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a small group of investors operate this 501(c)(6), not-for-profit economic development <br />entity. It is managed by a for-profit management company which allows them not to have <br />the close funding ties that many of the trade centers have to local government throughout <br />North America. WTCs in any market are the leading entities of international trade. They <br />facilitate growth of import and export. They assist companies and governments to identify <br />and compete for profitable overseas business and a common message is "Peace and Stability <br />Through Trade". The message was pushed by the founder of the WTC, Guy Tozzoli, who <br />in 1962-3 was a project manager for the Port Authority of New York and Governor <br />Rockefeller had appointed him to assist in the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan, Mr. <br />Corley pointed out that 1,100 manufacturers are in Palm Beach County- out of the 18,000 in <br />Florida. Of the 2,500 exporting manufacturers, 139 are in Palm Beach County, or about 5%. <br />In bringing out this information, he indicated that a lot of opportunity is not being put to use. <br />The vision for the WTCPB is to develop international business in PBC and the Treasure <br />Coast and to serve as the lead entity for generating international economic development, <br />jobs, tourism, and educational opportunities. What can be done for businesses in Indian <br />River County is to offer customized market research, help identify the agents, distributors, <br />and partners in foreign markets, and assist in finding capital in foreign markets or assist in <br />joint ventures through trade information by helping nay igate customs issues. They would <br />attract delegations from the Caribbean, Central and South America, and give them a chance <br />to come see what we have to offer. WTC offers educational seminars and classes and has <br />hosted ambassadors from other countries. They instruct on foreign marketing. They are a <br />full-service business consulting entity and will host international trade fairs and exhibitions. <br />They have not vet hosted any in PBC or the Treasure Coast, but we should be hearing a lot <br />in the future about AQUATEC Americas, a water and environmental technologies export <br />initiative led by WTCPB. South Florida is world class for managing these technologies but <br />July 8, 2003 <br />3 <br />jr� f } <br />U <br />