Media Contact:
Ashlee Thomson
ashlee@wtci.org
410-576-0022 ext. 104

NEWS ADVISORY
Maryland Firms Draw 100 Embassy Diplomats to Baltimore for Embassy Day

Baltimore, May 19, 2004-- “In light of recent world developments, this year’s Embassy Day event is more important than ever to demonstrate that Maryland places great value on its global relations,” said Aris Melissaratos, Secretary the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED).  On May 25, 100 foreign embassy diplomats will leave Washington D.C. for Baltimore’s Hyatt Regency Hotel to participate in 16^th Annual Embassy Day trade show and luncheon.  Secretary Melissaratos will join Mark Sneed, President of Phillips Foods for a dynamic post luncheon presentation on Maryland industry entitled, “From Maryland Crabs to Advanced Technologies.”

This year’s Embassy Day luncheon will feature presentations on Guatemala and Singapore.  “We understand the value of internationalizing Maryland’s businesses and encouraging investment into Maryland as our state looks to compete on the global stage,” said Chris Foster, Deputy Secretary of DBED.  The State of Maryland recently led trade missions to Israel and to Singapore and is now planning a mission to Africa this June.  Mr. Foster will join Peter Bain, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Legg Mason, Inc as one the Luncheon panelists discussing Maryland-Singapore business along with Counselor Ong Eng Chuan of the Embassy of Singapore.

“We see the Embassy Day forum as a wonderful opportunity to highlight Maryland’s leadership in global health while demonstrating the value of our relationships in Guatemala and throughout the developing world,” said Leslie Mancuso, CEO of JHPIEGO, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University and a global health concern operating over 40 developing countries.  Dr. Mancuso will present at the luncheon with Ambassador H.E. Guillermo Castillo of the Embassy of Guatemala.

In addition to the embassy panel presentations, embassies and companies alike will be showcased in various industry pavilions where Maryland has a renowned capability.  Pavilion sponsors include Perdue for Agribusiness, Northrop Grumman for Defense and Security, CB Richard Ellis for Real Estate & Other Services and the Maryland Port Administration for Transportation.  The Embassy Day event provides a unique opportunity for Maryland businesses to meet with senior officials from major U.S. trading partners in a trade show setting.  Nearly 400 diplomats and area executives have already registered for the May 25 event.  “Embassy Day is one of the most cost effective ways for area executives to network with leading Embassy officials,” said Peter Gourlay, Vice President of the World Trade Center Institute. 

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, 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.

When: May 25
What: Embassy Day Trade Exhibition & Luncheon
Where: Hyatt Regency in Baltimore
Exhibition: 9:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m.
Cost: $60 members; $75 non-members
To Register: Contact Ashlee Thomson: Ashlee@wtci.org; 410-576-0022, ext 104
More Web Information: www.wtci.org