Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead to a Prosperous 2025 | |
Dear Colleagues,
It's hard to believe that 2024 is almost over. This may be a cliché, but time really does fly when you're having fun.
We bid adieu to our intern, Sooyoung Lee, on Dec. 6. You all certainly made her feel welcome, and she hopes to return to Delaware soon. We were glad that our newest intern, Harin Lee (no relation), could overlap with the end of Sooyoung's stay. She has made two trips to Washington. Read her article and enjoy her holiday artwork.
This is the last month of the calendar year. Yet, it marks the start of the newest edition of International Delaware, which this year showcases Delaware's pivotal role as the eastern gateway to the United States. Rob Martinelli, Today Media president and CEO, revealed the magazine cover featuring Kalmar Nyckel's main masts. Transportation has been integral to Delaware's economy since the ship arrived in 1638. Thank you to all our supporters, writers, contributors and advertisers who made this edition possible.
The magazine was included as a supplement to the most recent edition of Delaware Business Times. Please let us know if you want additional copies. You can also refer customers and suppliers to the digital copy at digital-editions.todaymediacustom.com/DBT/wtc-2024/#p=1.
We are planning in-person events, webinars, and travel in 2025. We're starting the year with our Come for the Information and Stay for the Fun event Jan. 30, featuring a presentation from Startup 302 Winner Jonathan Katende, CEO of Lipaworld. This event is free, but registration is required: web.wtcde.org/atlas/events/10007/details.
Our very popular Seventh Annual Tastes of Chocolate and Beer from Around the World will be Feb. 19. Spaces are limited. Registration: web.wtcde.org/atlas/events/9994/details.
See information about upcoming trade missions to France and Brazil in this issue.
Our launch to the U.S.-Africa Business Summit will be May 8. This year, the summit will take place in Angola. Congresswoman and Senator-Elect Lisa Blunt Rochester recently returned from Angola with President Biden and we expect this year's events to be especially timely. Registration information will be available soon.
Everyone at the World Trade Center Delaware joins me to wish you, your families, colleagues and friends the most joyous holiday season and peace and prosperity in the new year 2025.
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Learn more about Port to Port International
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Learn more about Delaware Business Times
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Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership (DEMEP)
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 partners with universities, research institutions, and other organizations to provide customized solutions for manufacturers, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and service companies. DEMEP leads ExporTech, an export training program in Delaware, for which WTC Delaware is a sponsor and mentor. DEMEP offers training in lean manufacturing and quality systems, planning assistance, energy management, technology transfer and innovation. These services have helped numerous Delaware companies improve quality, productivity and profitability. DEMEP has expanded its services to support healthcare, service and government entities, further contributing to the state's economic growth.
Learn more: demep.org
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Delaware Prosperity
Partnership (DPP)
Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP) is Delaware's nonprofit economic development agency, focused on attracting, expanding and retaining businesses in Delaware. DPP supports private employers by fostering a stronger entrepreneurial system and helping companies identify and recruit talent. The agency offers services such as site selection assistance, cost-of-living analysis, and access to funding opportunities, including tax credits and incentives. DPP is committed to four key elements: attracting new businesses, supporting existing employers, promoting innovation, and expanding the state’s talent pool. The organization collaborates with state and local partners to ensure Delaware remains globally competitive, offering resources and support to drive business development and economic growth. Through its targeted efforts, DPP has become a trusted resource for businesses looking to locate or expand in Delaware, bolstering a vibrant economy for new and existing companies.
Learn more: choosedelaware.com
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Come for the Information and Stay for the Fun | |
Happy Holidays from WTC Delaware | |
11th Annual Winternational Embassy Showcase – Dec.5 | |
The 11th Annual Winternational Embassy Showcase was held Dec. 5 in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. More than 50 embassies shared their cultural heritage through interactive exhibits, traditional art and handcrafts. The event highlighted the value of cultural exchange and offered connections with the community.
This year, I worked at the WTC Delaware table with other World Trade Center Association members. The atrium was filled with music, art and examples of global cultures, such as tea from Indonesia, African handcrafts, and colorful booths featuring traditional costumes. The performances and lively interactions among attendees created a vibrant atmosphere.
Being part of the event was a meaningful experience. I assisted guests and introduced WTC Delaware and WTC Association to visitors and embassy representatives. I was impressed by the event’s diversity and unity. People from around the world gathered to connect and celebrate differences. Winternational worked as a symbol of cultural understanding and fostered global harmony.
This experience taught me how these events are bridges between communities, building relationships that help us expand our perspectives of the world and connect to the community. Winternational was a valuable event in my journey.
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Article by: WTC Delaware intern Harin Lee
Photo: Harin Lee at Winternational Embassy Showcase
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Taste of Delaware – Dec. 10, 2024 | |
Taste of Delaware, organized annually by the State Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Senator Chris Coons, gives elected U.S. officials and their staffs a chance to experience Delaware’s rich culinary and cultural heritage. Held Dec. 10, in Washington, D.C., the event showcases vendors with the best of Delaware’s food and drink. Signature items such as the UDairy Creamery ice cream were terrific and highlighted the state’s agricultural bounty and culinary power.
As an intern at the WTC Delaware, I had the valuable opportunity to interact with vendors, guests, U.S. lawmakers and business leaders. The event was more than a culinary showcase, more than a celebration of flavors and a time to network. The Taste of Delaware was a forum for community and collaboration. My conversations with vendors and attendees broadened my perspective and reminded me of the power of food to foster unity and teach about culture and history.
I learned how experiences such as these can broaden perspectives and deepen community appreciation, preserve culture, initiate creativity and encourage opportunities for meaningful exchange. The Taste of Delaware deepened my understanding of Delaware and my connection to the state.
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Article by: WTC Delaware intern Harin Lee
Photo: (top) Harin Lee with Sen. Tom Carper (bottom) Harin Lee with Sen. Chris Coons
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This year, give the gift of life | |
When we think of giving presents, we usually think of those we buy. This year, remember to give the one present that costs nothing, given anonymously to a worthy unknown recipient, yet its value is priceless. Remember to give blood at your local blood bank or mobile collection center. Two area organizations are ready to help you donate whole blood, platelets, or AB Elite Plasma.
Blood Bank of Delmarva delmarvablood.org
American Red Cross - Wilmington Delaware Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center
redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/location/wilmington-delaware-red-cross-blood-and-platelet-donation-center.html
Also, find ways to become a blood stem cell donor or organ or tissue donor. It's easy, through Delaware DMV when you apply for a new driver's license, renew it, or by filling out an online form. Information: services.dmv.de.gov/mydmv.ejs?command=OrganDonorProcessRequest or nmdp.org
Thank you. Have a happy and healthy holiday season and new year.
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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
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The World Bank is an international financial institution that aims to reduce poverty and support sustainable development worldwide. It works with governments, organizations, and the private sector to provide financial and technical assistance for infrastructure, education, healthcare and environmental sustainability. The World Bank helps improve living standards and promotes inclusive economic growth globally.
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January 13, 2025
188th Annual Dinner, Wilmington, DE; Delaware State Chamber of Commerce
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 10, 2025
2nd Annual Minority Health Summit, Wilmington, DE; Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce
April 29-30, 2025
EXIM 2025 Annual Conference, Washington, D.C.
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Take advantage of three complimentary hours of international business consulting. Our experts can help you navigate global markets, devise strategies, and address your unique challenges to expand your business’s international presence.
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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. | |
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