Honoring the Life and Legacy of George E. Kearns III | | |
It is with great sorrow that I inform you of the passing of George E. Kearns III, our acting chairman of the board and longtime member, on July 2 at age 74. George was a true and loyal supporter of World Trade Center® Delaware and the World Trade Centers® Association. He believed strongly in the ideal that trade bonds us in a way that policies, platitudes and politics could never hope to achieve. He acted on his belief that this world can be a better place. He befriended people from all over the world, regardless of their background, political party or economic status. George believed that, given the opportunity, men, women, young, old, everyone could accomplish great things.
George’s impact was felt beyond our shore, and I have received heartwarming tributes and messages from World Trade Centers around the globe, from Barranquilla, Colombia, to Taipei, Taiwan, and Pune, India, and points in between. Below are a few messages that reflect the kind of person George was:
“His insight, encouragement and leadership left a lasting impression on me.”
“George’s presence and contributions to the WTCA community and the warmth he showed will always be remembered.”
“He was really an exceptional person with great wisdom, integrity and generosity. I had a few long conversations with him and even though he was quite busy he took the time to guide and help me on my personal and professional growth.”
“George was a great supporter [of the] WTC movement and we shall miss him.”
“We recognize his contributions and leadership within the World Trade Centers® Association.”
George often worked behind the scenes to ensure that our programs, and the gala, ran smoothly. He was especially helpful as we planned the launch of the U.S.-Africa Business Summit each year. He introduced us to ranking African representatives who “were in the room” when policies and projects were being planned and implemented. I spoke with him before I went to Angola for the summit in late June and he gave me the names of people to see. When I returned, less than two weeks later, I gave him a report of the trip and conveyed greetings from African officials. His insatiable curiosity made him want to know everything. I had no idea that would be our last conversation -- he passed away only hours later.
George was a dear friend and mentor to many. Besides running a successful international business and being a veteran, he served on the WTC Delaware Board and many other organizations -- supporting veterans and Gold Star Families, promoting regional economic development, maintaining and promoting American history, and more. I don’t remember him ever saying “no.” He was all heart. And in the end, he could give no more. We will miss him.
See the full obituary at paperlesspost.com/go/DGDe5abFPBJ52giRvLM5j.
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Learn more about Delaware Business Times
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Reminder for Members:
Member Perks Around the World
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One of the benefits of World Trade Center Delaware membership is the opportunity to participate in World Trade Center Association events worldwide. We are adding a new section to the newsletter to keep you informed of our partner events. We will send you periodic updates on WTCA events and post them on our social media.
Please note that there are 320 Centers in other US cities and around the world. Let us know your travel plans, and we can introduce you to our partners at other Centers. There is no substitute for local knowledge.
| | A Survival Guide for Delaware’s Global Businesses | | |
Learn practical steps companies in our state can take to navigate today’s complex tariff landscape — from understanding country-of-origin rules to using Foreign-Trade Zones, such as Delaware’s FTZ No. 99.
Read the full article here.
A big thank-you to the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity for our President, Carla Stone, to contribute to this important conversation.
As always, World Trade Center Delaware is here to support your success in the global marketplace.
| | Expand Internationally with the Compass Grant | | |
The Compass Grant, offered by Export Delaware, helps Delaware small businesses grow internationally. Eligible companies can receive funding for activities such as attending trade shows, traveling abroad to meet buyers, and developing global marketing plans. The grant is open to export-ready Delaware businesses that meet SBA size standards.
Click here to watch the 2026 Compass Grant Briefing (replay) and learn more: export.delaware.gov/compass-grant
| | ONE WEEK LEFT - Register Today! | |
Webinar: International Banking Services for
Lenders and Exporters
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Join WTC Delaware Next Week!
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13th Annual Summer International
Business Networking Reception
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For the 13th year, members of Greater Philadelphia’s international community will host a business networking reception to celebrate the region’s leadership in innovation, investment and global trade. The event will highlight why businesses and individuals are drawn to the area, including its welcoming business climate and strong support for technology, health and entrepreneurship. Keynote speaker Dave Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic, will discuss the “power of fun” and its role in building brand value, boosting productivity and improving overall well-being.
Attendees will include business leaders and government officials from local, state and international levels. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald Camp 2025, which provides a summer camp experience for children with cancer and their families.
Register here: web.wtcde.org/atlas/events/10227/details
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EDGE 2.0 Informational Webinar Scheduled for July 23
DSB to announce details of revamped and
reimagined grant competition
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TILOG LOGISTIX 2025
Call for Importers
| | Webinar Hosted by WTC Delaware - Don't Miss It! | | Join WTC Delaware at Art Means Business! | | |
The Film Brothers, a Wilmington-based creative agency, is highlighting the impact of the arts on Delaware’s economy through their campaign, "Art Means Business." The campaign features stories from local artists and creative professionals whose work drives economic growth, builds community and supports the state’s cultural identity.
Using powerful video storytelling, Art Means Business amplifies the voices of musicians, visual artists, filmmakers and others, showing how Delaware’s creative economy contributes to industries across the state. Presented by World Trade Center Delaware, the event takes place on October 7.
Tickets are going fast; buy yours now: filmbrothers.com/artmeansbusiness
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WTC Delaware provides a full range of international trade-related services with an in-depth focus on the export/import of services and manufactured goods. These pages contain brief information on opportunities that could offer exciting possibilities for U.S. companies in various industry sectors.
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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: PDG Modems and Smart Metering Infrastructure
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SURINAME: Expansion of Transmission and Distribution Systems Project
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GUATEMALA: PEG5 LNG Supply Project
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CHINA: LNG Partnership with Henan Hongchang Group
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LATVIA: Strategic Fuel Reserve – Diesel Procurement Opportunity
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OMAN: Third Green Hydrogen (gH2) Auction Round for Large-Scale Renewable Projects
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SOUTH AFRICA: Project Kagesi (002) and Rivoni Matimba Energy Project
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SAN SALVADOR: Gamma Enterprise Energy Sector Opportunity
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COSTA RICA: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements in Puntarenas
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ECUADOR: Municipal Water and Sewerage System Construction and Upgrades
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MEXICO: Upgrading Potable Water Treatment Plants, Pipelines, and New Water Infrastructure
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UKRAINE: Supply of Containerized Gas Engine Power Plants and Project Implementation Support
View the most recent trade leads here.
Delaware companies: Please fill out our trade leads form so we can market your products or services!
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World Trade Center Pune, in Pune’s Eastern IT Corridor, is India’s fourth operational WTC and part of the global WTCA network with over 330 centers in more than 90 countries. The center supports member companies to achieve global market expansion by offering international trade services, co-working spaces, and networking. WTC Pune, in a strategic economic hub, expedites real estate, trade delegations, seminars, and import-export initiatives for international business growth.
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July 23, 2025
EDGE 2.0 Informational Webinar; Delaware Division of Small Business
July 23, 2025
13th Annual Summer International Business Networking Reception, Philadelphia, PA; PHL BABC
August 20-22, 2025
Global Economic Summit 2025: Asia - Pacific Driving Global Market, Mumbai, India
August 21-23, 2025
TILOG LOGISTIX 2025: Call for Importers, Bangkok, Thailand; WTC Shamshabad & Visakhapatnam
September 16-17, 2025
13th ADB Business Opportunities Fair 2025, Manila, Philippines
September 21-25, 2025
Advanced Manufacturing Business Development Mission to Türkiye and Poland; U.S. Commerical Service and International Trade Administration
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Expand your visibility by updating your industry categories and website link in our searchable Business Directory.
It’s a simple way to connect with potential clients and partners while strengthening your online presence.
| | World Trade Center® Delaware is the state’s premier international business resource. We help companies, especially small, medium-sized and emerging enterprises, to grow their international business. We provide trade leads, training programs, job leads, networking, matchmaking, trade mission and reverse trade mission opportunities for Delaware companies. We serve all types of companies in various sectors including agriculture, environmental remediation, IT, medical equipment manufacturing, biopharmaceuticals, financial, legal and real estate services. For more information visit us at www.wtcde.org. | | Copyright © 2025. All Rights Reserved. | | | | |
