World Trade Center -Atlanta

The WTCA – the world’s largest private trade organization with currently 334 member centers in 99 countries offering a broad range of services for its over 1,200,000 affiliated companies.

The umbrella organization of all World Trade Centers is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. VVe take this opportunity to present to you a brief overview of the history, philosophy and tasks of the world's largest private trade organization.

WTCA Mission Statement

The mission of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is to Support the establishment and successful Operation of individual World Trade Centers as part of a worldwide alliance of World Trade Centers, which enhances stability, peace, world trade and development, leading to economic growth.

WTCA History

The WTCA was established in 1970 to facilitate international trade by bringing together exporters, importers and Service providers. The first seeds of the international movement were sown in 1970 when the pioneer World Trade Centers in Houston, New Orleans, New York and Tokyo and a number of World Trade Center enthusiasts first organized a World Trade Centers Association.

The World Trade Centers Association is a non-political association that works across national borders. WTCA membership today includes over 334 WTCs in 99 countries. Over 1,200,000 companies are affiliated with WTCA members Worldwide.

WTCA Objectives

In addition to promoting peace and stability through international trade, the WTCA is founded on the following basic principles: To encourage the expansion of World trade; to promote international business relationships and understanding among nations; to foster increased participation in World trade by industrializing nations; to create and encourage mutual assistance and cooperation among members; and to promote and further the concept of the WTC. This includes creating a central focal point for a region's trade Services and activities, bringing together companies, agencies and Service providers at an international level, and providing know-how and Information throughout the entire World in a timely and coordinated manner.

About World Trade Centers
More than a Company, an organization, or a government agency, a World Trade Center (WTC) brings together those involved in international trade, provides essential trade Services and stimulates the economy of the region it serves. The individual trade organizations support the goals and objectives of the WTCA. A WTC puts all the Services associated with global commerce under one roof. A WTC gives a business prime and continuous access and exposure to all the Services, organizations and individuals essential for success in World trade. "A World Trade Center in anycity is a business shopping center, complementing and supporting the existing Services of private and government agencies," explains World Trade Center Association (WTCA) President, Guy F. Tozzoli.

WTCA Member Services & Facilities

A WTC offers its members and tenants a wide range of facilities and Services, including:

Trade Information & Market Research: WTCs provide up-to-date Information about their respective regions, including local products and Services, market conditions, government regulations and business culture. WTCs furnish detailed profiles of local business contacts, including manufacturers, distributors and Services providers. They also perform market research tailored to specific needs.
WTCA OnLine: The WTCA's website (http://www.wtca.org) is a one-stop trade Information hub for posting and reviewing trade opportunities.
Trade Show Presence: Worldwide regular trade shows and exhibitions that are supported by highly Professional staff and geared to take advantage of the prime location that a WTC provides. WTCs take a leading role in hosting trade-oriented events.
Business Services: WTCs offer state of the art support facilities. This includes video conferencing, Internet access, and flexible arrangements for temporary Office space, meeting rooms, secretarial Services and translation capabilities.
A World Trade Center is a recognizable symbol of locally focused economic strength in World commerce. Anchored by a network of international decision-makers and business leaders, a World Trade Center is bustling hub of export activity.

About the WTC Atlanta.
The World Trade Center Atlanta was founded in 1982 and was located atop the Merchandise Mart in downtown Atlanta. The founders included Sam Ayoub, George Busbee, Bennett Brown, and John Portman. Februrary 22, 1995 The SunTrust Plaza (formerly One Peachtree Center) proudly announced the relocation of The World Trade Center Atlanta's new facility.

Personally designed by John Portman, The World Trade Center Atlanta's new facility occupies 15000 Square feet of meeting space and 60,000 square feet of function space.
"My goal in designing the new facility for The World Trade Center Atlanta was to create a spacious, yet intimate –contemporary, yet classic decor that would speak to the Center's dynamic international business leaders, reflecting the prominent role they play in Atlanta's future"- John Portman.