World Trade Center Tacoma Update Port of Tacoma Commission August 21, 2008

About the World Trade Center Tacoma

There are 316 World Trade Centers around the globe. All World Trade Centers are licensed by the World Trade Center Association. All World Trade Centers must provide certain accommodations for traveling World Trade Center members

About the World Trade Center Tacoma Of the 316 World Trade Centers, only 62 are ‘Certified’ The World Trade Center Tacoma is Washington’s only certified World Trade Center A certified World Trade Center is a select accomplishment, confirming the ability to ‘Grow Trade’

About the World Trade Center Tacoma The mission of the World Trade Center Tacoma is simple: We Grow Trade The Pacific Northwest is our home, and the world is our marketplace.

About the World Trade Center Tacoma 501 (c) (6) Governed by a board of directors Team of 5 Headquartered in Downtown Tacoma Annual budget between $350,000 and $400,000

What’s new with the World Trade Center Tacoma

What’s new with the WTC Tacoma New Executive Director – James McMahan First time WTC Tacoma hires an executive director by contract Retain all duties and responsibilities of a full-time executive director, but by contract rather than employee arrangement Ability to leverage knowledge, connections and resources of my ‘other’ team and staff International Experience Taking Tacoma Global

What’s new with the WTC Tacoma New Work Plan More focused, streamlined Identify what we do best and do it better 4 areas of focus: Celebration Communication Delegations Information

What’s new with the WTC Tacoma Celebrate Tacoma-Pierce County’s status as an international community Globe Awards Washington State International Trade Update Communicate the importance of trade to our area and disseminate opportunities for increased trade Website Newsletter Other events (breakfasts, Importer Be Aware, Export Certification, Protocol Event, etc) Serve as Tacoma-Pierce County’s central point of contact for all international trade delegations coming to Pierce County Host all inbound delegations Research opportunities and organize one targeted outbound mission each year Provide referrals and basic information to individuals and businesses to assist with international trade activities Individualized Trade Research Resource Manual/Partner referrals

What’s new with the WTC Tacoma New Membership Structure Effective January 1, 2009 Create ‘menu’ of sponsorship opportunities Utilize specific sponsorship categories: Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Still retain public sector contracts (Port, City, County)

What’s new with the WTC Tacoma A more streamlined website: Find what you want in 3 clicks or less Reports on events that we attend: Attend events more efficiently and relay the benefit of the events to the WTC Tacoma membership A more responsive and responsible budget: Better accounting for every dollar (raised and spent) according to our organizational values and yearly work plan

What’s the same with the World Trade Center Tacoma

What’s the same with the WTC Tacoma Still a membership based organization Still focused on growing trade in the region Still produce Globe Awards, “Governor’s Lunch”, etc. Still located in downtown Tacoma Still provide trade research Still the WTC Tacoma

Goals of the World Trade Center Tacoma

WTC Tacoma Goals Simple Predictable Effective More than a community organization – the WTC Tacoma should be a good business decision.

Upcoming Events of the World Trade Center Tacoma

Upcoming WTC Tacoma Events September 19 (or 26): Monthly Breakfast - Henry Leibman October 15: Importer Be Aware October 16: Consular Association Reception October 23: WA State International Trade Update – Governor confirmed November TBA: Monthly Breakfast December 12: Polishing Protocol Etiquette Class WTC Tacoma Holiday Social

Questions? World Trade Center Tacoma 950 Pacific Avenue Suite 310 Tacoma, WA USA (253) www.wtcta.org