WTC Winnipeg & WTCGP Deepen Cross-Border Links

In mid-November, World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia President & CEO, Thomas Young, and Chief External Affairs Officer, Tom Levy, traveled to Winnipeg to meet with World Trade Centre Winnipeg’s team, deepening the growing relationship between our two regions and exploring opportunities ahead of the 2026 WTCA GBF, to be held April 19-22 in Philadelphia.

Over two days of meetings, tours, and roundtable discussions, WTCGP connected with leaders across Manitoba’s manufacturing, agriculture, life sciences, logistics, technology, and economic development communities. The visit reinforced what both regions already know: Philadelphia and Winnipeg share real synergies, and there is significant potential for bilateral trade and collaboration.’

Representatives from Bioscience Association Manitoba, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, CentrePort Canada, Manitoba Environmental Industries Association, Supply Chain Manitoba, and others shared perspectives on shared challenges, emerging opportunities, and the importance of creating continuity between the two regions. Many noted that participation in GBF creates meaningful follow-through, giving businesses the chance to reconnect with partners they met the year before. Every attending partner that Winnipeg brought to the 2025 GBF in Marseilles has expressed interest in attending the 2026 event in Philadelphia, further endorsing the value of attending.

Government engagement helped reinforce the momentum of the visit. In meetings with Deputy Mayor Markus Chambers and Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Jamie Moses, both sides talked openly about where the regions naturally align and how they can build long-term connections. Thomas Young emphasized the shared strengths across manufacturing, life sciences, agriculture, logistics, and technology, and noted that Philadelphia chose Winnipeg as its only Canadian stop because of the strong relationship between the two World Trade Centers.

Minister Moses underscored the value of these conversations, reminding the group that “when you make a business investment, you invest in people.” Deputy Mayor Chambers echoed the sentiment, expressing interest in continuing the collaboration and finding practical ways for both regions to move forward together.

The visit also included an in-depth look at CentrePort Canada, where its strategic position as a trimodal inland port and the new rail park development demonstrated how significantly the region is expanding its logistics capacity. The tour of Fort Garry Fire Trucks offered an inside look at Winnipeg’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, including fire trucks shipped across the world—with some even making their way to Pennsylvania.

Across every meeting and conversation, the themes stayed consistent: shared strengths, aligned sectors, strong leadership, and a network that opens doors across 300+ cities worldwide. As Tom Levy put it, “ Joining our network is like opening 300 doors across the globe.”

The visit concluded with a clear sense of purpose. Both WTCs recognize the value of strengthening these ties and the opportunity ahead with the Global Business Forum. With Philadelphia hosting GBF in April 2026, WTCGP looks forward to welcoming Winnipeg’s business community and continuing to build a partnership rooted in real trade potential and global opportunity.