1. World Trade Center Tacoma The State of WTC Tacoma Port of Tacoma – Port Commission 4 March 2010

2. Today’s Discussion WTC Tacoma – Update Outlook for 2010

3. Recent Challenges WTC Tacoma had some difficult years Lost money each year since 2003 Three different Exec Directors in three years (‘07-’09) – plus interim EDs (Board members) in between Falling membership #s Set the stage for 2009…

4. 2009 & International Trade

5. 2009 – Bad year for Trade & Trade Promotion organizations First year since World War II that international trade dropped Several WTCs closed or went on hiatus In NW most Trade organizations shrank Washington State, Port of Seattle cut support for trade promotion Creating vacuum in trade promotion

6. Weathering the storm… Many similar organizations have shipwrecked in past year+. WTC Tacoma survived due to commitment from Port, other funders & a dedicated Board of Directors

7. Despite it all, a breakthrough year

8. WTCTA – Expanding in a Contracting Market 2009 was a solid year for WTC Tacoma First time WTC hasn’t lost $ since 2003 Reduced costs. Found trade-outs. Staff revamp. Increased paid membership Sponsorship & event income held steady

9. Talented, versatile (but small) team Staff revamp – hiring brilliant people (with exception of ED…) New Executive Director – March 2009 Reorg. Hired a new Member & Trade Services Manager Annie (Zhou) Molina, Feb 2010 Part-time contractors – Mike Fowler (Fuzhou), Louise Tieman (eventually corp devel & Finance) Retained Events Coordinator (Mariam Anderson)

10. Membership & Sponsorship More than doubled paid membership in ‘09 Trend is looking even better for 2010 New sponsors outweighing sponsorship declines from bad economy. Growing 2010 New sponsor examples American Container Homes Versacold

11. Recent & Future Strategies Become High Profile Organization – Thought leadership on increasing trade Media outreach News & Op/Eds Public outreach Speaker circuit

12. Consolidation - Fuzhou Fuzhou program merger January 2010 Whole clearly greater than sum of parts Generate new participants Diversify funding – gain-sharing contracts

13. New WTCTA business strategies Deepen & Broaden geographically Seek more potential mergers/partners New funding sources Federal New fields in private sector More proactive work to attract inward FDI Tacoma well placed to catch incoming wave…

14. China looking to buy assets – over $2.4 Trillion in reserves

15. Fulfilling mission & work plan Celebrating Trade Annual Globe Awards – June 2 nd Trade Update – Luncheon in Fall Communication: Trade education/seminars Information: Trade research & partnering Delegation: Trade Missions – hosting inbound. Potential outbound

16. Outlook for 2010 Likely continued challenging climate Challenges create opportunities too Leveraging alliances for greater resources Building on solid sponsor & member base Improving basic trade services Working with Fuzhou program to build trade and Chinese FDI in Pierce County Introducing new contract models.

17. Questions? Anthony Hemstad, Executive Director World Trade Center Tacoma 950 Pacific Avenue Suite 310 Tacoma, WA USA (253) 396-1022www.wtcta.org