For Immediate Release

World Trade Center Institute Still Open for Business Despite Isabel

Baltimore, September 24, 2003-- When Hurricane Isabel caused flooding in the World Trade Center building in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the staff of the World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) was forced to find new office space. Fortunately, international architecture and design firm RTKL invited the WTCI staff to take up temporary space at RTKL’s Bond Street Wharf headquarters.

“We are very grateful that RTKL has graciously invited our staff to set up our temporary operations at their offices here in Fells Point,” said Peter Gourlay, Vice President of the World Trade Center Institute.

World Trade Center building officials have reported that over 16 feet of water entered the building’s basement and ruined much of the electrical apparatus thereby forcing tenants to find new temporary office space. WTCI spent the first part of this week moving its office equipment out of the power-less World Trade Center building and into its temporary quarters with RTKL.

“We are happy to help out WTCI and do our bit to help such a critical international business organization for the region,” said Harold Adams, Chairman Emeritus of RTKL. Mr. Adams is also the Chairman of the Board for WTCI. “We know that over 2500 Mid-Atlantic firms depend on WTCI to help them with their international business needs,” he said

The hurricane left RTKL unscathed in its path, and according to Mr. Adams this was no accident. “When we redesigned the Bond Street Wharf, we went out of our way to raise the structure well above the hundred-year flood plain,” he said. While much of Fells Point was flooded, RTKL’s office was left untouched by the storm. Bond Street Wharf is the first of the area's planned urban developments to receive tenants and an integral part of a campaign to promote sustainable design and development in the city's urban core.

“Ever since 9/11, World Trade Centers have been forced to think about disaster plans,” said Mr. Gourlay. The non-profit international trade group is part of global word trade center network of 300 such World Trade Center organizations. “9/19 has forced all world trade centers to think about disaster contingency plans,” he said.

About WTCI:
Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, the World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) is the premier international business hub for the Mid-Atlantic region with over 2500 clients benefiting from its global connections, international business training and customized consulting 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. www.wtci.org

About RTKL:
RTKL is a worldwide planning, architecture, design and creative services organization. Founded in 1946, RTKL specializes in providing its services across the full development cycle to create places of distinction. With eleven offices around the globe, RTKL is an idea-driven firm providing innovative customized business solutions and seamless delivery to clients in commercial, cultural and governmental realms. www.rtkl.com