Pennsylvania's International Trade Program Receives Global Recognition

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania's Center for Trade Development has earned the "Economic Development Leadership" award for its work to revamp the program's export promotion operations, Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker said today.

"As the world's 18th largest economy, Pennsylvania must ensure that our businesses are positioned to compete in a global economy," Walker said. "Our export assistance program continues to be the national model for providing businesses with the support they need to grow and create jobs."  

The award was presented by CoreNet Global, a leading association for corporate real estate and workplace professionals, service providers and economic developers. The Center for Trade Development will now compete for the top honor of CoreNet's "2011 Global Innovator's" award, which will be announced this fall.

Last year, the Center for Trade Development directly assisted over 1,350 companies through its 22 overseas trade representatives and its 10 regional export network partners across the state. The program directly generated $483 million of new export sales for Pennsylvania businesses, supporting more than 6,400 jobs.

The Center for Trade Development, housed within the Department of Community and Economic Development's Office of International Business Development, helps Pennsylvania exporters expand their reach, capacity and capability to sell in new markets by providing clients with access to market research, partner search services, grants, and a full schedule of international trade shows and missions.  

Pennsylvania businesses can use the Department of Community and Economic Development's free, interactive virtual trade advisor by searching keyword "virtual trade advisor" online at www.newpa.com. The advisor offers information about market statistics, trends, trade regulations, lead-generation and potential grants and financing, as well as local points of contact across the state

For more information about the Office of International Business Development or other economic development services, visit www.newpa.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

Media contact: Jamie Yates, 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development