SAVANNAH, GA, USA - On April 26 through April 29, it was my privilege to represent World Trade Center Savannah in Manila, Philippines at the 46th annual meeting of all the members of the World Trade Centers Association throughout the world. The WTCA General Assembly is held in April every year in a different country and it is the single largest meeting of the association's members. It is a goal of ours to host this prestigious global business meeting in Savannah sometime in the next 3-5 years.

One of the most compelling reason's SEDA invested in the WTCA license was the extensive network of other World Trade Centers, more than 330 around the world. We believed that network and the globally recognized World Trade Center brand would be effective tools in our efforts to help regional businesses grow internationally and to identify more foreign direct investment projects for our region. We made a commitment then to play an active and meaningful role in shaping and advancing the organization in which we have invested and to network among our peers for the greatest possible awareness of Savannah and support of our goals. To that end, we committed to attend the two most important WTCA meetings each year, the General Assembly in April and the Member Seminar held in New York in October.

When I say it is a privilege to represent our organization, I couldn't be more sincere. I have been part of the exploration, then founding and now the operation and growth of our WTC here in Savannah and it's value has been greater than I even imagined. We have helped many regional businesses, economic development authorities and local government in their international development efforts. And we are helping international businesses make connections and explore business opportunities here. At this year's General Assembly, WTC Savannah's own Kathleen Henry, manager of research and trade services, was featured for best practices and professional response to requests from other World Trade Centers through the WTCA's online reciprocity desk. Because of our active participation, consistent presence and professional response, we are building relationships and gaining trust. Already, we have seen the leadership and staff of other World Trade Centers work hard to address our requests and help our WTC Savannah partners.

I am confident the WTC Savannah board and staff will continue to represent our region very professionally on this international stage. If you have any interest in growing your business internationally, I encourage you to contact the WTC Savannah today to discuss ways we can help you.

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