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PRESIDENT'S NOTES

Report from the Global Business Forum

March came in like the proverbial lion yet shows no inclination to leave like a lamb. The World Trade Centers Association Global Business Forum in Bengaluru launched a new era for the WTCA’s international gatherings. Formerly the General Assembly, this year’s event inaugurated a new name, and a greater emphasis on business to business and business to government matchmaking and trade and investment opportunities. 


For the second year in a row, WTC Delaware sponsored an exhibit booth resulting in significant requests for introductions to companies and organizations ranging from Port Wilmington, the Delaware Division of Corporations, the Delaware Prosperity Partnership, and Foreign Trade Zone 99 to smaller private companies in the healthcare and environmental sectors.


Thanks to our partners and contributors including the above organizations, the Delaware Department of Agriculture, and the Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau (GWCVB), we were able to display banners, show videos and slide presentations, distribute substantial amounts of information materials about Delaware and introduce the WTCA to Delaware’s candy -- salt water taffy from Rehoboth Beach. You may have seen delegates from foreign WTCs posting selfies in front of our outside booth or next to our table inside the meeting venue on social media. 

 

Following the GBF in Bengaluru, I traveled with WTC Denver (thank you, Denver) to Chennai and met with the founder and president of India’s first museum studies and conservation organization, resulting in a request to be introduced to the faculty of University of Delaware’s world-famous degree museum studies degree programs. I am continuing to follow up with the over 50 companies and organizations I met in India and look forward to introducing them to potential partners in Delaware.

 

Please see separate announcements about our next trade missions and our signature annual WTC Delaware Kickoff to the US-Africa Business Summit scheduled for April 16 at the University and Whist Club. This year, we are featuring information about opportunities for US investment in Africa, and the advantages this offers to US companies. Other upcoming programs open for registration include a Made In USA Compliance webinar with the U.S. Department of Commerce on May 1 and our annual EXIM training on June 13.

Carla Sydney Stone
President
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
WTCDE Premier Members
Learn more about Port to Port International
Learn more about Delaware Business Times
Learn more about WSFS


MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Renewing Members

The Emory Hill Companies


The Emory Hill Companies offer a wide range of real estate services in Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region. NAI Emory Hill, the commercial brokerage arm, leads Delaware in annual transaction volume among commercial real estate firms. Affiliated with NAI Global, it offers clients local expertise coupled with global resources. Carmen J. Facciolo, a partner since 1983, serves as Director of NAI Emory Hill, President of Emory Hill Real Estate Services, Inc., and Vice President of Emory Hill & Company. His presence on the Board of Directors is highly valued. NAI Emory Hill exclusively represents NAI in Delaware and Cecil County, Maryland, collaborating with other NAI offices as per client requirements.


Learn more: www.naiemoryhill.com

Weymouth, Swayze & Corroon Insurance, Inc.


Weymouth, Swayze & Corroon Insurance, Inc., stands out as a leading insurance institution in the region, offering comprehensive property, casualty, and specialty insurance brokerage services worldwide. With a commitment to personal service and partnering with premier insurers, WS&C Insurance has safeguarded its clients' business and personal assets for over eighty years. Operating globally, the firm provides both personal and commercial insurance, including international coverage. Employing sophisticated risk management strategies, WS&C Insurance addresses business goals at the highest level. Its expertise spans various areas such as property, products liability, environmental concerns, marine, aviation, cyber liability, workers compensation, global property casualty, and more.


Learn more: www.wscins.com

Dole


Dole was founded by James Drummond Dole in the early 1900s. Today, the company serves as a pivotal importer and exporter of fresh fruits via the Port of Wilmington. With a mission centered on inspiring and empowering consumers to adopt healthier lifestyles, the company prioritizes delivering farm-fresh products of unparalleled quality. Through a combination of responsible farming methods, rigorous food safety protocols, transparent practices, and state-of-the-art production techniques, it aims to redefine the experience of healthy living. Initially focusing on global pineapple cultivation, Dole later expanded its offerings to include banana imports. In the late 1990s, the company further diversified its portfolio to encompass packaged fresh vegetables, including pre-cut options and salads, which quickly emerged as its fastest-growing category in supermarkets.


Learn more: www.dole.com

New Members

Horn Business Group


Recognized as one of the leading entities in the shipping industry in Djibouti and specializing in labor supply and various sectors of logistics, Horn Business Group is made up of five companies. Global Labor Solutions (GLS) specializes in recruitment, boasting over 5 years of experience and over 250 successful high-value recruitments. Djibouti Procurement Services (DPS) offers tailored services and emphasizes collaboration to enhance clients' business value. Global Shipping Services (GSS) provides maritime shipping services, connecting Djibouti with the rest of the world through various cargo carriers. International Transit Services (ITS) facilitates cargo clearing and forwarding, offering comprehensive documentation services for efficient logistics management. Fortune Marine Services (FMS) specializes in cargo inspections, tallying, and surveys, providing a complete logistics solution. All companies share the common goal of providing the best services in a timely fashion to all clients and ensuring a long-term relationship for mutual success.


Learn more: www.hornbusinessgroup.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Key Bridge Collapse Update

Our hearts go out to all those families and workers affected by the Key Bridge collapse yesterday. The Port of Baltimore has announced that all vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended till further notice. However, the terminals in Baltimore are open and the Department of Transportation/Port Administration has stated that they are still processing trucks inside of their terminals. For more information, please click here.


For additional information from the U.S. Coast Guard regarding the closure, please visit the following link: Port of Baltimore Safety Zone - Francis Scott Key Bridge Marine Casualty.

 

World Trade Center Delaware will keep you updated with information concerning this accident as we receive it.

Register Today: WTC Events Coming Up

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Mark Your Calendar

May 1 Compliance Webinar


Gain insights on the essentials of making non-deceptive “Made in the USA” claims from Federal Trade Commission staff. In most instances, in order to label a product as “Made in USA,” a marketer must be able to demonstrate that the product was “all or virtually all” made in the United States. Understand the legal standards applicable to “Made in USA” claims for manufactured products, textiles, wool products, and others.

Register Today

Grant Support for WTC Members to Attend U.S.-Africa Business Summit

World Trade Center Delaware is excited to announce that we are offering up to five WTC Delaware Member companies in good standing a partial grant for up to $5,000 for participation in this year’s US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas, from May 6-9. Applications are due by 8 a.m. on April 10.

Apply Today

Supply Chain Resilience Comments

The Office of the United States Trade Representative requests comments on supply chain resiliency at the link below, and will hold a public hearing to inform objectives and strategies that advance U.S. supply chain resilience in trade negotiations, enforcement, and other initiatives.

Comment Today

Support WTC Internships with Coffee Purchase

Taste Mutombo Coffee while supporting World Trade Center Delaware's paid internship program. Make a difference for young people gaining experience in international trade today. Click here to order.

Carla Stone Interviewed at WTC Global Business Forum

WTC Delaware President Carla Stone was interviewed on WTCA Live at the WTCA Global Business Forum, talking about how Delaware is the corporate capital of the world and how its strategic benefits can help enhance global business opportunities by facilitating business connections. She spoke about the Foreign Trade Zone, Port of Wilmington, and public-private partnerships.

Watch Now

Reminder: Event Discounts Only For Current Members

As a reminder, any members in arrears are unable to use the WTC discount code for upcoming events, including the Kickoff to the U.S.-Africa Business Summit on April 16. Renew your membership today and get access to all the benefits!

Renew Today

Introducing Our New Logo

We’re proud to unveil our new logo (also seen at the top of this newsletter) to be more modern and more reflective of the organization. Using the globe as our unifying image, it shows how the World Trade Centers are united around the whole world – not simply disparate continents and regions. We hope you like it!

Paid Internship Available - Apply Today!

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity to showcase your graphic design, social media, and writing skills? We are looking forward to hiring our next paid graphics design and social media intern with a starting date of May 28. To apply for this position, submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected].

WTC Delaware Receives 501(c)(3) Designation

This month, we received a letter from the IRS that the agency has determined that World Trade Center Delaware is “exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3).” For additional information about this decision, its effective date, and other matters related to this, please contact us at [email protected].  Note that we will be changing our web address to the .org designation in the near future when we launch our new website.

An Intern's Journey in South Korea

By Erin McGrellis


In February, I had the opportunity of a lifetime - to travel to South Korea to visit a good friend who teaches English, with the WTC Delaware staff’s blessing. Having only 10 days to see the whole country meant we didn’t get to do everything, but I definitely got a good taste of Korean culture and was able to compare Korea and the United States. 


The first stop was Daejeon, the fifth-largest city in South Korea with a population of over half a million people. Although I thought it was a big city, in Korea it is regarded as very small. I visited the underground mall, traveled by subway, and was introduced to Korea’s extensive café culture. I visited some great restaurants and cafes, including a cat cafe and an American/’80s themed cafe. Too soon our time in Daejeon ended, and we were off to Jeonju, a city known for the historic Heritage Hanok Village.


Traveling to Jeonju, I found that, unlike Americans, Koreans value silence on public transportation. Renting Hanbok, or traditional Korean dress, is a popular activity in the touristy Hanok Village area so our first stop was to browse racks of Hanbok in all different colors. Getting to wear this traditional dress, which was worn as early as 57 BC, was one of the highlights of my trip.


After living in small cities such as Wilmington, the crowds in Seoul took me by surprise. I was shocked by the extra-large crosswalks- and how there were enough people to fill them! I have since learned that Seoul is smaller geographically than New York City but has a larger population. Each section of Seoul was like visiting another city.


As someone who does not eat meat, I anticipated a lack of vegetarian options would be the biggest change regarding the food in South Korea, but actually found the sweetness of the food the hardest to get used to. My favorite meal was Bibimbap, a traditional Korean rice dish topped with different vegetables, egg, and usually meat. It was served in a hot bowl that made the rice at the bottom deliciously crispy. Kimbap, small triangles with rice and fillings, was a perfect quick snack picked up from the convenience store. With some help from Google Translate, we easily found vegetarian options.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to travel to Korea, even for a short time. It was so interesting to see the similarities and differences between Korea and the United States.

Cooperation with Shenyang, China

World Trade Center Delaware is pleased to announce a new partnership with WTC Shenyang. During the WTCA Global Business Forum, World Trade Center Delaware signed a Reciprocity Memo with World Trade Center Shenyang, one of the newest (since 2018) WTCA members. WTC Shenyang is located in the capital of Liaoning Province, China. Shenyang is the province's most populous city with a population of 8 million, also making it the largest city in Northeast (formerly Manchuria) China. With a history of over 3,000 years, Shenyang is the home of one of the two largest and best-preserved palace complexes in all of China. It is also home to the Shenyang National Innovation Experimental Area, where WTC Shenyang is being built. WTC Shenyang is led by the dynamic Christina Shen, already a Member of the World Trade Centers Association Board of Directors. This new partnership will help Delaware and Shenyang companies to develop new trade, research, education, and tourism opportunities with additional assistance from each WTC. 

Learn More About Shenyang

Watch: U.S.-Africa Business Summit Video

Are you signed up for the U.S.-Africa Business Summit? Check out this trailer video, and explore new opportunities today. Be on the lookout for information on WTC Delaware’s Kickoff event on April 16!

Watch and Learn

New: Student Membership Rate

Effective April 1, World Trade Center Delaware is offering student memberships at a reduced rate to any Delawarean attending college, university, graduate school, or law school in the state of Delaware. To join WTC Delaware as a student, you must register using your current Delaware educational institution email address. Student members enjoy all member benefits as long as they remain a member in good standing.

Join Today

Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Ecosystem Event

This year, DPP is partnering with the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and Choose New Jersey to host an event focused on the region’s hydrogen and clean tech sector. MACH2 partners, including Dora Cheatham and Yushan Yan, are advising on program development. The objective of the event is to familiarize international business leaders with the tri-state region’s hydrogen sector, MACH2-specific projects, and raise awareness of opportunities for investment and R&D cooperation. The Spinoff event will include visits to DE, NJ, and PA companies, visits to area universities involved in the hydrogen space, and panel discussions on key topics like workforce and R&D. It will take place June 20-21, the week before the SelectUSA Investment Summit.

Sign Up Today

Avoid Common Passport Mistakes

Did you know that if you're applying for a passport for the first time, you should wait to sign the application form until you are told to do so? Learn about other common passort mistakes from the U.S. Department of State.

Avoid Mistakes

WTC Arkansas Trade Mission to Ontario

World Trade Center Arkansas invites our members on a trade mission to Ontario, Canada, running from June 16-23. This mission is an excellent opportunity for businesses eager to explore and expand their reach into the Canadian market. Highlights include the Collision Tech Conference (June 17-18); B2B Meetings (June 18-20); and Discover Ontario (June 20-23). Attendees can choose to join based on their availability and interests, ensuring flexibility and convenience. Attendees will be responsible for covering the cost of attendance; however, hotel and airfare promotional codes will be provided to help manage a responsible budget. To learn more about this opportunity, contact Mackenzie Mollner at [email protected] or Denise Thomas at [email protected].

Maritime Scholarships Available

The Ports of Philadelphia Maritime Society has awarded scholarships to Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey residents or employees seeking education and advancement in the local maritime industry since 2012. The society is pleased to announce the opening of the 2024 scholarship program. Up to six scholarships in the amount of $3,500 each were approved for this year. Three categories are available: Industry degree; mariner advancement; and professional development. Applications are due by April 15.

Apply Here
TRADE LEADS & TENDERS

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: City Tour Buses
  • NIGERIA: Spare Auto Parts, Used Cars
  • MEXICO: Charging Stations
  • BRAZIL: TR-45 Rails
  • FIJI: Water Loss Reduction and Management
  • GEORGIA: Waste Treatment Plant
  • KOSOVO: Waste Water Treatment Plant Financing
  • MOROCCO: Water Infrastructure Project
  • UKRAINE: Water Supply Treatment Infrastructure
  • URUGUAY: Biological Drug Manufacturing Labs
  • THAILAND: Vitamin C, Collagen and Astaxanthin 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!

WTC DELAWARE EVENTS

April 16

Kickoff to U.S.-Africa Business Summit, Wilmington


May 1

Made in USA Compliance Webinar


May 4-9

U.S.-Africa Business Summit, Dallas


May 13-19

Trade Winds Access Europe and Eurasia, Istanbul, Turkey


June 13

Annual EXIM Training, Wilmington 

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Goldey Beacom College has been providing a quality education to mid-Atlantic students for more than 125 years, including college-bound high school seniors, working professionals in grad school, and international students. About half its students are commuters who live off-campus. More than 1,300 students are enrolled from 22 states and over 60 countries. All full-time faculty members have the highest degree in their field and combine real-world experience with their teaching skills.

TRUSTED PARTNERS
PARTNER EVENTS

March 28

Spring Manufacturing and Policy Conference, Delaware Manufacturing Association


April 18

Delaware River 101, General Port Awareness Training, Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay


April 23

Building Bridges to Global Markets, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Legislative Summit


April 26

Mid-Atlantic Summit with U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, Global Leadership Summit


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


Even more partner events here!

MEMBER BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT


Three hours of free international business consulting services.


Become a member today!


INTERNATIONAL JOB POSTS
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

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