Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce

CHAIR'S MESSAGE

Facebook, Amazon, Apple - three different companies; yet, all operate in the same global environment.  Without a focus on the global economy, none of these companies would be where they are today.

World Trade Week (WTW) is intended to highlight the importance of participating in global trade; because as global trade goes, so too goes the world, your city, your business and your neighborhood. 

Less than 5 percent of the world’s population lives in the United States. From a sales and marketing perspective would you only shop in 5 percent of the stores?  Would you like to showcase your products only in a 5 percent market share? Would you be comfortable with 95 percent of all markets being shut off to your products and services?  The obvious answer is “no.”  Yet, only 1 percent of U.S. businesses export to other countries as a source of revenue. 

When WTW became a concept in 1926, and gained support by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1933, the United States enjoyed its greatest expansion of growth in history. Beginning in World War II and extending into the present, participating in global trade has benefitted every industry. 

Today, American-made goods and services are still the most highly sought after products in the world.  Expanding America's footprint means expanding global trade.  World Trade Week is here to educate, promote and encourage U.S. businesses to gain the knowledge necessary to strengthen their global strategies and begin taking advantage of the other 95 percent. 

The more you know the more you grow, whether you are a business or a person.  I encourage you to participate in World Trade Week.  Your involvement makes the difference.

I am honored to be this year’s World Trade Week Chair for the Greater Los Angeles area.  And, I want to commend the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce for its continued support of WTW and clear understanding of how important Los Angeles is to global trade and investment. 

Noel Massie
World Trade Week Chair
President, UPS Central California