Matters of the heart, and other thoughts | |
February is almost gone, but not before we celebrate with our 6th Annual Tastes of Chocolate and Beers from Around the World today, Feb. 22. Just a few hours left to register for what is one of our favorite ways to extend the good feelings from Valentine’s Day. Who doesn’t love chocolate, beer, or both? Our pairings this year again include chocolate from Sweet Dreams Confections and craft beer from Midnight Oil Brewing and a catered buffet dinner from La Casa Pasta. Register now as there are just a few places left.
Other Matters of the Heart
While I am on the subject of the heart… This is the time of year when trade shows and foreign trade missions are in full swing and when most of us make our plans for summer travel. If you are able, be sure to make an appointment to donate blood before you go. In Delaware, both the Blood Bank of Delmarva and the Red Cross of Delmarva are taking donations. We all know that the need for blood is critical and that there is no substitute for donations. Please, do it before you travel as depending on where you travel, you may be restricted from donating and your appointment postponed when you return.
Know Before You Go
Finally, we have found that countries generally require at least six months before expiration and enough blank pages to accept additional stamps and glued in visas in your passport before you can apply for a visa or be admitted through border controls in another country. The US State Department says that processing times are running about 6 to 8 weeks for routine applications, and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited handling. However, this does not include mailing time. Allow an additional 2 weeks for the application to get to the agency and an additional two weeks after the agency has mailed it.
If you are applying for one of the Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler Programs, note that processing times can be much longer. DHS notes that it is receiving a “high volume of applications.” For example, current wait times for Global Entry are 4 to 6 months. Be sure to allow plenty of time to schedule your Global Entry interview. From recent experience, I found that these estimates are accurate also for Global Entry renewals. Before you apply, make sure that you have all the documents and information you need for the application and the interview.
The World Trade Centers Association Global Business Forum and trade show begins on March 3 in Bengaluru, India. There is still time to let me know how I can represent your company or organization at our exhibition booth. Better, yet, join me. Save April 16th for WTC Delaware’s annual Kickoff to the US-Africa Business Summit in Wilmington. Happy travels.
| |
Carla Sydney Stone
President
| |
Learn more about Port to Port International
| |
Learn more about Delaware Business Times
| |
|
Port Wilmington, an Enstructure Company
Port Wilmington is a full-service deepwater port and marine terminal located on the Delaware River. Its operator, Enstructure, is a privately-owned firm established in 2016 that provides comprehensive logistics solutions across the eastern half of the U.S. It operates a network of marine terminals, rail terminals, warehouses, and truck fleets, catering to industries such as energy, agriculture, and construction. The company’s goal is to deliver efficient and reliable logistics for bulk and breakbulk commodities through its terminal infrastructure. Enstructure prioritizes value-added partnerships, fostering collaboration and avoiding bureaucratic processes. It also emphasizes preserving the local identity and structure of its terminals, demonstrating a commitment to respecting existing communities while fostering growth.
Learn more: www.portwilmington.com
| |
|
Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership (DEMEP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Delaware's manufacturers and other businesses stay competitive. Funded by federal and state governments, DEMEP works in partnership with universities, research institutions, and other organizations to provide customized solutions for manufacturers, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and service companies. DEMEP leads ExporTech, the export training program in Delaware of which WTC Delaware is a sponsor and mentor. DEMEP offers a variety of services, including training in lean manufacturing and quality systems, assistance with planning, energy management, technology transfer, and innovation. These services have helped numerous Delaware companies improve their quality, productivity, and profitability. DEMEP has also expanded its services to support healthcare, service, and government entities, further contributing to the state's economic growth.
Learn more: www.demep.org
| |
Welcome New Board Member! | |
|
Please welcome Bayard Hogans as the newest member of the World Trade Center Delaware board of directors!
Hogans is president of Enstructure Mid-Atlantic, leading operations at the Port of Wilmington and other company businesses in Wilmington and Pennsylvania. He previously served as vice president for Ports America Chesapeake, where he was honored with multiple awards. He has been involved with the United Way, American Heart Association, and Port Discovery Children’s Museum.
| |
Register Today: WTC Events Coming Up | |
Free Tickets to Miami Disaster Expo | |
Disasters Expo USA is offering free tickets to this year’s premiere event aimed at mitigating the world’s most costly disasters. It takes place March 6 and 7 in Miami; free tickets are available using promo code USDC100.The event is supported by FEMA, NOAA, the World Bank, NASA, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Visit with suppliers and vendors providing products and services to improve preparedness and recovery efforts. | |
WTC Members Attend Dinner with Cuban Ambassador | |
|
One of our newest members, Webster Marketing International LLC CEO David Webster, was recently invited to a private dinner with the Republic of Cuba Ambassador to the United States, the Honorable Lianys Torres Rivera.
The dinner was held at the residence of Ambassador Torres, and guests included WTC Delaware Board Member Mr. Mohamed Cisse, CEO of Tungsten Global Consulting; Mr. Michael Brubaker, former Pennsylvania state senator; and Mr. Douglas Fisher, former New Jersey secretary of agriculture.
Webster stated that they discussed current and potential future cooperation between Cuba and the United States. While there are a number of restrictions governing US trade with Cuba, there are the agricultural sector presents a number of export opportunities. The Ambassador suggested that WTC Delaware organize a trip to Cuba, meet with counterparts in the agriculture sector, and see first-hand what these opportunities might be.
Webster said that the Ambassador expressed the hope that relations between the United States and Cuba will improve, resulting in increased bilateral trade.
| |
New U.S. Beneficial Ownership Requirement | |
Beginning January 1, the U.S. Department of the Treasury began accepting beneficial ownership information reports. They are a requirement of the bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act of 2021, which requires many companies doing business in the U.S. to report ownership or control information. Filing is simple and free. | |
EDGE Grants Available Through March 1 | |
EDGE grants from the Delaware Division of Small Business award up to $100,000 to recent startups. The application cycle opens Feb. 1 to March 1, so learn how to boost your application today! | |
Monthly Update from WTC Partner Bannockburn | |
|
The coming weeks will likely continue the correction of the trends that began last month. The markets recognize that tightening cycle is over. However, they swung hard, pricing in aggressive easing by most of the G10 central banks, including the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank. Official comments and some high-frequency economic data have encouraged participants to rein in their expectations, reducing the odds of a rate cuts in Q1 and paring back the extent of the cuts this year.
The pendulum of market expectations reached an extreme. In the first part of January, pricing of the Fed funds futures strip implied a rate cut at each of the remaining seven FOMC meetings. While this is possible, it is not the most likely scenario, especially given what we know about the national labor market and in the context of still elevated price pressures and above trend growth in Q4 23.
Similarly, at the extreme in late December, the swaps market had discounted 190 bp of ECB cuts this year. It had returned to around 140 bp (five quarter-point cuts and a 60% chance of a sixth) in late January, which still seems aggressive compared with ECB signals. Comments from ECB President Lagarde and the record from the December meeting suggest a timeframe of the first rate cute toward the middle of the year. The market thinks April is a reasonable timeframe and will coincide with a sharp drop in measured inflation. With the eurozone continuing to struggle to sustain economic traction, the disruption of Red Sea transit, which means greater costs and slower deliveries, is the latest exogenous shock.
| |
Virtual Trade and Cargo Security Summit | |
U.S. Customs and Border Protection will host the 2024 Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security Summit on March 26-28 at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown and virtually via webcast. In-person registration is full, but you can view general sessions, breakouts, and luncheon keynotes virtually. Sessions will include combatting illicit opioids, artificial intelligence, green trade, supply chain security, global business identifier, forced labor, and more. | |
|
WTC Delaware provides a full range of international trade-related services with an in-depth focus on export/import of services and manufactured goods. These pages contain brief information on opportunities that could offer exciting possibilities for U.S. companies in a variety of industry sectors.
- EL SALVADOR: Water and Sanitation Projects
- FIJI: Water Supply System
- KOSOVO: Wastewater Treatment Plant
- MOROCCO: Water Infrastructure Project
- MEXICO: Food & Dairy Company Wastewater Treatment Plant
- UKRAINE: Water Supply and Treatment Infrastructure
- BAHAMAS: Renewable Energy Generation
- MALTA: Back-Up Power Supply
- KOSOVO: Renewable Energy Investments
- UKRAINE: Oil and Gas Field Development
- NIGERIA: Spare Parts, Used Car and Engine Oil
- MEXICO: EV Charging Station Suppliers
- BRAZIL: U.S. Suppliers of TR-45 Rails
- GUYANA: Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services
- URUGUAY: FDA-Approved C-Arm and Anesthesia Machines
- THAILAND: Neonatal Ventilator Suppliers
View the most recent trade leads here.
Delaware companies: Please fill out our trade leads form so we can market your products or services!
| |
|
The Committee of 100 is a nonprofit and non-partisan group of Delaware business leaders working to promote economic development. The organization is a positive force for change on quality-of-life issues, including education, transportation, housing, health care, and public safety. It monitors governmental legislation, draws on the expertise of its membership, and works to improve legislation or regulations for the community. Founded in 1967, it actively participates in task forces, hearings, forums and committees.
| |
|
March 6 and 10
Making Global Markets Accessible - Taking The Next Steps, U.S. Commercial Service
March 7
Annual Global Economic Update, British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia
March 11
Clean Hydrogen for the Mid-Atlantic, UA Local 420
March 13
EAPA Overview Webinar, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
March 26
Mastering The Market - Mexico - Advanced Manufacturing Webinar, U.S. Commercial Service
March 28
Spring Manufacturing and Policy Conference, Delaware Manufacturing Association
May 13-15
World Hydrogen Summit 2024, Sustainable Energy Council
May 13-17
NAMPO 2024 (South Africa), U.S. Commercial Service
May 14
Mastering The Market - India - Advanced Manufacturing Webinar, U.S. Commercial Service
June 3-4
Global Impact Forum, U.S. Global Leadership Council
June 6-7
EXIM 2024 Annual Conference
June 17-21
USA Security and Defense Paviliion at EUROSATORY
| |
|
Take advantage of WTC Delaware's affinity partnerships with the Hotel DuPont, Bannockburn, and the University and Whist Club.
Become a member today!
| |
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.com.
| |
World Trade Center Delaware
42 Reads Way, Suite B
New Castle, DE 19720
ph: 302-656-7905
| |
Copyright © 2024. All Rights Reserved. | | | | |
