Event Blog

(Click 'Read More' below for photos of the event)

WORLD TRADE CENTER San Diego, in partnership with the Port of San Diego, hosted a 9/11 Commemoration event on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier.  The theme was peace, prosperity, and diversity through trade. The free public event took place from 2:00-7:00pm and featured various international business displays, first responder vehicles, and a symbolic Commemoration Walk to honor those lost and affected by the tragedy.

The public enjoyed a performance by the San Diego Master Chorale who opened the ceremony, followed by VIP Speakers that included WTCSD President / CEO, Bella Heule; San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts; Port Commissioner Bob Nelson; San Diego Airport Board Chair Robert Gleason; and Mark Ballam, Director, San Diego State University CIBER, who was presented the Essence of World Trade Award.

Two beautiful guitars, donated by Taylor Guitars, were given to winners of the opportunity drawing.

Halfway through the event, San Diego County was crippled by a power outage that affected a three-state area.  But WTCSD powered through with an energetic and exciting performance by the renowned group, Jefferson Starship.

    WTCSD President / CEO Bella Heule                     Jefferson Starship Performs                                          

   USBP Honor Guard on Commemoration Walk                County Supervisor Ron Roberts leads walkers
                                                                                           (3rd from left)    

  Chris Graham, Ross Lopez, Essence Award recipient                    San Diego Master Chorale
  Mark Ballam, Robert Gleason, Bob Nelson
  

                                    Crowd enjoying the speakers and the concert!    

18 delegates from Binzhou, China visited WTCSD on August 11, 2011. As an economy on the rise, the delegates of Binzhou were interested in how to build a sustainable marine economy and the environmental protections necessary for the Bohai Bay.

Miguel Reyes, Senior Maritime Trade Account Manager, and Michelle White, Senior Environmental Specialist of the Unified Port of San Diego, gave an overview of the Port, including possible import and export opportunities, as well as information about the environmental programs in San Diego and how they are applied by the Port and the community.

Following the Port presentation, the delegation learned about the capabilities of the World Trade Centers Association.

Binzhou is located in the northern Shandong Province; north-west of Shanghai and south-east of Beijing.

Room for Growth in the Chinese Health Industry

Wednesday, June 29, 2011 by WTCSD Staff Writer, Mark Ehredt

WTCSD International Relations Office hosted the Meishan Island Investment & Development Delegation with more than 40 in attendance.  A Chinese lunch was served and David Graham, a representative of the Mayor’s office, David Graham welcomed WTCSD members, potential investors, and representatives of the Meishan Free Trade Port Zone to San Diego and the WTCSD. The Meishan Island Presentation was given by Mr. Jingguo Shi, the project leader, who pointed out important facts about the current and future development of Meishan Island such as its almost 8 square kilometers of unique land development advantages and high investment values.  Mr. Ding Yu of Ningbo Health Group gave the final presentation, explaining the potential growth possibilities within China.  For example, Mr. Yu stated the United States health industry is more than 10% of GDP, whereas China’s health industry is just over 4% leaving plenty of room for growth by comparison.  The guests lingered for more than an hour after the event was scheduled to end and many new relationships were begun.

“The Proverbial Widget Has Changed.”

Friday May, 6 2011 by WTCSD Staff Writer, Crystal Harris

WORLD TRADE CENTER San Diego hosted industry leaders to discuss one of the most important issues facing companies today: What does being “green” mean and how can it help a company sustain a competitive advantage? The symposium not only provided insight to companies on how they could move towards a greener future, but also discussed government and industry initiatives related to carbon footprint accounting and reporting.

Dr. Simon Croom, Professor and Executive Director, Supply Chain Institute of the University of San Diego, gave opening remarks at the symposium and introduced Douglas Sander, Partner, Baker & McKenzie LLP, who covered the international aspects of green supply chain. How does a supply chain go green if it is linked to companies in countries all over the world? Sanders stated, “The proverbial widget has changed.”  Matt Clouse, Director of Renewable Energy Policy & Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, discussed U.S. policies and government initiatives, the GHG Reporting Program, and voluntary programs such as Climate Leaders.

The keynote speaker for the day was Cathy Rodgers, Vice President of Global Opportunities & Business Development for IBM Global Services, who talked about the importance of a green supply chain not only for the current industries, but also for future generations who will receive the benefits from a changing supply chain. Rodgers said, “Change is not about what we do, but rather everything we don’t that makes a difference.” 

To read more about the symposium and the speakers, please see:
Global Supply Chain Symposium Article by Crystal Harris.pdf

Last night IRO representatives greeted eleven delegates from the Korean National Assembly as they arrived in San Diego.  The group will be hosted by Qualcomm for three days, where they will be attending an IT policy conference focused on enhancement of their understanding of  business models, technology and products.

IRO escorted the Consul General and Vice Consul of Turkey to the gate at the San Diego International Airport to greet the State Minister of Turkey and a delegation of 11 members. The delegation was most interested in touring the California/Mexico border to learn how Customs and Border Protection procedures are conducted and what new plans are in the works. The IRO facilitated arrangements for the  State Minister’s first visit to the city of San Diego.

Please click on the Facebook link below to see the photos taken at the airport.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/World-Trade-Center-San-Diego/151127081568534

By: Yelena Zaozernaya

A group of ambitious MBA students from Ajou University in Seoul, South Korea, visited WTCSD to familiarize themselves with the organization. Our new Korean speaking intern, Justin Lee, gave an overview of what WTCSD does, introduced its main functions and spoke about the extensive internship program. There was strong interest in learning how the organization is funded, how WTC differ from country to country or from city to city as far as the WTC ownership, license and service fees are concerned. Students were surprised to learn that all WTCs are not uniform around the world and provide a whole range of services. We thank them for their interest in our organization and look forward to greeting future businessleaders!

By Anna Filippova

On Thursday, January 13^th the Los Angeles Austrian Consul General, Karin Proidl and Trade Commissioner, Rudolf Thaler visited WTC offices.  The Austrian consulate’s focus is IT communication, aerospace and aviation industries, and solar energy. The WTC  looks forward to working with the Austrian Consulate and furthering European trade.

On Thursday, January 6^th a delegation from the coastal city of Shenzhen visited WTCSD to discuss budding industry within the technology sector. The four delegates from Shenzhen represented the LED Association and discussion was centered around expanding their LED industry to North America and parts of Mexico. The main topic of discussion was deciphering whether an investment in North America would be feasible. LED is a lucrative industry in Shenzhen with 1,000 companies and a total output of $7 billion. Their goal by 2015 is to have a total output of $30 billion. Shenzhen’s goal seems well within reach due to its economic success in recent years.  In 1980, Shenzhen was designated as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and was the first SEZ  to accept foreign investment. The city also boasts one of the highest minimum wages in China, and has the country’s largest per capita GDP at $13,581(2009).To view pictures of discussion go to http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/World-Trade-Center-San-Diego/151127081568534. For more information regarding Shenzehn’s LED industry, visit www.szledia.org.

By Sabrina Sands

Cross Cultural Business Communications: Germany

11/4/10

Today at the WORLD TRADE CENTER San Diego, we continued our series Cross Cultural Business Communications, with a presentation on doing business in Germany accompanied by a traditional German-style breakfast.

We were joined by guest speakers, Dr. Stephan F. Hollmann, Honorary Consul of Germany and Ms. Peggy Fleming, Executive Director German American Chamber of Commerce.  Natives of Germany, now living and working in the San Diego business region, both came to the WTCSD to discuss business trends in Germany and the many cultural differences that may impact international business between American and German firms.

Germany today is a far different country than that of even just twenty years
ago. Germany ranks as the largest European economy, 5^th largest global economy, with its GDP accounting for over 3.6 trillion (USD). Our speakers today brought valuable information to our attendees, both those currently doing business in Germany, and those here interested in expanding internationally into the German market.

Some of the most important information given to us today is the importance of forming a relationship with your German business partners. To your German counterparts, it is important to them that they form a trusting relationship with you, get to know who you are, and yes, socialize with you. Without trust and a reassurance of a strong relationship, a German firm is likely to shy away from a deal. Take the time, whether it is by phone, e-mail, meetings, or a business trip to Germany, to get to know your German business partners.

Germany has a long standing history that values strong education and the importance of financial stability. The German government, like its citizens, is also very financially conservative. Doing business in Germany requires American firms to go far above just ‘deal making’, instead taking the time to provide not just the building of a relationship as mentioned before, but knowing the ins and outs of your product or service, and proving your product’s stability and success potential in Germany.

For those interested in beginning research on business in Germany, there are many resources here in San Diego, as well as abroad in Germany. The first great resource to San Diego businesses is the German American Chamber of Commerce. This international chamber of commerce can connect you to all the resources and information that will help begin an international venture.  Also, each of the 16 states in Germany have their own Chamber of Commerce, all of which are open and interested in doing business with The United States. In the recent decade, German firms have shown a great deal of interest in business in The States as opposed to their efforts in China. Listed below is a great link to help you start your research.

We would like to thank both Ms. Fleming and Dr. Hollman for coming to speak here at the WTCSD, and to our sponsors: Quantum Design, WD-40, COMMIT, and The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Our Speakers:

Dr. Hollmann is an Aerospace Executive and Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Southern California. Dr. Hollmann holds an engineering degree from the University Bremen, Germany and a doctorate from California Southern University.

Ms. Fleming has both an American and German Master’s degree in Business Administration. She has worked as a consultant, instructor, and entrepreneur in the U.S. and Germany. Ms. Fleming is the President of the German American Chamber of Commerce California, based here in San Diego, where she leads the Chamber’s Transatlantic Business Program and International Career Program.

German American Chamber of Commerce: http://www.gaccca.com/

Matt Confer
Marketing & Programs Intern
WORLD TRADE CENTER San Diego