PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA - 2016 Bringing the World to Pennsylvania and Global Connections Reception Highlight Strength of the Region's Export Network

Pennsylvania Authorized Trade Representatives (ATRs) and World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia trade experts held more than 220 meetings in Greater Philadelphia during the 2016 Bringing the World to Pennsylvania. ​Photo by William Struhs Photography.

World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) organized a two-day series of export advising meetings, Bringing the World to Pennsylvania, on September 20 and 21. In these meetings, 56 Pennsylvania companies, including 22 first-time participants, were advised by 14 Authorized Trade Representatives (ATRs) who support trade in 46 different nations. There were more than 220 separate meetings over the two days, with multiple meetings between ATRs and companies based on the companies' preference for exploring export opportunities. One client noted, "We really enjoyed meeting with several of the knowledgeable ATRs with whom we look forward to working closely to help us expand our exports into some new overseas countries in the near future!"

As a culminating event for Bringing the World to Pennsylvania, WTCGP hosted Global Connections: The Greater Philadelphia International Reception, a networking event for the ATRs and more than 100 business, government and academic leaders celebrating the vitality of international trade and global business in the Greater Philadelphia region. Speakers at the event included Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney; Neil Weaver, Executive Deputy Secretary of the PA Department of Community & Economic Development; and Joe Burke, Deputy Secretary of the PA Office of International Business Development.