A Taste of the World Trade Center Institute
Baltimore, August 12, 2004 - Greeted by the soft beat of The Constantia Brothers and Maria and the sweet smell of Kataifi, a Greek dessert from the local Greek restaurant, Ikaros, the World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) welcomes its members into their office space for an evening of casual networking and delicious cuisine. It is the eve of the 2004 Athens Olympic games and WTCI members and representatives from the Greek community have joined together for “A Taste of Business in Greece.”
Among those present are the First Secretary of the Embassy of Greece Christos Prapopoulos, Secretary of the Department of Business and Economic Development Aris Melissaratos, CEO of Euclid Financial Group Dr. Andreas Pericli and Medical Director of MEDEX Global Group Dr. Ben Koppel, MD. Not coincidentally, these are also several of the evenings’ speakers. Their primary purpose – to briefly educate the audience on current business conditions in the country and highlight their most recent business experiences. “MEDEX has gone to Greece and identified the best hospitals with international staff,” said Dr. Koppel of their involvement and presence at the Olympic games, “we provide a link for people to make sure their care is as good as it would be anywhere and make them feel like they are at home.”
Launched a year ago by WTCI, the Taste of Business receptions have become a growing hit in the international community. These intimate, members-only programs bring together WTCI members in a forum that is heavy on the networking opportunities and light on the speaking presentations. “As most of our programs are heavy on speaker content, the Taste of Business series is a nice complement” said WTCI President Deb Kielty. “They allow for more informal learning and great connections…not to mention fun!” Past receptions have included “A Taste of Business in the Middle East” and “A Taste of Business in Mexico,” among others. “A Taste of Business in the Middle East” featured companies/organizations such as the Maryland/Israel Development Group, headed by Barry Bogage and Northrop Grumman, represented by Vice President of International Dan Callihan.
On October 12, 2004, WTCI members in conjunction with those traveling with Governor Robert L. Ehrlich to China and Singapore will join together for “A Taste of Business in China and Singapore.” The Department of Business and Economic Development coupled with WTCI will co-host this send off.
The World Trade Center Institute is Maryland’s premier international business partner. Established in 1989 to help connect Maryland to the globe, today over 2000 annual program participants benefit from international business training, customized consulting and global connections. WTCI has extensive global reach via more than 300 fellow World Trade Centers around the world, with a shared mission to enhance international trade, promote local economic development and ultimately foster economic stability. WTCI operates as a private, non-profit educational organization.