X Share This Email
LinkedIn Share This Email
Visit our website
PRESIDENT'S NOTES

A Time to Give Thanks

Dear Colleagues,


As we gather with family and friends, let us remember those who make it possible for us to work in international trade—the brave and tireless mariners who shepherd our goods around the world. On the seas for months at a time, most of them will not be able to spend this holiday season with their loved ones. We want them to know that we remember and thank them for their unstinting service so that we may enjoy our homes and have the products we need to run our businesses.


Each year, the Seamen’s Center of Wilmington, through its Christmas at Sea campaign scwde.org/christmas-at-sea.html, delivers a box filled with necessities such as warm hats, gloves, scarves and full-size toiletries to each seafarer arriving in Delaware during December. These individually wrapped boxes are delivered by Seamen’s Center of Wilmington volunteers directly to each ship. Last year, they donated 1,217 boxes.


To learn how you can donate individual items or donate through Amazon, please visit scwde.org/christmas-at-sea.html, contact 302-575-1300 or scw@scwde.org.


Boxes are distributed beginning December 1, so please act quickly.


Thank you!


WTC Delaware Launches New Website and Email Domain

Please join me in thanking WTC Delaware's own Nesrin Cakiroglu, Director of Operations and Training, for our new website.

 

She spent countless hours developing a website with updated software that makes it easier to use.


Let us know what you think by visiting www.wtcde.org.

 

We’re also excited to announce that our email addresses have transitioned to the new @wtcde.org domain. Please update your records accordingly.

 

And Nesrin, thank you again.

YOU'RE INVITED

Unveiling the 2024-25 Edition of International Delaware™

WTC DELAWARE PREMIER MEMBERS

Learn more about Port to Port International
Learn more about Delaware Business Times
Learn more about WSFS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Notice Anything New About Your Member Profile?

We’re excited to introduce an updated look for your member profile, complete with enhanced features and a streamlined layout. Here’s a rundown of what’s new and improved:

 

  • Manage Events: View and manage upcoming and past events for which you’ve registered.
  • Invoices & Payments: Access all paid and open invoices, manage payments, enroll in Automatic Recurring Billing (ARB), and check auto-renew status.
  • Membership Renewal: Renew your membership directly from your profile.
  • Profile Management: Update your personal and organization details, upload or update logos and media, and securely change your password.
  • Related Profiles: Switch between and manage profiles you oversee, including organizations or related individuals.
  • Member Portal Home: A clean, user-friendly landing page showing your profile picture, contact information, and key membership details.
  • Relationships Management: Add, edit, or remove related profiles and update permissions like "Editor" or "Receives Communication."
  • Edit Profile: Make updates to contact details, social media links, custom fields, and more (pending admin approval).
  • Custom Menu Content: Access web links, uploaded documents, and media provided by your organization.

 

We hope these updates improve your experience! Log in to explore the new platform. For added convenience, we encourage you to consider enrolling in Automatic Recurring Billing (ARB) to streamline your future renewals.

Intern Spotlight

Meet Our New WTC Delaware Intern: Harin Lee

Harin Lee is a new Research & Trade Information Intern at World Trade Center Delaware. She has a background in cultural exchange, strategic planning and event management. She is committed to promoting inclusive environments and educating others about global business. She embodies the values of integrity, dedication and appreciation for cross-cultural understanding.


Since enrolling at Yonsei University in March 2020, Harin has majored in Asian studies and expects to receive her bachelor’s degree in August 2025. Her experiences in educational and professional settings reflect her interest in international trade connections and community impact. Harin’s dedication to global engagement deepened during her exchange program at the University of California, Irvine, where she studied East Asian cultures and international affairs.


Harin’s professional experiences include leadership and strategic management roles in projects such as municipal administration. As a 56th Yonsei University Student Council member, she addressed changing student needs in a post-COVID environment by cultivating partnerships with local organizations for scholarships and housing assistance. Harin contributed her insights to the Seoul Mayoral By-Election Joint Action Plan, proposing policy initiatives to advance students’ rights. Harin’s commitment to international community-building continued with Cambo Friends in Vietnam, making cultural exchange platforms that allowed students to learn about Korean traditions and fostering an appreciation of diverse perspectives.


Harin is enthusiastic about bridging communities and building meaningful partnerships through international engagement and development. She enjoys dancing, sports and listening to music.

South Korea and U.S. Elections:

A Tale of Two Systems and a Shared Interest in Politics

Experiencing a U.S. presidential election while living in the United States has been an incredible honor. Observing the candidates' campaigns, analyzing American citizens' political inclinations, and reflecting on the meaning of freedom in the United States have all been profoundly fascinating. This unique experience has offered valuable insights into the nation’s democratic process, highlighting the complexity of its electoral system and the deep-rooted significance of its elections for Americans and the world.


The U.S. presidential elections capture the attention of millions worldwide, but few nations show as much interest as South Korea. According to recent statistics, 88% of South Koreans believe U.S. presidential elections significantly impact their country—a sentiment shared with just a handful of other nations, such as Mexico. This extraordinary level of interest reflects the deep ties between South Korea and the United States and the stark differences in how the two nations elect their leaders.


Two Systems, Two Paths to Leadership


South Korea and the United States operate under dramatically different electoral systems. In South Korea, the presidential election is direct: citizens vote for their preferred candidate, and the one with the majority wins outright. This straightforward approach ensures that every vote holds equal weight across the country. The simplicity of this system contrasts sharply with the Electoral College in the United States, where citizens cast votes for electors who then formally choose the president. Unique to the United States, this system can sometimes lead to outcomes where the candidate with the most nationwide votes does not become president, sparking debates about fairness and representation.


South Korea’s direct system originated with the nation’s first presidential election in 1948, during a turbulent period as the country emerged from World War II. Syngman Rhee was the first president, marking the beginning of South Korea's modern democratic journey. Since then, the direct election system has reinforced a sense of voter agency despite occasional criticisms of vulnerability to regional divides and populist trends.


The U.S. system, by contrast, was designed to balance power among states of varying sizes, reflecting the country’s federal structure. While it ensures smaller states have a voice, critics argue it prioritizes swing states over the national popular vote. This has led to controversial elections in which the president-elect did not win the majority vote.


Why South Koreans Care About U.S. Elections


South Korea’s intense interest in U.S. politics is not without reason. The influence of U.S. elections on South Korea's economy, trade, and security cannot be overstated. As South Korea's largest trading partner and a key defense ally, the United States wields significant power over the peninsula's future. Economic policies enacted by a new U.S. administration often have ripple effects on South Korea’s industries. At the same time, changes in defense strategy can alter the dynamics of peace and stability in the region.


The historical roots of this interest run deep. The U.S.-South Korea alliance, forged during the Korean War, has shaped decades of cooperation and interdependence. Even as South Korea has grown into a global economic powerhouse, its security and prosperity remain closely linked to decisions made in Washington.


The Bigger Picture: A Hope for Stronger Ties


The high stakes of U.S. elections for South Korea are not just about economic and security concerns. They also reflect a broader recognition of how intertwined the two nations’ futures have become. South Korea hopes that U.S. leadership will continue to support the enduring partnership between the two countries.


Despite their differences in how they choose their leaders, both nations share a commitment to democracy and a vision of mutual growth. As South Korea and the U.S. navigate their unique electoral systems and political landscapes, one thing is certain: their relationship will remain a cornerstone of stability in an increasingly complex world.


South Korea’s engagement with U.S. politics underscores the global implications of America’s choices—and the deep bond between these two democracies.

Written by Sooyoung Lee, Research and Trade Information Intern at WTC Delaware

Happy Thanksgiving from WTC Delaware

Submit Your Nominations for the Unsung Hero

2025 Recognition Program

Submissions are due by December 31, 2024 


Do you know people who deserve recognition for their hard work serving customers and our port, people who go above and beyond the call of duty?


This is the perfect opportunity to highlight these exemplary employees, co-workers and colleagues by nominating them for Unsung Hero recognition. 


Please email first and last names, job titles and company names for up to three nominees per member company to hero@maritimedelriv.com to be profiled in The Beacon.


The rules are simple: Unsung Hero nominees must be Maritime Exchange members and nominated by Maritime Exchange members. Past recipients of industry awards are not eligible.


All submissions are due by December 31. Don’t miss the chance to honor an extraordinary member of our community!


See the recipients of our recent Unsung Hero Awards here.


Questions? Contact hero@maritimedelriv.com.

TRADE LEADS & TENDERS

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.


  • EL SALVADOR: Medical Equipment
  • ESTONIA: Biomethane Production Plant
  • JORDAN: Water Utility Management
  • KAZAKHSTAN: Wastewater Treatment Plant
  • KOSOVO: Energy Efficiency & Wastewater Treatment Plant
  • SERBIA: Energy Efficient Logistics Center
  • TUNISIA: Water Transfer Network


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

December 9, 2024

Unveiling the 2024-25 Edition of International Delaware™, WTC Delaware, New Castle, DE


January 30, 2024

WTC Delaware & Lipaworld Mixer: Redefining Remittances for the African Diaspora, University & Whist Club, Wilmington, DE



February 19, 2025

Seventh Annual Tastes of Chocolate and Beer from Around the World, Midnight Oil Brewing, Pencader, DE


April 6-9, 2025

2025 WTCA Global Business Forum, Marseilles, France



PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Mutombo Coffee is a socially conscious company focused on promoting sustainable, quality coffee while supporting the local communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Founded by former NBA star Dikembe Mutombo, the company is deeply committed to ethically sourcing coffee beans and positively impacting the DRC, particularly in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.


A portion of proceeds from sales generated by WTC Delaware's link are donated to our internship program.

mutombocoffee.com/?ref=world_trade_center_delaware


Place your order by scanning the QR code or clicking the link above.

TRUSTED PARTNERS
PARTNER EVENTS

December 3-4

Canada: North American Neighbors 2024 Virtual Trade Event (VTE)


December 4-5

Export Compliance Roadshow, Charlotte, NC; NC World Trade Association


December 9-13

Export Delaware Business Trip to Milano, Italy; Export Delaware


March 2-8, 2025

GDEI Trade Mission to India (Bengaluru), Singapore, and Hong Kong; U.S. International Trade Commission


March 17-21, 2025

Southeast Europe Energy Transition & Security: Business Development Trade Mission, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia; U.S. Commercial Service


March 19-23, 2025

Genomic & Genetic Technologies Trade Mission, Greece, Türkiey and Italy; U.S. International Trade Commission


April 3-11, 2025

Trade Winds: The Americas, Brazil (April 9), Colombia and/or Uruguay (April 3-4) and Argentina and/or Chile; U.S. Commercial Service


April 29-30, 2025

EXIM 2025 Annual Conference, Washington, D.C.

MEMBER BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT

Join us on international trips to trade fairs, embassies and partner agency events. These events offer opportunities to network, showcase your business, and connect with key global stakeholders. Expand your global presence and gain valuable insights by traveling with us!

INTERNATIONAL JOB POSTS

See the latest 300 job opportunities posted on DevelopmentAid.

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.

World Trade Center Delaware

42 Reads Way, Suite B

New Castle, DE 19720

ph: 302-656-7905

info@wtcde.org

www.wtcde.org

Copyright © 2024. All Rights Reserved.