The Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) Alliance’s 20th Annual “Bringing the World to Northeastern Pennsylvania” was a great success. On Friday, September 22, 2017, businesses from Northeastern Pennsylvania met with 14 of Pennsylvania’s Authorized Trade Representatives from around the world at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Pocono Manor, PA.
State Senator Mario Scavello, 40th Senatorial District, served as the Luncheon Keynote Speaker and highlighted the opportunities available through the Commonwealth’s Export Assistance Program and the importance and impact of international trade on the region’s economy. Specifically, he noted that Pennsylvania has one of the largest, most comprehensive state-sponsored export development programs in the United States. Through this program, the NEPA Alliance and the PA Department of Community & Economic Development’s Office of International Business Development have helped sustain and/or create more than 1,220 jobs in the NEPA Alliance’s seven-county service area over the past three years.
Twenty-one businesses registered to meet with Pennsylvania’s Trade Representatives from Australia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The overwhelming consensus from participants was very positive. Businesses reported that their meetings were productive and very informative. Some businesses left with new contact information and market leads in hand.
The NEPA Alliance provides a wide range of direct assistance to help businesses take full advantage of the global marketplace through the PA Export Network. For both businesses already involved in export and those just starting out, the NEPA Alliance administers several export promotion programs in Northeastern PA on behalf of the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Office of International Business Development.
Photo caption: Pennsylvania Trade Representatives, businesses and dignitaries at the 2017 “Bringing the World to Northeastern Pennsylvania” event.
