawk and Jeff Ji will make that happen. Jeff Ji arrived in the United States in 1986 and received a graduate degree from American University and University of Pennsylvania. In 1993, Jeff started U-Combination Technology which offers diverse tech set-ups to area businesses, schools and non-profits. U-Combination has worked with the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PCVB) to design and host its website in China. Jeff is also on the board of PHL Diversity, a division of PCVB. Jeff is passionate about blending Chinese and American cultures. In April 2016, Jeff will be working to bring the Asian Food show to the Philadelphia Convention Center. With the ever growing middle class in China, more Chinese residents are able to afford Harley Davidson motorcycles. “We are helping to sell more Harley Davidson motorcycles manufactured in Pennsylvania. Since 2008, Harley dealers in China have increased from 3 to 16. While U.S. sales of Harleys decreased by 3%, China sales have increased by more than 10%," says Jeff Ji. To date, three Shandong tours from Pennsylvania to China have taken place, including a AAA Chinese New Year spectacular in 2014. And from Shandong to Pennsylvania, five tours have been organized. An average of 20 bikers participate on each tour. Fred Harris is Director of the Ancient City Harley Owners Group with 300 members in St. Augustine Florida. In 2012, Fred and his wife Lynn led the Knighthawk Harley Davidson Rally Experience Tour. Valley Forge and Bucks County Harley Davidson dealership have been instrumental in supporting Jeff Ji’s mission to help sell American made products into China. In 2008, the Harley dealerships donated 30 bikes to get the ride rolling. And so has the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia. “Ron Drozd and the WTCGP played an instrumental role for Knighthawk’s entry into the China market. Ron set up the very first contact with PA’s Beijing Trade Office in 2008 and invited me into the CEOs' China Operations Club. The momentum that Ron built carries us till this day and into the future,” says Jeff Ji. For additional information on Knighthawk tours visit travelshandong.com/tour-ideas/confucius/ and www.travelshandong.com. Read More
December 9, 2015 - Check out World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia's WTC Review 2015 Issue No. 3, full of WTCGP updates, member highlights, business and trade announcements, events, and special reports. View Online View PDF Read More
December 9, 2015 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia CEOs' China Operations Club explores USTDA programs for export opportunities in the ever-growing China market On Wednesday, December 2nd, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) held an engaging members roundtable discussion hosted by law firm White and Williams, LLP, with Mr. Carl B. Kress, Regional Director for East Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Europe & Eurasia at the U.S. Trade & Development Agency. As Regional Director, Mr. Kress is responsible for developing and implementing USTDA's commercially-driven development program throughout China and other developing countries. Mr. Kress provided an overview of USTDA's programs and how the agency supports commercial deals in China that open the Chinese market to increased exports of U.S.-manufactured goods and services. USTDA is active in a variety of sectors in China, particularly transportation, energy, healthcare and the environment. The agency's program is driven by U.S. industry interest in specific sectors that can best position U.S. goods and services and welcomes U.S. company-driven proposals and suggestions for projects and events. USTDA promotes programs for leveraging industry innovation and resources through special “cooperation programs” in key industries. U.S. exporters can benefit from programs on business issues and join the Cooperation Programs to increase China business. These include: Agricultural Biotechnology Program Antimonopoly Law Program Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP) Energy Cooperation Program (ECP) Healthcare Cooperation Program (HCP) Standards Conformity and Assessment Cooperation Program As an example, here is a summary of the U.S.-China Healthcare Cooperation Program: Now in its fifth year, the HCP member companies have documented U.S. exports totaling over $257 million. A key part of this program is an executive leadership training programs that brought 76 senior Chinese healthcare leaders to the U.S. for training on healthcare technologies and management. The 2013 Senior Healthcare Leadership Training Program also led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between China's Health Human Resources Development Center and the University of Kansas (KU), which hosted part of the 2013 training. Building on these successes, in 2015 USTDA hosted 25 delegates at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and hospitals and healthcare organizations in Chicago, Illinois. Since 2001, USTDA has funded over 140 technical assistance and pilot projects, and 45 reverse trade missions for Chinese public and private sector officials. Information about USTDA's program in China is available here. These programs are a win-win for both U.S. exporter and the Chinese buyers. The CEOs' China Operations Club December gathering further expanded on how companies could become involved in the cooperation programs, industry conferences and workshops in the U.S. and the reverse trade missions of Chinese delegations coming to the states to meet with exporters. The conversation included tapping into shale gas development in China via related workshops and study tours in the U.S., clean energy and smart city opportunities and the water treatment challenges and opportunities. Following the formal presentation there was continued roundtable discussion on the USTDA programs, but also dialogue on WTCGP member company business influencers including the recent Chinese regulations in the food and agriculture industry like market access registrations, government-to-government dealings, and how to export specific products such as biological and health-care products. View full image gallery from this event (via Flickr) Companies interested in learning more about the WTCGP CEOs’ China Operations Club are encouraged to speak with Club manager Ron Drozd at 215-586-4248, rdrozd@wtcphila.org. (Reporting by Ron Drozd; Editing by Marcos Reynaga and Delaney Newhart) Read More
December 1, 2015 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) has selected Jerry Sweeney, CEO and Trustee, Brandywine Realty Trust to receive the 2016 Global Business Leadership Award. The Global Business Leadership Award is given annually to individuals, organizations, or companies in recognition of their global vision and contribution to making Greater Philadelphia a world-class business destination. Through Mr. Sweeney’s leadership, Brandywine has become one of the largest, full-service, integrated real estate companies in the nation, with a market capitalization of approximately $5.0B. And, as Chairman of the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, Mr. Sweeney is leading the charge to enhance and grow the Philadelphia port and its resources – a critical initiative for the WTCGP for advancing global trade in the Southeastern PA region. View Jerry Sweeney Bio “We are very honored to have Brandywine receive this award for our efforts in promoting economic development in the city and region. On a personal note, I am also delighted that the Port of Philadelphia is receiving broader recognition of its potential as a regional economic engine and job generator,” says Jerry Sweeney. “The success of Brandywine is a demonstration of Jerry’s vision and leadership and the important role that real estate development and infrastructure play in advancing the global competitiveness of the Greater Philadelphia Region. Jerry will be joining a list of distinguished recipients who have contributed to making the region a premier global business destination,” says Linda Conlin, President, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia. The award will be given to Jerry Sweeney at the World Trade Centers Day Annual Awards and Celebration, which will take place on Thursday, May 4, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at the Independence Seaport Museum, 211 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia. Each year over 325 corporate, government, diplomatic and academic leaders gather to celebrate WTCGP honorees. Past recipients of the Global Business Leadership Award include former Pennsylvania Governors Tom Corbett and Ed Rendell; Rosemary Turner, UPS Regional President; Greg Bentley, CEO, Bentley Systems, Inc.; William Hunt, CEO, AgustaWestland Philadelphia, and Philip Rinaldi, CEO, Philadelphia Energy Solutions, among others. In addition to the Global Business Leadership award, the WTCGP honors a “Member Company of the Year,” one each from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Why the Annual Awards and Celebration? After September 11, 2001, the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), in cooperation with the United Nations, chartered a day to be celebrated around the world as “World Trade Centers Day.” The 330 World Trade Centers worldwide organize activities ranging from conferences to dinners and other cultural and educational events to spread our message of peace and prosperity through trade. 2016 Ceremony and Reception May 4, 2016 at the Independence Seaport Museum211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE: BDN) is one of the largest, publicly traded, full-service, integrated real estate companies in the United States with a core focus in the Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Austin markets. Organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT), Brandywine Realty Trust owns, develops, leases and manages an urban, town center and transit-oriented portfolio comprising 239 properties and 30.7 million square feet as of September 30, 2015. Their deep commitment to our communities was recognized by NAIOP, naming Brandywine the 2014 Developer of the Year – the highest honor in the commercial real estate industry. For more information, please visit www.brandywinerealty.com. Media Contact/Press Release: Graziella DiNuzzo, WTCGP Director of Communications & Business Development Read More
November 23, 2015 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - The Global Philadelphia Association and the City of Philadelphia joined together with the goal of making Philadelphia an official member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities. Their effort was successful: Philadelphia is the first and only World Heritage City in the United States. The World Heritage City designation on November 6, 2015 comes as the result of a two-year campaign spearheaded by the Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) and is expected to enhance the City's international stature and provide a new growth engine to drive tourism and commerce in the region. Founded in 2010, the Global Philadelphia Association boasts over 150 members and a board of directors comprised of more than 30 of Philadelphia's most internationally-minded representatives and organizations, including World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia President Linda Mysliwy Conlin. GPA's mission is to assist--and encourage greater interaction among--the many organizations and people who are engaged in international activity within the Greater Philadelphia region; promote the development of an international consciousness within the region; and enhance the region's global profile. Philadelphia, the fifth-largest U.S. city, now joins a network of over 266 other World Heritage Cities in the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC). Highlighting the OWHC fraternity and global connection, a recent article by Observer states World Heritage Cities have a combined population of over 130 million, with Italy and Spain leading in city representation, 20 each; followed by France, Mexico and Germany, each with 11. Toast to World Heritage PHL World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia celebrated with the GPA and the City of Philadelphia delegation at the Toast to World Heritage PHL ceremony, held at the Independence Visitor Center on November 11, 2015. "My congratulations to Mayor Nutter and John Smith and his leadership team from the Global Philadelphia Association on Philadelphia becoming the Nation’s First World Heritage City. As a global business organization, we understand how this recognition also opens doors to building important commercial ties with countries around the world," said Linda Mysliwy Conlin, president of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia. After being granted the status of an Observer Member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities in 2013, the City of Philadelphia now stands as a full member of OWHC, and the first and only World Heritage City in the United States. The new OWHC status was formally revealed on Friday, the 6th of November, through a vote taken by the XIII World Congress of the Organization of World Heritage Cities in Arequipa, Peru. "Today marks the start of a new and exciting chapter in the history of Philadelphia, which is proud to become the first World Heritage City in the United States," said Mayor Nutter. "As a World Heritage City, Philadelphia is being officially recognized on the global stage for its wealth of contributions to the world as the epicenter of American democracy and for its enduring commitment to preserving the unique historical and cultural assets in our diverse community. As we celebrate this milestone, the next step is to focus on the future and how we can optimize this World Heritage City recognition to attract more people to visit, invest, work, study and live in Philadelphia." Every World Heritage City must have a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) site, recognized for its outstanding, universal value. Philadelphia is the home of Independence Hall, where America's Founding Fathers forged democratic ideals into the Declaration of Independence and changed the course of history to give birth to a nation in 1776. It is also where the United States Constitution was written and signed. Independence Hall became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. "I am thrilled to welcome Philadelphia into the Organization of World Heritage Cities. Over the last two years, Philadelphia has made an excellent case and is very deserving of becoming the first U.S. City to become a full member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities," said Denis Ricard, Secretary General of the Organization of World Heritage Cities. This prized status recognizes Philadelphia’s unique history and will unlock opportunities for the entire region, both domestically and internationally. "This opens new doors of opportunity for Philadelphia while raising awareness of the City's importance in today's highly competitive global arena," said John F. Smith III, board chair of the GPA. GPA commissioned Econsult Solutions, Inc. to determine the economic impact of Philadelphia becoming a World Heritage City. According to the report, the World Heritage City designation could increase foreign visitation by 10 percent to 15 percent--an increase of 60,000 to 100,000 more visitors annually from the current 600,000 to 800,000--generating about $150 million per year in expanded economic activity. It has also been estimated that domestic tourism could increase by 1 percent to 2 percent, generating an additional $100 to $200 million in economic impact. Now that the designation has been secured, the Global Philadelphia Association Initiative will focus on 3 overarching goals: 1) Promote preservation and appreciation of Philadelphia's geographical, historical and cultural heritage through WHC designation and continued education. 2) Provide a powerful economic and cultural stimulus to the region. 3) Inspire citizens to feel pride in their World Heritage City. World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia looks forward to continued partnership with GPA in building upon the WHC distinction and OWHC membership to forge the next era of culture, commerce, and global community. To read the original article, click on the source link below: Read More
November 18, 2015 - Check out World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia's WTC Review Issue No. 2 , full of WTCGP updates, global news, member highlights, and important business and trade events! View Online View PDF Read More
October 26, 2015 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - On October 5, 2015 Former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin led a panel webcast and “town hall” meeting on China Relations at Arcadia University, a WTC Greater Philadelphia member. The topic of the night was the impact China’s investments in the United States are having on American workers, communities, and the economy. The meeting was broadcast to more than seventy locations, with World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia co-hosting with Arcadia University for the Philadelphia region. China has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest growing sources of foreign direct investment in the United States, bringing increasing numbers of Chinese companies into U.S communities and providing jobs to tens of thousands of Americans, as described in the May 2015 report “New Neighbors: Chinese Investment in the United States by Congressional District,” released by the National Committee and the Rhodium Group. While foreign direct investment is a vital component of U.S economic growth, employment and competitiveness, media coverage of a few high profile Chinese investments has focused on security and economic risks. World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia and Arcadia University partnered as hosts and saw a great turnout for the live webcast of expert panelists featuring Robert Rubin, Mayor Sheldon Day of Thomasville, Alabama, and Daniel Rosen, founding partner of Rhodium Group. The National Committee on U.S China Relations (NCUSCR) is the leading national, non-partisan public affairs organization devoted exclusively to building constructive and durable relationships between the United States and China. View full image gallery To read the original article, click on the source link below: Read More
September 16, 2015 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - Dear Members, Partners & Supporters, Welcome to our new look! During the summer, our Communications team has been busy creating an updated version of our newsletter which we are now unveiling, as well as enhancing our overall messaging through social media. Do you like us on Facebook? Are we LinkedIn? And are you following us on Twitter? Please do! We want to stay closely connected to know what you're doing and to be sure you won't miss our international trade updates and the events we have planned for you. On October 8th we have our Embassy Series with a spotlight on the Baltics and on the 29th our Export Finance Workshop signature events returns and will be held at the Cooper River Boathouse in Pennsauken, NJ. We hope you enjoy our WTC Review and thank you for supporting our mission to help companies grow their global business in promising markets around the world. Sincerely,Linda Mysliwy ConlinPresident, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia WTC Review: View Read More
August 14, 2015 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - On July 31, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske and the World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia hosted a Business Community Engagement roundtable, facilitating conversation between CBP and trade partners. The roundtable format, lead by WTCGP President Linda Conlin and held at the offices of White and Williams LLP, provided an opportunity to discuss CBP’s impact to the economy and to hear directly from trade partners about pressing issues, current trends, and concerns to better facilitate legitimate trade that is vital to the health of both the local and national economies. CBP has direct responsibility for enhancing U.S. economic competitiveness. By reducing costs for industry and enforcing trade laws against counterfeit, unsafe, and fraudulently entered goods, CBP is working to enable legitimate trade, contribute to American economic prosperity, and protect against risks to public health and safety. R. Gil Kerlikowske, Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection R. Gil Kerlikowske was nominated by President Obama and sworn in on March 7, 2014 as Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection taking the helm of the 60,000-employee agency with a budget of $12.4 billion. Mr. Kerlikowske oversees the dual U.S. Customs and Border Protection mission of protecting national security objectives while promoting economic prosperity and security. As Commissioner, he runs the largest federal law enforcement agency and second largest revenue collecting source in the federal government. Most recently, he served as Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Mr. Kerlikowske brings four decades of law enforcement and drug policy experience to the position. He formerly served nine years as the Chief of Police for Seattle, Washington. When he left, crime was at its lowest point in 40 years. Previously, he was Deputy Director for the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, where he was responsible for more than $6 billion in federal assets. Mr. Kerlikowske was also Police Commissioner of Buffalo, New York. The majority of his law enforcement career was in Florida where he served in the St. Petersburg Police Department. He was elected twice to be President of the Major Cities Chiefs, which represents the largest city and county law enforcement agencies in the United States and Canada. He has received numerous awards and recognition for leadership, innovation, and community service. He served in the U.S. Army where he was awarded the Presidential Service Badge. Mr. Kerlikowske holds a B.A. and a M.A. in criminal justice from the University of South Florida. To read the original article, click on the source link below: Read More
July 27, 2015 - SALT LAKE CITY, UT, USA - On July 22nd, Linda Conlin, president of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), Josh Sevin of the Economy League, and Andrew Reid of the Philadelphia Office of the Economic Development Administration led the Greater Philadelphia Metro Delegation in Salt Lake City, Utah. Conlin, Sevin and Reid also participated in the Global Cities Initiative Workshop where Metro Salt Lake City business, civic and government leaders joined the Brookings Institution and JPMorgan Chase to brief the community on the development of the Metro Region's new export strategy. WTCGP has collaborated with the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia to nominate the Greater Philadelphia Metro Region for the Brookings Institution and JPMorgan Chase Global Cities Initiative Exchange. The Exchange is a five-year learning and action network that will develop and implement regional strategies to boost global trade and investment, forge partnerships between U.S. and international metropolitan areas, and advocate for state and national policy changes. The Exchange enables leaders to act on the ideas and collaborations generated by GCI’s research and forums, resulting in more globally-oriented metropolitan areas and an evolution in economic development policy and practice. The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia and the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia are spearheading the effort which will bring together public and private sector leaders, including global corporations and exporting firms to develop an export strategy in 2015. PHOTO: Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development To read the original article, click on the source link below: Read More
July 23, 2015 - PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - Lenox Corporation, a member of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), has been selected to develop special commemorative gifts for Pope Francis' historic visit to the United States in September 2015. Lenox Corporation, located in Bristol, PA, is among the world’s oldest and most respected names in fine tableware, giftware and collectibles. Since 1889 Lenox Corporation has continued founder Walter Scott Lenox’s vision of creating “the finest American porcelain dinnerware”. “Lenox is honored to design and manufacture in its U.S. factory an assortment of fine bone china gifts, including a collector plate, mug and ornament containing the image of Pope Francis with the dove of peace,” states Peter Cameron, Chief Executive Officer of Lenox Corporation. “These exquisite bone china offerings are accented in the same ivory and gold Lenox trade dress used to make gifts for U.S. Presidents, governors and dignitaries during Lenox’s distinguished 125 year history.” A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these Lenox collectibles will support the World Meeting of Families 2015 (Philadelphia, PA) and Pope Francis’ U.S. visit from September 22nd through September 29th. To read the original article, click on the source link below: Read More