We are kick-starting our organization's 25th anniversary year! To our members, stakeholders and partners, we cannot thank you enough for your support. Later this year, we will host an Anniversary Gala. Let's celebrate an amazing 25 years together!

Impact of the PA Budget Impasse

As you have most likely heard, Pennsylvania has not yet passed a full State budget. Approximately half of our funding comes from our contract with the State's Office of International Business Development. As a result of this budget impasse, we don't expect to be reimbursed for our services until this spring.

Looking towards the next fiscal year 2016-2017, Governor Wolf will give his budget address in February. Our collective voices need to be heard to ensure that the State's free export assistance program is sustained.

Here are ways you could help:

1) Speak or write to your local legislators if your company or client was positively impacted by the program.

2) Prove to your legislators how important this program is by completing the annual export survey. The survey only truly "counts" if sales figures are reported (will be used confidentially & in aggregate form). Click here for survey.

3) If you are not currently a World Trade Center member and you are able to afford membership, please consider joining our organization. Membership for manufacturers is only $250 for the year; service providers begins at $325.

Click here for more details.

Cancelled: "Bringing the World to YOU!", but PA's Trade Offices are Open & Ready to Assist

The "Bringing the World to YOU!" event, part of PA's International Week, which was postponed from October 2015 to February 2016 is now cancelled due to the PA budget impasse.

We are hoping that it will be reinstated for fiscal year 2016-2017 and will be held in September or October.

In the meantime, if you would like to connect with any of PA's overseas trade offices, do not hesitate to contact us. We will gladly set up a Skype call for you with the offices of your choice. Thank you for your understanding.

Participating at Hannover Messe

Date: April 25-29, 2016

Location: Hannover, Germany

Participation Fee: U.S. Pavilion starting at $7,560

The United States is the Partner Country for Hannover Messe 2016, the world's leading trade fair for industrial technology. President Obama has also confirmed his attendance at the show.

As the Partner Country, the show will create unmatched international exposure for U.S. companies participating as exhibitors in the U.S. Pavilions, as well as additional value-added services offered by the U.S. Commercial Service at no cost, including Executive Market Counseling, International Partner Promotion, Guided Booth Tours, and Complimentary Advertising. The next webinar will be held on January 20. Click here.

More Information:

Kennia Somerville, Commercial Officer, U.S. Export Assistance Center in Philadelphia

Tel: 215-597-6128 | Email: Kennia.Somerville@trade.gov

GAP Grant Continues to be Available

Qualified companies can receive up to $3,500 in reimbursement per federal fiscal year for eligible activities such as international sales trips and trade shows, US Commercial Services products, and translation. If you are interested, please email us for the new guidelines and application.

New Steamship Service at the Port of Philadelphia

The Port of Philadelphia announced the start of a new ocean service connecting Philadelphia with Mexico. The SL Atlantico will begin operations in January with a weekly container service between Port Veracruz, Port Altamira, and Philadelphia. The transit time between Mexico and Philadelphia will be 6 days.

Country Commercial Guide Website

The U.S. Commercial Service has long been a great resource for market research. They have now made it even easier to access their information through the new Country Commercial Guide website. The guides are written by boots-on-ground trade professionals at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and include the following:

High-demand industry sectors
Market-by-market economic overviews
Selling techniques
Investment climate considerations
Trade financing options
Business travel advice and resources
Click here to view the guides.

Upcoming Events

Doing Business in China (Tax Implications)

January 21 -- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm -- Webinar Only (updated)

Participation is Complimentary

Export Documentation

January 27 -- 8:30 am - 12:30 pm -- York, PA

$70 WTC Member / $95 Non-Member

Certificate of Origin Training for Chambers of Commerce

January 27 -- 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm -- York, PA

$25 per person

State of the Ports Address

February 9 -- 8:00 am - 10:00 am -- Lancaster, PA

$35 WTC Member / $45 Non-Member

Table of 8: $260 WTC Member / $340 Non-Member