For Immediate Release

Manufacturers Draw Attention to Their Role in the U.S. Economy

Baltimore, August 29, 2002—Approximately 275 Baltimore business leaders attended a unique forum on the future of manufacturing and international trade. The World Trade Center Institute and the Regional Manufacturing Institute (RMI) hosted this event to help draw attention to the role of manufacturing and international trade to the Maryland economy.

“We sought this stakeholder format to provide a forum for manufacturers and public policy makers to hear one another,” said Mike Galiazzo, Director of RMI. The seminar, A 360 Degree Look at Maryland Manufacturing and International Trade featured speakers from the state, county, congressional districts, multinationals, small and mid-sized manufacturers. “Manufacturing is often cited as one of the major economic indices for the U.S. economy, yet it is often overshadowed in the public policy debate by more trendy high tech industries,” said Galiazzo. The manufacturing industry has been working to get the attention of public policy decision makers and help change their perception about manufacturing.

“Manufacturing and international trade are critical to our future economy, said Congressman Ben Cardin,” representing Maryland’s 3rd District. “We must be aggressive in nurturing Maryland business so that we don’t follow the misfortunes of the steel industry,” he said. Cardin presented the congressional stakeholder view along with fellow Congressman, Robert Ehrlich from Maryland’s 2nd District. Congressman Ehrlich recognized that manufacturers “are not getting enough recognition for their role in the economy.” He advocated that area manufactures work together on a public awareness effort to increase manufacturers visibility on the public stage.

As part of its ongoing international leadership efforts, World Trade Center Institute co-hosted the seminar to draw attention to the best practices by top area firms working overseas. “We chose Unilever, Phillips Foods and GAMSE Litho as local companies who best reflect the unique perspective of small, mid-sized and large manufacturers doing business overseas,” said Deborah M. Kielty, President of the World Trade Center Institute. “We also recognize that the Port of Baltimore is central to Maryland’s international success, so we asked many of the presenters to provide their thoughts on the port,” she said.

Helen Bentley, President of Bentley & Associates estimates that the port acts as an economic growth engine, making a $4-5 billion impact on the region. Other speakers emphasized that Baltimore’s Port must compete with other U.S. ports for business since area firms are under constant pressure to maximize cost shipment efficiencies. “We’ve maximized our cold storage distribution capability in order to handle the 500 container loads of product that come through Baltimore’s port,” said Mark Sneed, President of Phillips Foods. “Phillips achieved a 932% increase in sales as we diversified our product base allowing us to pioneer our crab-based products into new regional U.S. markets. We’ve also sourced more of our raw material from overseas and realize how important international trade is to our growth plans in that regard,” said Sneed.

Smaller manufacturers like GAMSE Litho also have also benefited from expanding their markets overseas. "Our labels can be found on bottles of A1 Steak Sauce, Sam Adams Beer, and wrapping Crayola Crayons,” said Dan Canzoneiro, President of GAMSE Litho. “We have also found markets in Mexico and Latin America that have helped us to expand our production,” he said.

David Iannucci, Secretary of Maryland’s Department of Economic Development noted that Maryland has been rated as the 5th most prepared state for the new economy. Iannucci highlighted the importance of international trade to Maryland, noting that 3,500 Maryland firms exported $5 billion worth of goods to 198 countries last year. “Over 500 foreign based firms have established operations here in Maryland, creating more that 75,000 jobs for Marylanders,” he said.”

Baltimore County Executive Dutch Ruppersberger cited BlueMount Nurseries from Monkton, Maryland, as a great example of opportunities that exist for firms that look beyond their traditional state or domestic market for their business. BlueMount Nurseries will be providing flower arrangements for the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.

The manufacturing and international trade event was held at the Museum of Industry in Baltimore. The facility provided a great backdrop, as Maryland’s industrial manufacturing history was on display as a testimonial to the great achievements of the past. The Museum’s setting contrasted with the companies’ comments on how manufacturing has transformed companies to become global players and forced them to stay competitive by emphasizing cost efficiency and high technology processes.

“This leadership event was part of an ongoing dialogue, led by WTCI and RMI, on manufacturing and international trade,” said Matt Huxley, Associate Director for WTCI’s Events and Educational Programs.
The two organizations have been co-hosting an educational program, the Inside Series, with leading Maryland manufacturers, like McCormick, Unilever and DAP, to lend their success tactics to area firms. “The fact that over 275 Maryland business leaders came to our August 27 event demonstrated that these programs provide value to area firms,” said Huxley. The next Inside Series program will take place at Northrop Grumman on September 12 and Phillips Seafood on November 14. Interested firms can call Matt Huxley at 410-576-0022 for reservations.

Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, the World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) is the premier international business hub for the Mid-Atlantic region with over 3,000 clients benefiting from its global connections and educational services. WTCI has an extensive global reach through its 300 world trade centers around the world. As a non-profit, non-political organization, WTCI’s overall goal is to enhance international trade, promote local economic development, and ultimately foster economic stability through trade.