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About Us > History/Founders (Founding companies)

Founders/History (Founding Companies)

WORLD TRADE CENTER INSTITUTE BACKGROUND

The World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) was founded in 1989 by Maryland Governor William Donald Schaefer, Chairman of RTKL Associates Harold Adams, and a founding Board of Directors comprised of leading business people in the region to act as an international business educational organization. In 1991, WTCI became the World Trade Center Association licensee, making it the operator of the World Trade Center Baltimore within the World Trade Centers Association. The same year, a full annual international business seminar schedule was developed.

In 1994, the WTCI helped to establish the first US Export Assistance Center in Baltimore, formed its Latin and Asian regional business networks and launched a website. Since 1995, the WTCI has organized the annual Maryland International Business Leadership Awards that recognize excellence in all areas of the state's economy such as manufacturing, agriculture, hi-tech, environmental and service. A special award, the Governor's Leadership Award, recognizes an individual who has demonstrated sustained and exemplary efforts in support of Maryland's international relations and/or trade.

In 1996, the World Trade Resource Center, a library with written and electronic directories and databases for international trade information, was opened. The same year, the Maryland International Center merged into the WTCI, bringing a federally funded program for international visitors. In 1997, the WTCI received the President’s E-award for Exporting and incorporated the Maryland Sister States program from the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.

Today the World Trade Center Institute serves as Maryland's premier international business network.