DCED Secretary Kicks Off 13th Annual Pennsylvania International Week to Promote the Commonwealth's Economy and Jobs Climate

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary C. Alan Walker today announced the start of Pennsylvania International Week, Sept. 15-26, during which the state will host several events for Pennsylvania companies interested in selling their products and services internationally.

"With a more than $600 billion economy, Pennsylvania and our businesses are competing in the global marketplace," said Walker. "Under Governor Corbett's leadership, we are building upon our successes year after year, and Pennsylvania is continually recognized as a leader amongst states for international business development."

During the Corbett administration, Pennsylvania exports have grown from $34.94 billion in 2010 to nearly $41 billion in 2013. Pennsylvania exports grew by 5.4 percent from $37.8 billion in 2012 to nearly $41 billion in 2013.

DCED's Office of International Business Development (OIBD) includes both Foreign Trade and Investment. OIBD's trade services are designed to enhance Pennsylvania businesses' global competitiveness and expand their international sales. Pennsylvania has the largest international network of any U.S. state with more than 20 international trade offices covering more than 70 countries and 10 Regional Export Network (REN) partners within the state.

Pennsylvania International Week is hosted by OIBD in partnership with its 10 REN partners across the state, Team Pennsylvania Foundation and many other public and private sector partners in each region. Due to popularity, the Pennsylvania International Week evolved from a one week event into a two week event to meet the demands of increased participation.

The state is sponsoring a number of events statewide, as a part of Pennsylvania International Week, to assist in-state companies looking to grow internationally. At each location, Pennsylvania's Authorized Trade Representatives will meet one-on-one with Pennsylvania companies seeking foreign market intelligence, agent and distributor candidates, as well as industry and government contacts.

This year's events will include a series of presentations, seminars and networking events for businesses at 10 locations throughout the state.

The Pennsylvania International Week schedule is as follows:

• Monday, Sept. 15, in Bethlehem, Northampton County; Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 8:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 16 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County; Top of the Tower, 8:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 17 in Glenside, Montgomery County; Arcadia University, 8:30 a.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 18 in Reading, Berks County; Abraham Lincoln Hotel, 8:30 a.m.
• Friday, Sept. 19 in State College, Centre County; Celebration Hall, 8:30 a.m.
• Monday, Sept. 22 in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County; Mohegan Sun Conference Center, 9 a.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 23 in Altoona, Blair County; The Casino at Lakemont Park, 8:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 23 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County; Pittsburgh Technology Council, 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 24 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County; Chatham Center Two, 8:30 a.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 25 in Erie, Erie County; Ambassador Center, 8:30 a.m.
• Friday, Sept. 26 in Kersey, Elk County; Red Fern, 9 a.m.

"Pennsylvania International Week provides an opportunity for our companies, many of which are small businesses, to connect with DCED for one-on-one support towards expanding their company into new international markets," said Walker.

Pennsylvania International Week will feature 17 authorized trade representatives from the Arab Gulf, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, France, India, Indonesia, Israel, Mexico, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

To learn more about Pennsylvania International Week, the Office of International Business Development, or the REN partners, visit newPA.com/trade or call 1-866-466-3972.

Media contact:
Heidi Havens, DCED, 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development