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WTCI 2014 Annual Report - Final Draft 2
- 1. 2014 ANNUAL UPDATE Celebrating25 Years of Connecting Maryland Business to International Opportunities
- 2. 100%INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP REVENUESINCE 2005 WTCIAT 25 INCREASE IN VISITORS 62% Staff members with advanced degrees 87%Membership Retention Last Year 1989 2014 50% 24% 1500+ Attendees at events in 2014 420 International Travel & Intelligence packages sent in 2014 Strategic Brief Subscribers 2600 7000 Visitors FROM 176 COUNTRIES 87% INCREASE in revenue from 2005 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES STATE FUNDING AS % OF REVENUES PROFESSIONAL EXCHANGES EDUCATION 24 Student interns em- ployed in 2014 HIRE! 2005 | 179 Visitors 2014 | 746 Visitors 317%
- 3. 3WTCI Annual Report2014 Deborah Kielty A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT President and Executive Director Twenty five years ago when the World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) first opened its doors, international represented a new opportunity for most companies. Over time, our world got smaller as supply chains and network communications connected the globe. Today, international business is on the radar for most Maryland businesses and represents a significant growth area. Although we live in a global economy, the challenges for international business leaders are real, including increased competition and a constantly changing international business landscape. It is for this reason that organizations like WTCI are more important than ever. Through the services and connections WTCI offers, we have been able to help countless companies enter and excel in international markets and grow their businesses. I have had the privilege of leading WTCI for more than half of its existence, and in that time many things have changed. However, our core mission of educating and connecting Maryland to the world has never faltered. Reflecting on 25 years of service to the region’s international community grants us the perfect opportunity to thankWTCI’s many stakeholders. It is only with the help and support of our founders, board of directors, members, premier partners, interns, and staff - both past and present, that we are able to be successful. As I look to the future, I am energized by the challenges and opportunities before us. We have new ideas and initiatives in the pipeline that will provide new value to our members to help them compete in the constantly changing international marketplace. WTCI will continue to build on core values that have guided us for the last 25 years, while embracing the changes necessary to remain the region’s largest and most dynamic international business network. Here’s to another 25 years of Maryland international business growth and successful global partnerships! Deb Kielty | Executive Director, World Trade Center Institute
- 4. Twenty five yearsago Harold Adams and William Donald Schaefer had a vision to help put Maryland businesses on the international map. Maryland was a state in transition and it needed an organization to help area business leaders capitalize on international trade opportunities. Governor Schaefer looked to inject new energy into the State’s international programs and came to the conclusion that a public- private partnership would be the most effective route. Drawing inspiration from a visit to the World Trade Center Institute in Taiwan where Schaefer told Harold Adams“I want one”, the World Trade Center Institute in Baltimore was born. TheinitialgoalsofWTCIweretoincreasetheinternationalcompetenceofMaryland’s businesses and citizens, promote international trade, develop commercial relationships through the on-going and future Sister State and Sister City programs, and to foster internationalism in school curricula. After a decade, it became clear that WTCI’s operating model needed to be addressed. Public funding was not a guarantee, and if WTCI was going to survive, it would have to do so by providing additional value to the private sector. WTCI would need to re-examine its scope and focus on delivering more value to businesses. In the ensuing years, WTCI launched several international business series, networking events, and a range of valuable international business services. WTCI’s new programs helped triple WTCI memberships, double event attendance, and expand services across Maryland. Today WTCI is the largest international business 25 Celebrating Years of International Business
- 5. 5WTCI Annual Report2014 “My company was able to expand in over 30 countries thanks to the networking opportunities and personal introductions the WTCI Baltimore has given my team over the years.” - Tom Jarboe President Kieyos networking organization in the Mid-Atlantic region. Most of our events are now at capacity and the growth in event sponsorship and record membership renewals is a testament to the value WTCI is providing the business community. Our Professional Exchanges Program has grown from hosting fewer than 200 international visitors in 1999 to over 750 visitors this past year. We have added popular new services such as the Country and Travel Intelligence Package and Daily Global Intelligence Briefs, and forged new partnerships with organizations such as the World Bank, U.S. Global Ties, USAID and the U.S. Department of State. The future for WTCI looks bright with new member service offerings and events on the horizon. In the challenging economic environment in which we find ourselves, we know that the success of our organization is built on serving our members with excellence. We look forward to the future of working with regional companies doing international business and to the challenge of always looking for new ways to bring value to our members.
- 6. LET WTCI CONNECT YOUWith a wide range of services, we have everything you need to take your business to the next level. International Network Connections: The core of WTCI’s mission is to make international connections. Whether you need an introduction to a potential client at an event or would like to meet with an embassy diplomat, WTCI can help you make key connections that help your business grow. We have worked with thousands of regional businesses, embassies, governments, and universities throughout the region. World Bank Procurement Opportunities: As the Mid-Atlantic Region Private Sector Liaison Officer (PSLO) for the World Bank, we can help our members take advantage of World Bank opportunities across the globe, or we can put you in touch with one of the 150 other PSLOs located around the world. International Member Services: Everyday more than 2600 of our members receive the Global Intelligence Brief; an in-depth report and analysis of major world events that affect global commerce.When travelling abroad, our members can request a Country andTravel Intelligence Package.This package contains important information about any country in the world including State Department Travel Advisories, currency information, diplomatic contacts, political and economic information and more. If you would like to request a Country Travel and Intelligence Package or Global Intelligence Brief, please contact Julie@wtci.org. Visibility Services: One of most valuable things about WTCI is the strength and breadth of our network. We enjoy highlighting and promoting our members and premier partners because their accomplishments reflect well on our network. Our quarterly “Members on the Move” newsletter and Member Roundtable on our website show the latest news from our members. Our Premier Partners listing can be found on our website and at all of our events. In addition, we look for opportunities to allow our members to share their knowledge and international experiences with our network. For example at Taste of Business in the Gulf Region, Ayers Saint Gross shared their experience working on the Atturaif project in Saudi Arabia.
- 7. 7WTCI Annual Report2014 WTCI EVENTS WTCI’s global events remain one of our most successful means to connect and educate the business community. We are now serving twice the number of attendees as we did eleven years ago and continue to diversify our various program components. Maryland International Business Leadership Awards An event featuring top business executives at Maryland’s largest celebration of international leaders with global reach offering a chance to gain perspective, new insights, and possibilities for your firm. Maryland Women Spanning the Globe A day long leadership conference for women to network and glean insights from other women in global leadership positions. Embassy Night A VIP dinner bringing together key decision makers, high-level executives, and embassy diplomats. This event honors top country and company connections while offering a chance to showcase your company and connect with influential diplomats and regional VIPs. Anniversary Wine Tasting & State of the Ports Our celebratory event highlighting Maryland companies on the move, sampling and learning about fine wines from across the globe, getting the inside scoop on air, sea, and port transportation directly from Maryland’s Secretary of Transportation, and enjoying networking, raffles and more! Member Series Inside Series | Tour one of Maryland’s premier international manufacturers Taste of Business Series | Featuring a specific international market’s food, flavor and fun Presidents’ Series | Featuring an International Leadership Award winners in an intimate international luncheon forum Passport Series | Learn about WTCI’s international connections, services and events
- 8. WTCI’s Professional ExchangesProgram (PEP) helps Maryland build international connections that strengthen global awareness and help build a globally educated community. Past visitors and Maryland resources have fostered engagement much further than a basic dialog. Success stories such as Baltimore based Taharka Brothers’ effort to create a direct trade relationship in Haiti and Tawakkol Karman, a Yemeni Noble Peace Prize awardee who is also an International Visitor Leadership Program alumna, exemplify the importance of exchanges. Another example is that of the rekindled Sister City relationship with Estonia’s city of Viljandi and Cumberland that began when eight Estonian Mayors visited in 2011 to meet with the mayors of Cumberland, Grantsville, Oakland, Salisbury and Rockville. These are just a few examples of how PEP has engaged international affairs and cooperation with peoples of all nations. At WTCI, we continue to build on our distinguished programs including additional initiatives such as the upcoming FulbrightVisiting Scholar enrichment seminar that will take place in March of 2015. The utmost vital engine of WTCI’s Professional Exchanges Program is the dedicated community of volunteers that consist of professional resources and dinner and homestay hosts. These volunteers are a vital part of our efforts to build global collaborations. Their openness to share and willingness to learn is respected and treasured and allows international visitors to return to their home PROFESSIONAL EXCHANGES PROGRAM
- 9. 9WTCI Annual Report2014 This was an extremely valuable experience for us as an agency and serves to broaden our perspectives and enriches our professional expertise. I sincerely request that you continue to facilitate the connection of our agency with the foreign delegations that participate in this program. “ ”- Sergeant Chad Garnes, Montgomery County Police, Hosted Delegation from Bangladesh, September 2014 countries with best practices and best memories to share. The visitors often become a catalyst for strengthening and developing change in their organizations, businesses, or governments. As we celebrate WTCI’s 25 years, we would like to recognize the contributions of thousands of Maryland citizen diplomats who shared a meal or a discussion! If you would like to learn how to get involved with WTCI’s Professional Exchange Program, reach out to Janine Branch, T: (410) 576-0022 ext. 108, or Janine@wtci.org .
- 10. Harold Adams |President, HLA LLC Dominick Murray | Secretary, MD Dept of Bus & Economic Dev Wil Sirota | Partner, Duane Morris John Graham | Managing Director, Sullivan Cove Consultants James Albrecht | Group VP, McCormick (RET) John Belcher | Chairman & CEO, System Enterprise Solutions Peter Bowe | President, Ellicott Dredges, LLC Mitch Butta | Director ES, Int’l Operations, Northrop Grumman Daniel Canzoniero | President & Owner, GAMSE Lithography Carol Dalton | Senior VP National Division, M&T Bank Augusto Failde | Principal, MOOCs University Bob Ferguson | VP & General Manager, BD Diagnostic Systems Jerry Garland | Senior VP, TESSCO Technologies Earl (Buddy) Hance | Secretary, MD Department of Agriculture Kelly Hardy | Partner, DLA Piper William“Brit”Kirwan | Chancellor, University System of MD Leslie Mancuso | CEO, Jhpiego Sanjeev Mathur | Senior Director of Fin. Planning, Under Armour Brant Matthews | VP Global Strategic Procurement, McCormick Scott Menzies | President, The Terminal Corporation Cleaveland Miller | Principal, Semmes, Bowen & Semmes P.C. Steve Phillips | President & CEO, Phillips Foods Marc Pritchard | Global Marketing Officer, Procter & Gamble Henry Rosenberg | Chairman, Rosemore Inc. Todd Ruppert | Founder & CEO, RUPPERT International Jeffrey Samet | Managing Director, Cassidy Turley Robert Sapitowicz | VP, Strategy & BD, Rockwell Collins Jim Smith | Secretary, MD Department of Transportation Joe Thomson | Owner, Winbak Farm Sylvia Toense | VP, Global Investment Marketing, T. Rowe Price Jim Wheeler | President, Ayers Saint Gross Ex Officio Martin O’Malley | Governor, State of Maryland James White | Executive Director, Maryland Port Administration WTCI BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- 11. 11WTCI Annual Report2014 “Our company, United World Technologies, is three and a half years old and during this time we have received amazing support from WTCI staff even when we were not members of the organization. We were introduced to new potential companies, partners, updates on upcoming events, promotion of our services. This support was invaluable to our new company. We feel that we always have loyal support at WTCI.” Paula Kipperman COO United World Technologies, LLC We have had an incredible experience working with the WTCI team and especially Deb Kielty, who is a valued member of Jhpiego’s Board of Advisors. Knowledgeable, driven, dedicated, and visionary are just a few of the adjectives that come to mind when I think about the WTCI team. Leslie Mancuso President and CEO “ ” “The Maryland Port Administration has worked very closely with the World Trade Center Institute on programs including the State of the Ports and Embassy Day. Our collaborative working relationship over the years has been extremely beneficial in helping to develop international business opportunities as well as opportunities to sustain and grow jobs. We look forward to a continued productive partnership with WTCI!” James J. White Executive Director Maryland Port Administration See what our members are saying about WTCI 25 YEARS OF POSITIVE INFLUENCES TO LEADERS IN THE REGION
- 12. “The World TradeCenter Institute has been an ongoing source of business intelligence, superior networking opportunities and forward thinking ideas on how to grow a business in the global arena. Well run organization of inspired individuals who care about the members and the mission.” Robert Sapitowicz Vice President / Strategy and Business Development The WTCI has been the premier in- ternational organization in Mary- land and the Mid-Atlantic for more than two decades. As a strong partner with DBED, the WTCI plays a critical role in nurturing and pro- moting Maryland's global presence with numerous programs and ac- tivities that strengthen Maryland's business community. Robert L. Walker Deputy Secretary “Working with the professional staff at WTCI has provided me and the membership of the Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber with introductions to leaders and business owners from across the globe. Whether talking to a trade mission from Russia, a delegation from Kazakhstan, Serbia, or elsewhere in the world, WTCI has broadened my perspective, expanded my understanding of people groups and cultures and provided linkages that I would have never had otherwise.” H. Walter Townshend President & CEO “T. Rowe Price has been an active partner with WTCI for many years. One specific event that I am especially proud of is our Women’s Roundtable sponsorship of theWTCIWomen’s Global Leadership event. It was so energizing to see over 300 women together in one location learning and sharing on the topic of global business. We send a few women each year and they develop great new contacts, learn a lot and have some fun too. WTCI has done an outstanding job of increasing the quality of the event each year – very impressive!” Sylvia Toense Vice President, Head of Global Investment Services Marketing See what our members are saying about WTCI 25 YEARS OF POSITIVE INFLUENCES TO LEADERS IN THE REGION
- 13. 13WTCI Annual Report2014 Premier Partners We have a diverse member base ranging from small to large corporations with new members constantly joining our network WTCIwasquitehelpfultousinnumerouswaysaswebuiltoutofT.RowePrice’sglobalfootprint.Imade important contacts at the Embassy Nights over the years that assisted us in specific countries. The leadershipandstaffatWTCIareabsolutelyfirstrate.Theyarealsocustomercentricandknowledgeable. - Todd Ruppert | CEO RUPPERT International ” “ 2014 | New Members Beacon Environmental Citi AZ Promo Association of Maryland Pilots BBVA Compass Euler Hermes Purolator Mondragon Lingua HSBC Bank Prometric Fraley & Schilling Days Inn TD Bank HGA Architects FDA Imports Golden Opportunity Learning Home Health Connection Under Armour United World Technologies University Center Department of Economic Development SMARTmontgomery.com WTCI PREMIER & PLATINUM PARTNERS Baltimore-Inner Harbor Your sourcing and procurement department since 1983 BEACON ENVIRONMENTAL SER VICES, INC. HOME HEALTH CONNECTION, INC.
- 14. Deborah Kielty -President and Executive Director Deb celebrated her 13th anniversary at WTCI this year, following a 20 year career at P&G where she traveled to 50+ countries. As Vice Chair of the P&G Alumni Network she chairs the Grants Committee connecting 35,000+ P&G Alumni members across the globe. With degrees from Thunderbird and U.C. Santa Barbara, Deb speaks several languages and serves on the boards of Maryland Families with Children from China, Jhpiego Advisory Council, Christ Church Foundation and others. Deb has two girls ages 12 and 15. Julie Graham - Sr. Director, Operations and Client Services Julie Graham joined WTCI in May 2004 and is responsible for operations and client services in addition to being the Private Sector Liaison Officer for the World Bank. Julie holds her MBA from the University of Baltimore and her B.S. in Business Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas. As a native of France, Julie speaks fluent French as well as some Spanish, and has traveled extensively through Europe. Julie is the proud mother of a two year old boy. Eddie Resende - Sr. Director, Strategic Planning & Business Development Eddie joined WTCI in May 2007 with prior experience from TESSCO Technologies. Eddie was born in Brazil and is fluent in Portuguese. He obtained a BS degree in Business Administration from Towson University. Eddie is an avid soccer fan and was awarded an All-American title from Essex Community College. In addition, he enjoys reading books, traveling and cooking. Nina Bankova - Director, Professional Exchanges, Strategy and Business Development Nina joined WTCI in 2006 after earning her BS in Economics from Towson University. She recently received her MS in Applied Economics from Johns Hopkins University. Nina likes to volunteer her time for community and international causes and also teaches Economics at Towson University. She enjoys skiing and traveling. WE ARE WTCI
- 15. 15WTCI Annual Report2014 Daniel Pangaribuan - Director, Finance and IT Daniel joined WTCI in 2007 with previous experience at Dun & Bradstreet. Daniel graduated from Trisakti University in Indonesia and received an MBA in Finance from the University of New Haven-Connecticut. Daniel has participated in ‘Bike-to-Work’ community in Jakarta with its mission to reduce air-pollution. In 2012, he and his wife cofounded CLEF; an organization that helps introduce young musicians to volunteering by sharing their musical talent at senior centers around Baltimore City/County. Janine Branch - Manager, Professional Exchanges Program and Program Development Janine joined WTCI in 2009 while finishing up her BS in International Business from Towson University. Currently Janine is pursuing her MS in Global Affairs and Human Security at the University of Baltimore, and is an active mentor to three students at Towson University where she enjoys giving career advice and helping students achieve their professional goals. Lydia Yodie - Assistant Manager, Business Development & Sales Lydia joined WTCI just over a year ago and received her BA in Communications from Towson University in 2012. Her past experience includes Business Development & Marketing within the Architectural Industry, Radio Broadcasting, Conference Coordination for Women in Higher Education, and various types of volunteer work for children and families in need. She enjoys spending her free time with her close friends and family, exploring new restaurants, and taking in the many different attractions Baltimore has to offer. Wally Pinkard - Manager, Marketing and Event Planning Wally joined WTCI in 2011 and has a BA from Tufts in Boston and an MBA from the University of Baltimore. He also serves on the Marketing Committee for Blue Water Baltimore, theTransit Choices Bike Committee, and is a Weekend Mentor for Bridges, an enrichment program for Baltimore youth. Wally lives in Mt. Washington with his Wife Jillian, his 3 month old daughter Roxy, and his Pitbull mix Thumper. Quinn Stewart - Assistant Manager, Marketing and Event Planning A former intern of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Quinn joined the Marketing and Event Planning team this past August. Quinn received her BA in International Studies from Towson University where she minored in Japanese. She spent 6 months studying abroad in Osaka, Japan and is working towards fluency in the Japanese, Korean, and Chinese languages.
- 16. 401 East PrattStreet, Suite 232 | Baltimore, Maryland 21202 | 410.576.0022 | FAX 410.576.0751 | WWW.WTCI.ORG