For Immediate Release

Harold Adams Chosen by WTC Baltimore for 2002 WTCA Book of Honor

World Trade Center Baltimore is pleased to announce the selection of Mr. Harold Adams in the WTCA 2002 Book of Honor. Mr. Adams is Chairman of RTKL Associates Inc and RTKL International Ltd., one of the world's largest multi-disciplinary design firms. Under his leadership, RTKL has developed into an international practice with an award-winning portfolio of work that spans the U.S. and extends to 47 nations. Mr. Adams has a proven track record of international achievements every year since 1971, when he became the youngest CEO at RTKL. Mr. Adams is a recognized global leader, having met with the Presidents, Premiers, Prime Ministers and other influential leaders across the globe. He epitomizes the global World Trade Centers' mission to enhance international trade, promote economic development, and foster peace.

A graduate of Texas A&M University with additional studies at Harvard Graduate School of Design, Mr. Adams holds professional architectural registration in 44 states as well as the United Kingdom, where he is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects. He is also the first of only 5 non-Japanese individuals to hold the prestigious "Kenchikushi" license -- a First Class architect designation awarded by Japan's Ministry of Construction.

Mr. Adams joined RTKL in 1967, became President in 1969, CEO in 1971, and Chairman in 1987. He initiated RTKL's expansion into international, with RTKL being awarded the President's eAward for international excellence in 1992 and subsequent eStar from the Department of Commerce. Throughout his career, Mr. Adams has actively promoted the architect's role in society, devoting his efforts to those projects and organizations that contribute to overall quality of life. Today RTKL is considered one of the most influential design firms, delivering ideas for a changing world with solutions that bridge cultures and technologies. Most recently, RTKL was selected as the design firm for the Pentagon reconstruction as well as the master planner for the 2008 Beijing Olympic venue. As recent host and co-chair of the national "Freedom Without Fortresses" symposium held in Washington D.C., Mr. Adams asked "how do we retain our cherished principles without compromising the quality of life we have come to enjoy and expect? Without transforming our public buildings and civic plazas into armed encampments ... We must accomplish this in a way that our democratic principles are not only preserved but progressed."

Mr. Adams' service to the community is exemplified by his leadership role in many organizations, including: founding Chairman of the Board for the World Trade Center Institute in Baltimore, Chairman and Trustee of the National Building Museum, Chairman for the Maryland Business Center -- China, Advisory Council for U.S.- Korea Economic Institute of America, Member U.S. Korea and U.S. China Business Councils, Member Japan Institute of Architects, Member International Committee for the Urban Land Institute, Chairman of the Board for the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Chairman of the Board for the American Architectural Foundation, Commissioner for the Maryland Economic Development Commission, Director of Legg Mason Inc., Director of the Design-Build Institute of America, Consultant to the National Capital Planning Commission, and multiple leadership positions within the American Institute of Architects. Mr. Adams also accompanied many political and business leaders on various trade and sister state missions to China, Korea, Mexico and more, opening doors for business while building strong cultural understanding and friendships across the globe.

Mr. Adams is married to the former Janice Lindhurst, father to 4 children and 7 grandchildren. We are most pleased to include his submission in the 2002 WTCA Book of Honor.

WTCA DAY - JUNE 12, 2002
In order to have a special celebration of the contribution of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) all over the globe to peace and stability, we have decided to have a global day set aside, June 12 of this year and the second Wednesday of June in future years, as “WTCA Day”. "On June 12, World Trade Centers around the world will demonstrate their unity in the wake of September 11th and reaffirm their commitment to our mission, of promoting peace and stability through trade," said Guy F. Tozzoli, President of the World Trade Centers Association. "WTCA Day is a day where regions of the world can embrace their unique cultures while celebrating and creating opportunities for trade without borders. This day launches a series of cultural and ethnic celebrations for the initial annual celebration of 300 Centers in 91 countries on six continents."

An important part of every WTCA Day will be the selection by each WTC of an individual or organization in that region that best represents the WTCA's vision of peace and stability through trade. The names of the individuals or organizations selected will be forwarded to WTCA headquarters and entered into a WTCA Book of Honor. A copy of the Book of Honor will be given to every nominee and participating WTC. Mr. Harold Adams was chosen to represent the Baltimore region in the 2002 WTCA Book of Honor.