10.07.2013

MAYOR NUTTER TO LEAD TRADE MISSION TO UNITED KINGDOM AND ISRAEL: IS AFRICA IN THE MIX?

Hello All:

Just received the press release below from the Office of the Mayor of Philadelphia, Michael Nutter, and wanted to comment on it, sooner than later.   I think it admirable that the mayor is seeking outside development opportunities for the City of Philadelphia.  It shows that he is not willing to sit idly by and allow things to devolve.  My only concern is this, however:  There should also be a trade mission on the Mayor's part to Africa and to those African countries that are developed and developing.  And it is easily cultivated via the many partnerships already in Philadelphia, as well as via the many missions a the UN.  There are a significant number of African Entrepreneurs who routinely operate between the US, UK, Japan and other areas that could be instrumental in making Philadelphia's port a truly international one, and broaden and strengthen the scope of relationships between one of the leading mayors in the 5th largest city in the United States.  

No aspersions on the individuals with whom Mayor Nutter is in contact with, but I would also respectfully submit the name of Molefi Asante as one with home he should be collaborating for he further expansion of Philadelphia's development.   

Mr. Asante just recently returned from a three month mission to Africa, and can certainly shed some light on what the opportunities and possibilities are.  Additionally, the Leon Sullivan Foundation, under the guidance of former Ambassador Andrew Young, and Ambassador Carlton Masters (which has the OIC Headquarters in Philadelphia), would likewise be excellent conduits through which the Mayor will find ample options for development and expansion of trade and industry.   

Having recently attended the 60th Anniversary of the Africa American Institute, which was attended like wise by several African industrialist and "trillionaires, including basket ball great, Dikembe Mutumbo, I feel certain that there is more than a little interest, and great opportunities for major collaborations between the Mayor and these individuals and their organizations.

I wish him every luck on the Trade Mission, but wish that there will also be included the viable resources from the Continent, as well.

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

 

MAYOR NUTTER TO LEAD TRADE MISSION TO UNITED KINGDOM AND ISRAEL
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Kate Hagedorn
6:00 PM (19 minutes ago)

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City of Philadelphia


    MAYOR'S OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
         
                                                                                                                        Michael A. Nutter, Mayor
                                                                                                                        Mark McDonald, Press Secretary
                                                                                                                        Office: 215-686-6210
                                                                                                                        Cell: 267-303-9248                            
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 


Monday, October 7, 2013                                               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAYOR NUTTER TO LEAD TRADE MISSION TO UNITED KINGDOM AND ISRAEL
Philly mission will meet with companies looking to invest here, assist city companies with trade opportunities
Philadelphia, October 7, 2013 Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced that he will lead a trade mission to the United Kingdom and Israel next month in order to attract investment from international companies in Philadelphia and to assist Philadelphia companies with trade opportunities in these two key marketplaces.  Mayor Nutter will be joined by a number of Philadelphia-area companies on both legs of the mission and will take part in a range of activities to promote Philadelphia and attract international investment.

“My Administration is committed to attracting investment and job creation to Philadelphia, whether from elsewhere in the United States or from around the world, and this trade mission offers many exciting opportunities to meet with businesses looking to invest in our region,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter.  “I want to thank the many partners that are supporting this effort and working each and every day to promote Philadelphia on the global stage.  It is through these relationships that we will attract new international investment, create trade opportunities for Philadelphia businesses, and create new jobs for Philadelphians.”

In the United Kingdom, Mayor Nutter and Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Alan Greenberger will meet with more than 100 UK companies interested in doing business in the Philadelphia region at a reception hosted by UK Minister for Trade and Investment Lord Green.  They will participate in roundtable discussions with industry leaders in energy efficient building and infrastructure investment and will visit Tech City to share best practices on how cities support the growth of startups and entrepreneurs. Mayor Nutter will also attend the World Travel Market, one of the largest tourism and travel expositions in the world. With the Mayor will be Jack Ferguson, CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), and members of his team to meet with tour operators, trade and consumer media, and airline executives to promote Philadelphia.  Mayor Nutter will also have a number of one-to-one meetings with business executives on specific initiatives in Philadelphia and will meet with a range of high-level political leaders. 

“The UK will be thrilled to welcome Mayor Nutter in November, and his visit will highlight the City of Philadelphia's commitment to international trade,” said Danny Lopez, British Consul-General to New York. “The UK and Philadelphia's historical ties reach back to William Penn, and today we enjoy strong collaboration in many sectors, including clean technology, financial services, engineering, and life sciences. Mayor Nutter's visit will serve as a catalyst for the next phase of our business partnerships and shared investments.”

While in Israel, Mayor Nutter will be hosted by the City of Tel Aviv, a sister city of Philadelphia since 1996, and will participate in a range of activities to highlight the importance of this relationship.  He will meet with Israeli companies looking to invest in North America, including a range of Israeli venture capitalists looking for investments and American cities that are suitable for portfolio companies looking to expand into the United States.  Accompanied by a number of Philadelphia leaders, Mayor Nutter will attend the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly in Jerusalem and visit key historic and cultural sites of importance to the Jewish community.  Finally, Mayor Nutter will be joined by Drexel President John Fry and Dr. Steven Altschuler, CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, as they announce an exciting new research partnership with Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

“At no other point in recent history have so many business people in Philadelphia and in Israel had the opportunity to come together as one in the interest of advancing our mutual economic interests,” said Yaron Sideman, Consul General of Israel to the Mid-Atlantic Region.  “This trade mission, led by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, contributes greatly to a momentum which we all must seize upon in order to explore business and investment opportunities and to create lasting partnerships.  Both Israel and Philadelphia are in the forefront of world technology in complementary sectors. I am extremely encouraged by the opportunities this visit offers to expand business ties, create new jobs and generate new ideas that will self-perpetuate the economic partnership between Israel and Philadelphia for many years to come.”

Joining Mayor Nutter on the trade mission will be a range of Philadelphia companies from sectors including technology, clean energy, green building, manufacturing, venture capital, and biotech that are pursuing specific trade objectives in either the United Kingdom or Israel.  They will be provided with a tailored program ,including meetings with business leaders and potential customers, in-country briefings, and connections with industry experts.  A full list of businesses will be published closer to the departure date but companies signed up to participate include Aberdeen Asset Management, the Mark Group, Artisan Mobile, and Derbyshire Machinery and Tool Co.

This trade mission was made possible by the support of a number of partners including the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, UK Trade and Investment, the Consulate-General of Israel, Select Greater Philadelphia, the International Visitors Council, the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, Drexel University, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the Philadelphia-Israel Chamber of Commerce, US Airways, British Airways, the United States Commercial Service, PHLCVB, Philadelphia International Airport, The Mark Group, Aberdeen Asset Management, London and Partners, the British American Business Council, the Honorary British Consul, and Greenberg Traurig.  All businesses and organizations will cover their own travel and accommodation costs.  Costs for City of Philadelphia officials will be covered by Select Greater Philadelphia.

The trade mission will arrive in London on November 2, 2013, departing for Tel Aviv on November 6, 2013, arriving back in Philadelphia November 12, 2013.  A full itinerary will be published closer to the departure date.
 
As stated earlier, Mayor Nutter is definitely on the right track pursuing outside options for the expansion of Philadelphia; however, it would also be a positive sign to include a trip to Africa in that mission, or set up a subsequent one with the resident and international experts he has already residing in his city, ready, willing and able to provide him with the information and resource to further expand opportunities and options.

Now that you know, what will you do?
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson


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