A Vision of Trade World Trade Center Miami
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Table of Contents
PUBLISHER
Richard Roffman
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
J.P. Faber
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Gail Feldman
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT INTERNATIONAL
Manny Mencia
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Monica Del Carpio-Raucci
SALES AND PARTNERSHIPS
Sherry Adams
Amy Donner
Andrew Kardonski
Gail Scott
DATA ANALYST/SENIOR EDITOR
Yousra Benkirane
WRITERS
Karen-Janine Cohen
Doreen Hemlock
Joe Mann
Katelin Stecz
ART DIRECTOR
Jon Braeley
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rodolfo Benitez
Jorge Oviedo
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Jorge G. Gavilondo
PROOF READER
Lesley Fonger
CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION
CircIntel
BOARD OF ADVISORS
Ivan Barrios, World Trade Center Miami
Ralph Cutié, Miami International Airport
Gary Goldfarb, Interport
Bill Johnson, Strategic Economic Forum
Roberto Munoz, The Global Financial Group
David Schwartz, FIBA
EDITORIAL BOARD
Alice Ancona, World Trade Center Miami
Greg Chin, Miami International Airport
Tiffany Comprés, FisherBroyles
Paul Griebel, Venture for America
James Kohnstamm, Miami-Dade County
John Price, Americas Market Intelligence
Stacy Ritter, Visit Lauderdale
TJ Villamil, Select Florida
Global Miami Magazine is published bi-monthly by Global Cities Media, LLC. 1200 Anastasia Ave., Suite 217, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Telephone: (305) 452-0501. Copyright 2024 by Global Cities Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph, or illustration without o\prior written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Send address changes to subscriptions@ globalmiamimagazine.com. General mailbox email and letters to editor@globalmiamimagazine.com
WORLD TRADE THE POWER OF
The Past, Present and Future of the World Trade Center Miami
WORDS BY KATELIN STECZ, PHOTOS BY RODOLFO BENITEZ AND THE WTCM
THE WTC LEADERSHIP
Ivan Barrios President & Chief Executive Officer
Barrios has had a relationship with WTC Miami since he graduated from the University of Miami’s Herbert Business School in 1989. After graduation he worked with WTC Miami for the following ten years, first as a senior trade specialist (1989-1994), next as vice president (1994-1997), and finally, from 1997-1999, as part of a three-person team that created WTC Miami’s signature trade shows. From there, Barrios moved on to Enterprise Florida where he worked with WTC Miami Chair Manny Mencia. During his time at Enterprise Florida (1999-2015), Barrios organized 28 trade missions to 22 countries for three governors; produced and published five Florida International Trade and Services Directories; and created the Florida Trade Data Center. In 2020, Barrios took over leadership at WTC Miami.
Alice Ancona Chief Operating Officer
Even though Ancona is the latest addition to WTC Miami’s leadership team, she has more than 20 years of experience in Miami’s international business community and has been involved with WTC Miami throughout her career. Starting out at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Ancona led the governmental affairs division where she directed the policy agenda. From there, she moved on to her next role at the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Working as the director of international strategy and policy there, Ancona played a part in successful campaigns to win congressional passage of trade agreements with key Florida trading partners like Colombia the Dominican Republic, Panama, Chile, and Korea. She also worked to secure the Free Trade Area of the Americas. At the beginning of 2020, Ancona joined WTC Miami and since then has used her lobbying and data analysis skills to grow the organization.
Manny Mencia Chairman of the Board of Directors
With nearly 50 years of experience, Mencia has played a pivotal role in developing Miami’s international trade scene. Prior to becoming the chairman of WTC Miami, Mencia served in executive positions at the Florida Department of Commerce from 1977 to 1991. He worked as vice president of world marketing at the Miami-Dade Beacon Council from 1992 to 1996, and from 1996 to 2021 he was the senior vice president of the International Trade and Business Development unit at Enterprise Florida, the public-private organization which supplanted the state's commerce department. As a WTC Miami board member since 1988, Mencia has been deeply involved with the organization for the lion’s share of his career and hopes to continue building Miami’s international business community.
It is before 11 am on a Thursday morning, and Ivan Barrios, the President and CEO of the World Trade Center Miami (WTC Miami) has already hopped on a call with the headquarters of the World Trade Center Association in New York City; spoken with the Argentinian sales agent who is coordinating WTC Miami’s trip to Argentina the following week; talked to the Brazilian Embassy; and joined a conference call with the Serbian consulate. For the rest of the day, Barrios will be in and out of meetings, and even after his workday is done, he will still be in communication with his team, brainstorming plans for how to expand WTC Miami’s reach.
WTC Miami has been around for more than 37 years. Like the 300+ other members of the World Trade Centers Association in 90 countries, its job has been to facilitate international trade by connecting private companies from around the globe. In the last five years, however, the WTC Miami has undergone a major transformation. Just as Miami saw a period of unprecedented growth during the pandemic, WTC Miami has also emerged from the pandemic stronger than ever.
Historically known for its Americas Food and Beverage show and Air Cargo Americas exhibition and conference, WTC Miami’s pandemic-induced pause gave it the opportunity to look at growing these shows with a data-driven approach that is paying off. In April, WTC Miami released its economic impact study for its 2023 shows, bringing attention to just how significant WTC Miami is to the local economy. Both events combined supported 243 jobs and $21.1M of economic activity.
“The pandemic unexpectedly offered us a valuable opportunity,” says WTC Miami CEO Barrios. “During the two years, we were unable to hold shows, so we used the time to look internally, and strategically plan in a way this organization has never done before.”
The hiatus from its signature events also prompted the organization to explore opportunities for growth with new programs. In the coming year, WTC Miami will launch two additional events: the carga logistica Americas Summit and Aerospace Defense Americas Conference & Expo. The organization has also revived its membership program, with plans to host special networking events and offer additional perks. Once it creates a large enough constituency, the goal is to flex its muscle for trade policy advocacy.
WTC Miami’s expansion comes at an opportune time. From 2021 to 2022, total trade for the Miami Customs District increased by over $16B, reaching $136.6B. And while global trade was down almost 5 percent in 2023, the Miami Customs District remained resilient, with total trade hitting a record $137B. Slight growth, yes, but against headwinds and with a demonstration of consistency that reflects South Florida’s position as a global trading hub.
“When you look at it, Miami is the capital of trade. It’s the only place where we have the entire worldwide trade and logistics community in one place…and [WTC Miami] is becoming the leading voice of trade,” says Gary Goldfarb, vice-chair at WTC Miami.
HISTORY
The idea of creating an international business organization to foster trade and help foreign companies expand to South Florida existed long before WTC Miami operated as a World Trade Center licensee. The organization’s predecessor, the International Center of Florida (ICF), was founded in 1971 by the late Gui Govaert, dual US-Belgian citizen and Consulate General of Belgium for 30 years. Govaert created the ICF to expand and diversify South Florida’s economy. By encouraging international business, he hoped the
Ivan Barrios
region would become less dependent on tourism and agriculture. “In other words [international business] is a stabilizing force in South Florida and will become more and more important to eventually becoming the most important element of our economy,” wrote Govaert in a document kept in WTC Miami’s archives.
Over the ensuing years, the ICF grew with the involvement of a few prominent Miami businessmen and international players. Finally, in 1985, the City of Miami and the Beacon Council (Miami-Dade County’s economic development organization) pushed for the creation of an international business center focusing on trade. Given that the ICF already existed, the City of Miami provided it with the funds to become an operating licensee of the World Trade Center Association. In 1987, WTC Miami was officially born.
When WTC Miami first started, its focus was on its membership program, but that shifted with the turn of the century. From the early 2000s until the pandemic, the organization remained a small yet constant part of the international business community in Miami by focusing on its signature events: The Americas Food and Beverage Show & Conference, The Air Cargo Americas and Supply Chain Americas Conference and Exhibition; The International Achievement and International Hall of Fame Award; The International Women’s Achievement Award; the State of the Ports Luncheon; and World Trade Month.
When you look at it, Miami is the capital of trade. It’s the only place where we have the entire worldwide trade and logistics community in one place.
GARY GOLDFARB [SHOWN ABOVE], VICE-CHAIR AT WTC MIAMI, AND CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER AT INTERPORT LOGISTICS.
Since the pandemic, WTC Miami has undergone a period of expansion that’s putting it back at the forefront of Miami’s international business community. In 2020, former Vice President of WTC Miami Barrios took over leadership from Charlotte Gallogly, who had been with the organization since its inception in 1987. A forceful personality, Gallogly kept the organization running through national disasters like 9/11 and the Great Recession.
After Barrios became CEO and President, Alice Ancona joined the team as COO, and Manny Mencia, a member of WTC Miami’s board for over 30 years, became WTC Miami’s chair. Ancona had worked in the international sector at the Florida Chamber of Commerce, while Mencia had for decades directed the international efforts of Enterprise Florida (now Select Florida), at the time the state’s de facto department of commerce. Overnight, these three Miami trade titans were spearheading the movement to accelerate Miami’s role as
COO OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER MIAMI
Alice Ancona
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE WORLD TRADE CENTER MIAMI
Manny Mencia
the hemispheric capital of global trade with WTC Miami at the helm.
“World Trade Centers are supposed to be a catalyst for international activity,” says Mencia. “[WTC Miami] has looked at itself in the mirror and determined what the organization should be … With the team and the support from the board of directors, this organization has transformed itself, and is finally becoming what it was always meant to be.”
EVENTS
AMERICAS FOOD & BEVERAGE SHOW & CONFERENCE
From 1998 on, The Americas Food & Beverage Show & Conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center has been WTC Miami’s largest event; in the last year, it’s gotten a lot bigger. In 2022, its first year after the pandemic, the show saw similar numbers to 2019 –around 4,000 attendees and 400 exhibitors. In 2023 those numbers skyrocketed, with 7,300 attendees and 653 exhibitors – a 55 percent increase and 44 percent increase, respectively, from the previous year.
Ancona attributes the increase to the strategic planning WTC did during the pandemic, including capitalizing on available data. “We came in 2022 with a rebranded Americas Food & Beverage show, and we actually had the metrics to capture the data of what was happening,” says Ancona. “That’s something that didn’t exist before…We know now which buyers had meetings, how many meetings they had, who they engaged with. All of that data is a selling point for exhibitors.”
At its 2023 show, WTC Miami released an app that used AI to match buyers and exhibitors based on information they uploaded
We came in 2022 with a rebranded Americas Food & Beverage show, and we actually had the metrics to capture the data of what was happening. That’s something that didn’t exist before…
to their profiles. After seeing their recommendations and exploring who was attending, buyers and exhibitors could schedule a meeting on the app. Ancona says that in one day of the conference, there were 1,400 meetings scheduled.
“Buyers won’t come back if they don’t meet the right companies. Exhibitors won’t come back if they don’t meet the right buyers,” says Ancona. “Understanding what the buyers want [and] why they come is how we went from 3,000 local buyers to 7,300 international and U.S. buyers.”
In addition to new data and software, Barrios says the show has grown because the organization is “hitting the road a lot more than it ever has.” This year alone, Barrios and Ancona have been to India, the UK, Argentina, Brazil, and Spain to promote the organization’s shows. Some of the countries were locations the organization had not previously visited. Next on the agenda are South Korea and Australia.
Prior to the pandemic, the show primarily had a regional focus, and the bulk of buyers and exhibitors came from the United States and LATAM. Now, the show is seeing more interest from European, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets.
ALICE ANCONA, COO OF WTC MIAMI, ON HOW ATTENDANCE AT THE AF&B SHOW, SHOWN ABOVE, SKYROCKETED IN 2023.
STATE OF PORTS LUNCHEON
For over the last three decades, WTC Miami has organized the State of Ports luncheon presentation to bring together community leaders and business executives while highlighting updates from Miami’s economic powerhouses: Miami International Airport (MIA) and PortMiami. MIA is the nation’s second-leading international passenger gateway and the leading international cargo airport, and PortMiami is the world’s top cruise port and a global cargo gateway. Together, these ports have an economic impact exceeding $75 billion and support over 610,000 jobs. The luncheon is an opportunity to hear from Hydi Webb, Director and CEO of PortMiami, and Ralph Cutié, Director and CEO of MIA, about the state of the ports concerning trade and travel statistics, infrastructure investments, and capital improvements.
According to Ivan Barrios, President and CEO of WTC Miami, the event traditionally draws around 250 attendees, but this year’s luncheon on June 5 topped 500 attendees as it coincided with the World Trade Month’s tabletop expo. Before and after the luncheon, registered businesses had the opportunity to showcase their company and network with leaders and professionals in the aviation and maritime industries.
Although WTC Miami plans on expanding the show’s reach across the globe, it still intends to keep the show centered around small and medium-sized firms with attendance limited to industry professionals. According to Ancona, small and medium-sized firms that can innovate and keep up with current trends are what buyers are primarily interested in, and the show is a great opportunity for those firms to get exposure they normally wouldn’t.
“Participation at the AF&B show allows us to showcase our products to a wide range of distributors and buyers from across the globe, all in one place,” says Bryon Coleman, senior vice president of Jones Dairy Farms regarding the show. “Our presence allows us to reconnect with customers, build relationships, and fast track countless discussions, meetings, and buyer opportunities that help to enhance our sales efforts,”
With added interest from markets in Asia and Europe, Barrios expects that the upcoming 2024 show will be another record-breaker with an estimated 9,000-10,000 attendees. As of June, the show was 80 percent pre-sold.
This year, WTC Miami can also expect a greater turnout because it’s partnering with Informa Markets LATAM to host a co-located show. From 2024 to 2026, The Americas Food & Beverage Show will run alongside Food and Hospitality LATAM, which focuses on food service and equipment. Barrios says that running the two shows together will benefit both organizations because it acts as a one-stop shop. Buyers can access both food products and food service equipment in the same location, and there will likely be an overlap of attendees.
“It was a perfect fit,” agrees Leonardo Benedicto, business director for the Latin hub at Informa Markets LATAM. “[WTC Miami] already has established a good show with a large audience, and we could add more categories to the show to better serve the audience.” Informa is one of the biggest events companies in the world, and its partnership with WTC Miami reflects its plan to expand its existing food events in the region. The company currently organizes Fispal Food Service in Brazil and Abastur in Mexico.
In addition to its partnership with Informa, WTC Miami will host the Latin Chamber of Commerce of the United States (CAMACOL) for its Hemispheric Congress of Latin Chambers of Commerce and Industry at the 2024 show. Barrios says that while it is a strategic move on WTC Miami’s behalf to host CAMACOL –visiting delegations bring buyers and potential exhibitors – its main purpose is to bring the entire international community together.
Adds Barrios, “Our mission here, it’s all about being a resource to people and connecting people with what they need… Everybody’s interested in selling to the U.S. market, and we can help them get into the U.S. It’s not just the show. We as an organization can help you. We can help you with scaling up. We can help you with market data. We can help you bring in a delegation. We can introduce you to people, so it’s not just a show. We’re offering a platform to enter the U.S. market through Miami.”
This year’s Americas Food & Beverage Show & Conference will be held September 16-18, 2024.
AIR CARGO AMERICAS/SUPPLY CHAIN AMERICAS EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE
Every two years for the last three decades, leaders from the aviation and logistics industries have gathered at Miami International Airport (MIA) for the Air Cargo Americas Exhibition & Conference. As one of WTC Miami’s oldest events, Air Cargo Americas has a reputation for attracting some of the biggest hitters
TOP: RALPH CUTIÉ, DIRECTOR AND CEO OF MIA (STANDING) AND HYDI WEBB, DIRECTOR AND CEO PORTMAIMI
BOTTOM: IVAN BARRIOS, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF WTC MIAMI
in the industry, and in recent years the event has drawn an even wider range of executives.
In 2019, WTC Miami added the Supply Chain Americas portion to the conference and exhibition to acknowledge potential weaknesses in global supply chains. “Since before COVID, supply chains have been everyone’s concern, but during and after the pandemic, we’ve seen even more congestion at airports and seaports,” says Chris Mangos, marketing and communications director at WTC Miami. “We now have more people coming to [Air Cargo Americas/Supply Chain Americas] because of that. Supply chains, logistics, those topics are what everyone’s talking about.”
Only in its second year of full operation, the most recent Air Cargo Americas/Supply Chain Americas Exhibition & Conference, held from October 31 to November 2, 2023, attracted over 3,200 top executives from various sectors of the aviation and logistics industries. These executives represented more than 75 different countries. The conference portion of the event drew around 400 attendees and showcased more than 100 exhibit booths.
Mangos, who formerly worked at Miami International Airport and has been involved since the event’s inception, says the majority of attending companies are from the Americas and Europe. As WTC Miami’s brand grows, Mangos predicts interest from Asian companies in the future.
Barrios says the main draw of the event is the unique opportunity it provides to network with some of the biggest leaders in the air cargo and supply chain industries, all in one place. “This is a very C-suite-driven event. You have nearly 4,000 executives coming. What are they doing? They’re meeting with the companies here. They’re meeting with their teams. They’re making connections,” says Barrios. “The whole point of this event is about ecosystem building.”
You have nearly 4,000 executives coming. What are they doing? They’re meeting with the companies here. They’re meeting with their teams...
Ancona says that WTC Miami has seen companies fly their Latin American teams to the event for regional meetings. Outside of their teams, attending companies receive ten passes to invite established and potential customers to the event; should they require more, Barrios and Ancona say they’re happy to provide them.
Given MIA’s status as the United States’ busiest airport for international freight and the fact it’s consistently moved more than 2.7 million tons of cargo annually over the last three years, it makes sense that it would be the backdrop to such a gathering of industry leaders. The growth MIA saw in 2023, despite global trade contraction, was key to Miami’s aggregate trade expansion last year. “That’s what makes this event important. It truly is a visual of why Miami is at the center of logistics for everything,” says Ancona.
The next Air Cargos/Supply Chain Americas Exhibition and Conference is slated for 2025, with specific dates to be determined.
CARGA LOGISTICA AMERICAS SUMMIT
Last year, WTC Miami announced it would be joining forces with Messe München, one of the world’s leading exhibition companies, to organize the carga logistica Americas Summit in Panama City, Panama, tentativelly planed for October. A joint spin-off of
ALICE ANCONA, COO OF WTC MIAMI, ON WHO ATTENDS THE AIR CARGO AMERICAS/SUPPLY CHAIN AMERICAS SHOW ABOVE.
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TRADING AFTER HOURS NETWORKING RECEPTION
In April, WTC Miami’s conference room was abuzz with conversation as business cards were exchanged and drinks toasted over new connections. People circulated, shaking hands against the backdrop of WTC Miami’s promotional materials for its upcoming Americas Food & Beverage Show. Natalia Samayoa, trade commissioner at the consulate of Guatemala in Miami, stepped up to the podium and introduced the Guatemalan businesses that had flown in for the event. Among them was Wellco Corporation, a pharmaceutical company hoping to sell its skincare line and veterinary products in the United States.
For Wellco and other Guatemalan companies looking to enter the U.S. market, WTC Miami’s Trading After Hours Networking Reception offered the opportunity to connect with the Miami business community and take the next steps. The monthly event is exclusive to WTC Miami members, with the organization opening its doors to consulates and inbound trade delegations when the reception highlights a specific country. In March, WTC Miami hosted an inbound trade mission and delegates from Costa Rica, and in April Guatemala. Adding this component to the reception ensures that local consulates are aware of the resources WTC Miami offers, including help organizing trip itineraries for inbound trade missions, and connecting consulates with other trade partners and organizations for their constituents.
In the past, for example, WTC Miami provided meeting space for the Guatemalan consulate when Guatemalan officials were visiting. “We’ve had a partnership with the World Trade Center for over maybe fifteen years,” says Samayoa. “They’re a strategic partner for us. We contact them very often, and our purpose is to continue working along with them.” This monthly event also offers WTC Miami members the opportunity to network with people at the forefront of Miami’s international business community, to explore potential business and investment opportunities.
For us, World Trade Center Miami is a perfect partner. We don’t have a strong network in Latin America, so they can really help...
DR. ROBERT SCHÖNBERGER, ABOVE, FROM MESSE MÜNCHEN
WTC Miami’s Air Cargo Americas and Messe München’s Transport Logistic Americas, carga logistica will take elements from both Miami-based logistics shows to Panama City to highlight opportunities for business and growth in LATAM’s logistics industry.
The two-day conference and exhibition will feature leading voices in LATAM’s logistic scene, multiple networking opportunities, and a small tabletop exposition. Expected attendees are professionals and leaders in air cargo, transport logistics, supply chain, and related industries throughout the Americas. Dr. Robert Schönberger, Global Industry Lead at Messe München, says that so far the conference has piqued interest primarily from Central America and the U.S. However, he expects the event will draw players from Europe and Asia that are looking to explore new supply chain solutions and enter the LATAM market.
Although carga logistica represents many firsts for WTC Miami – it’s the organization’s first partnership with another brand and its first show abroad – it’s a strategic move for WTC Miami. In terms of exhibitions, Messe München is a global powerhouse. The company is active in more than 100 countries and organizes more than 60 trade shows globally across a network of affiliated compa-
NATALIA SAMAYOA, TRADE COMMISSIONER, GUATEMALA IN MIAMI
nies and foreign representatives. Its Air Cargo Europe, for example, is the largest logistics show in the world, attracting 75,000 visitors from over 135 countries in 2023; its Miami-based Transport Logistics America drew over 6,100 visitors last year as well.
The partnership between WTC Miami and Messe München is a win-win of cross marketing. The German trade show will expand WTC Miami’s exposure in Messe München’s key European and Asian markets. Similarly, Messe München stands to benefit from WTC Miami’s recognition in LATAM. Currently, Messe München only has two shows in the Americas: Transport Logistics America and an environmental technology show in Brazil.
“For us, World Trade Center Miami is a perfect partner,” says Schönberger. “We don’t have a strong network in Latin America, so they can really help us in setting something up like [carga logistica] and developing an outreach. We have other markets we’re strong in that we can bring to this partnership.”
When the two organizations discussed the new show’s location, Panama was the clear choice. The country’s status as a connector, not only with the Panama Canal but also as a bridge between North and South America, makes it one of the world’s highest profile logistics hubs; In 2023, the country was named No. 1 in Latin America in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) by the World Bank. Moreover, logistics services represent over 25 percent of Panama´s GDP; the country is also home to the second-largest free trade zone in the world.
The main difference between carga logistica and Air Cargo Americas/Supply Chain Americas is the scope of focus. Carga lo-
Aerospace has a massive supply chain challenge, but we build that stuff here in Florida… It’s easy, low-hanging fruit...
ALICE ANCONA, COO OF WTC MIAMI, ON HOW FLORIDA IS ALREADY ESTABLISHED IN AEROSPACE.
gistica will highlight supply chain problems and solutions particular to Latin America, while Air Cargo Americas/Supply Chain Americas discusses the topics with more of a global focus. Also, while Air Cargo Americas/Supply Chain Americas focuses on logistics in terms of air cargo, carga logistica opens the conversation to all modes of transport. If the show is a success, says Mangos, it will likely become a staple in WTC Miami’s future agenda, alternating annually with the Air Cargo show.
AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE AMERICAS EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE
Florida’s aerospace and defense industries are some of the most competitive in the nation. Florida exported over $9B in aerospace products and parts in 2022, and it’s one of the top five states in the nation for the receipt of Department of Defense contract awards (see story pg. 38). Combined with the state’s three spaceports, 130 public-use airports, and 20 commercial airports, it makes sense that one of WTC Miami’s latest objectives is its new
Cruise Capital of the World Global Gateway of the Americas
INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AND INTERNATIONAL HALL OF FAME AWARDS
Since 1975, WTC Miami has periodically hosted its International Achievement & International Hall of Fame Awards. This event is now poised to become one of WTC Miami’s anchor events. Created to acknowledge the companies and individuals who have made major contributions to international trade and business on a state, national, and/or global scale, both awards illustrate Miami’s role as an outpost for international trade and the people who have made that possible.
In December of 2023, the International Achievement Award was presented to American Airlines for promoting Miami’s global connectivity in terms of transport and trade. The International Hall of Fame Awards were presented to Tony Villamil, founder and principal of the Washington Economics Group; Mike Carricarte, former CEO of Miami-based Amedex Assurance; and Virginia Sanchez, regional director for government affairs at American Airlines. In special recognition for Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.’s work in international trade, customs, and export law, the Chairman’s Award was presented to Lee Sandler and Tom Travis.
Aerospace Defense Americas Exhibition and Conference.
The inaugural three-day conference will take place in Miami and Cape Canaveral over three days next February. The first two days in Miami will highlight Florida’s aerospace, defense, and security sectors, and the third day will start with a tour of Cape Canaveral’s space center and focus on the growing space industry.
WTC Miami is planning for the event to be less like a trade show and more of a platform for networking and B2B opportunities. Since the pandemic, it’s clear that many industries have encountered supply chain issues; given the complex nature of aerospace and defense industries, those supply chains are particularly vulnerable to disruption. Aerospace Defense Americas was created to help professionals in the aerospace, defense, security, and space industries meet existing and potential new suppliers – while highlighting Florida’s prowess in these arenas.
“We have two theatres of geopolitical instability going on right now [aerospace and defense],” says Ancona. “Aerospace has a massive supply chain challenge, but we build that stuff here in Florida… It’s easy, low-hanging fruit because Florida is already established in aerospace and defense. And it’s not just South Florida, it’s the entire state.” To promote the show, the WTC Miami has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK trade association ADS and partnered with both Space Florida and The Aerospace Alliance.
In addition to partnerships, Barrios and Ancona are also “hitting the road” to spread the news about the new conference. The pair recently visited Brazil and Argentina to meet with those country’s respective aerospace sectors and drive interest in the show. Brazil in particular could be a major player in the event. The country has the 5th largest airspace in the world and is one of six countries globally that manufactures commercial jets. In addition, Brazil is also a top destination for Florida exports, with aircraft and aviation parts leading those exports.
The 2025 Aerospace and Defense Americas Exhibition and Conference is scheduled for February 11-13, 2025
THE FUTURE OF WTC MIAMI
OPERATING WITHIN A NETWORK
While WTC Miami is a driving force in Miami’s international business community, the organization doesn’t act alone. It’s one part of a large, connected intranet of World Trade Centers around the globe that foster and facilitate international commerce. The World Trade Center Association, headquartered in New York City, oversees over 300 licensees in more than 90 countries. Recently added to that list was WTC Georgetown in Guyana.
Guyana is currently one of the fastest growing economies in the world due to oil discoveries in the last decade. In 2022 and 2023, the country had the world’s highest real GDP growth rate. The U.S. is currently its largest trading partner, with most of that trade coming through Miami. The country is looking to become even more connected to Miami through the World Trade Center network.
Earlier this year, WTC Georgetown signed a Memorandum of Understanding with WTC Miami. The agreement will open the door for future networking opportunities, market access, and inbound/outbound trade missions. Signed at WTC Miami by Barrios and Executive Director of World Trade Center Guyana, Wesley Kirton, the MoU reflects how World Trade Centers operate within the network.
Kriton says that once WTC Georgetown is established in its physical location in September 2024, it will begin sending delegations to Miami. However, WTC Miami is already offering Guya-
TOP: TONY VILLAMIL (LEFT) AND MIKE CARRICARTE
ABOVE: LEE SANDLER AND ALICE ANCONA
nese companies supported by WTC Georgetown the opportunity to explore business in Miami with its Americas Food & Beverage Show. While not exhibiting, a group of small Guyanese food producers will participate in this year’s show free of cost, allowing them to network and meet potential buyers.
“We’ll have people come, attend the show,” says Ancona “We can discuss for the following year if Guyana would like to exhibit and if they feel it reaches their expectation… We work with countries that have not yet been at the show. We encourage them to visit…. to have the opportunity to meet with potential partners as they explore either entering the U.S. market or exporting globally.”
Komal Samaroo, chairman of Demerara Distillers Ltd. – the company that has secured the license for Guyana’s WTC – attended the signing virtually. “I believe our two World Trade Centers working together can further enhance and increase the level of trade that takes place now between now Guyana and the U.S.,” said Samaroo, “particularly at this time as countries look more at their food security, supply chain, onshoring, nearshoring and all these adjustments that are taking place.”
Aside from WTC Georgetown, WTC Miami currently has MoUs with the ADS Group, the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic, ProDominicana, the Latin Chamber of Commerce of the U.S.A., and ProPanama.
WORKING TRADE GROUPS
Aside from its events, WTC Miami promotes trade through its working trade groups. With the goals of increasing interconnectiv-
We already know from our shows that there are some problems. Companies approach us and tell us there are trade barriers, facilitation issues, market access issues...
ALICE ANCONA, COO OF WTC MIAMI, ON HELPING MEMBERS BY OFFERING TALK SESSIONS LIKE THE ONE ABOVE RUN BY THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA).
ity between the major ports in the region and driving trade to and through Miami, these trade groups illustrate how the organization impacts international trade within Florida and other countries nearby.
In June 2022, WTC Miami embarked on a trade mission with Florida port leaders to Mexico City and Merida, to bolster bilateral trade and strengthen the relationship between Florida and Mexico. While the two have had a consistently strong trade relationship in the last few years – in 2022, bilateral trade was over $13B – the Florida-Mexico Workgroup on Maritime Commerce stands to increase shipping routes from Mexico to Florida ports.
Significant trade between Mexico and Florida is relatively recent, with most Mexico-U.S. trade moving across the land border with Texas and California. Then, in 2017, GMéxico Transportes S.A. de C.V. (GMXT) – a unit of Grupo Mexico – acquired Florida East Coast Railway Holdings Corp, Florida’s major rail line. “At that time trade just exploded,” says Chairman Mencia. Before 2017, Panama City was the only Florida port that had direct shipping to Mexico. Now, most of Florida’s major ports offer direct shipping to Mexico.
Explore the challenges of international trade alongside key industry leaders!
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This past March 15, only a week after International Women’s Day, more than 100 members of Miami’s international business community arrived at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables for WTC Miami’s International Women’s Achievement award ceremony. Founded in 2004 by former WTC Miami CEO Charlotte Gallogly, this award recognizes women’s impact and leadership in Miami’s international business and trade community.
2024 awardees were Daisy Ramos, president and CEO of Florida Export Finance Corporation; Cari Cossio, district manager of international freight forwarder and customs broker, Geodis USA; Conchita Espinosa, founder of Fru-Veg Marketing; Monica Vazquez, country manager and executive vice president of ABANCA USA, one of Spain’s leading financial institutions in the US; and Lorena Sandoval, American Airline’s director of cargo sales for Miami, the Caribbean, and LATAM.
Sandoval says that she and her counterparts have undoubtedly faced challenges in their respective male-dominated industries, and it’s refreshing to finally get recognition for their work and what their gender has accomplished in trade and international business. “Being a female in this industry is not easy. We still have very few females in the logistics industry and seeing this type of award is very meaningful. It’s a success for all the females working in this industry, not only me,” she says.
Increasing trade between Florida and Mexico has been a multipronged effort, with Mencia and Ancona integral to the cause. In 2019, when both held their respective positions at Enterprise Florida and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, they started the Florida-Mexico Workgroup. After both started working with WTC Miami, they brought the organization into the fold.
WTC Miami’s second trade group focuses on the Dominican Republic (DR). The organization recently signed an MoU with the DR’s American Chamber of Commerce (story pg. 82). Of prime importance is increasing the linkages between Floridian and Dominican ports, says Ancona. A stronger relationship between the ports would enhance the DR’s ability to attract nearshoring operations for the U.S. market through Miami, while increasing the country’s reliance on Florida for electronics, software, and IT support.
For now, WTC Miami is focusing on its role in these two trade groups. But should the opportunity arise, Ancona says WTC Miami will promote other groups to enhance trade throughout the region.
BUILDING A CONSTITUENCY WITH MEMBERSHIP
One of the most important things WTC Miami has done during its recent transition is to revive its membership program. The program not only provides members with greater resources for success and connects them to WTC Miami’s extensive network, it gives the organization the teeth it needs to enact change.
To lure new members, the WTC Miami is offering a portfolio of perks. Members have full access to WTC Miami’s offices for meetings and exclusive access to networking events and opportunities to showcase their companies. The monthly Trading After Hours networking reception is one example. More importantly, WTC Miami’s membership provides the resources and connections that the organization, its board, and team members have worked years to build. From start-ups to established global companies, any business involved in trade through Miami can access invaluable resources.
In the future, members stand to gain even more from being associated with WTC Miami. As the organization’s membership grows, its influence likely will too. WTC Miami already engages in trade advocacy with its working trade groups, and hopes to increase these efforts with a strong membership base.
“Having a membership gives us a constituency so that we have a voice to represent someone. So, we can then take their issues and more appropriately address them at the right level to affect change,” says Ancona. “We already know from our shows that there are some problems. Companies approach us and tell us there are trade barriers, facilitation issues, market access issues. Those are all things that can be addressed if we have a constituency.”
Gary Goldfarb, vice chair and prospective chair, echoes Ancona’s remarks, emphasizing the potential power of a strong membership. “It’s one thing to approach state and federal officials with a constituency, but it’s another to approach them with a constituency full of international businesses that are driving up South Florida’s economic value,” says Goldfarb.
Moving forward, Goldfarb says he wants the organization to be even more aggressive with its membership program, offering more member perks, events, and anything that can increase the number of contact points between all current players in Miami’s international business community. As the chief strategy officer at Interport Logistics, Goldfarb has seen firsthand how trade has developed in Miami, and has big hopes for Miami as a trading nexus and WTC Miami’s role in that. “We are the trading capital of the world,” says Goldfarb as he raises his arms gesturing to Miami. “We have to make WTC Miami the voice of that trading capital.” l
TOP: WINNERS OF THE INTL. WOMEN’S ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
ABOVE: LORENA SANDOVAL RECEIVING THE 2024 AWARD
Three Facilities in 300,000 Sq Ft Over Miami, Totaling
Knocking Down Trade Barriers
Given its proximity to Florida, it makes sense that the Dominican Republic is one of the state’s closest trading partners. It’s also natural that most of this trade flows through Miami. In 2023, bilateral trade between the Dominican Republic and the Miami Customs District alone amounted to $8 billion, with 2024 on track to match that number.
As robust as the relationship is between these two trade partners, it stands to become even stronger with the recent combined efforts of WTC Miami and the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic’s (AMCHAMDR). In January, WTC Miami and AMCHAMDR signed a Memorandum of Understanding to “identify pain points in cross border trade” and “reduce those barriers for the benefit of both parties,” said William Malamud, executive vice president of AMCHAMDR.
“The Dominican Republic is Florida’s – and Miami’s – largest trading partner in the Caribbean…our objective is to reduce barriers between the Dominican Republic and Florida,” said Manny Mencia, chair of WTC Miami. The new agreement reflects years of collaboration between key industry players intent on making the Dominican Republic the region’s logistic hub. A working trade group created by the agreement features representatives from Miami International Airport (MIA), PortMiami, American Airlines Cargo, Amerijet International Airlines, FedEx Express, UPS, Transtar, Interport Logistics, Aerodom, Punta Cana Airport, CaribeTrans, and Puerto Río Haina (HIT).
The group had its first meeting at the WTC Miami in early June to discuss how it would implement the MoU’s goals. Mencia says the meeting focused on three principal objectives: nearshoring, pre-inspection, and increasing air cargo.
STANDING:
ALICE ANCONA, VP OF THE WTCM
WILLIAM MALAMUD, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF AMCHAMDR
MANNY MENCIA, CHAIRMAN OF WTCM
SEATED:
IVAN BARRIOS, PRESIDENT/CEO OF WTCM
EDWIN DE LOS SANTOS, PRESIDENT OF AMCHAMDR
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, disruption in supply chains and production based in China has led many multinational firms to look toward Central America and the Caribbean for nearshoring. While Mexico has attracted most of the firms, the Dominican Republic has positioned itself as a viable option through its manufacturing capabilities, especially in the medical supplies/instruments industry. In 2023, medical instruments were the second-largest import from the DR to the Miami Customs District, and since the pandemic, the country has attracted multinational firms in the industry such as: Cosmed Group, which specializes in the sterilization and pasteurization of medical devices; Fresenius Kabi, which produces a range of blood transfusion and handling products; Edwards Lifesciences, which distributes medical devices worldwide; and Medtronic, which manufactures high-tech medical devices.
The group also focused on establishing more pre-inspection programs for Dominican agricultural products bound for Florida. Mangos are currently among the only produce to receive pre-inspection. “One of the sectors that has grown the most has been nontraditional agricultural products, all kinds of fruits and vegetables,” says Malamud. “But there have been a lot of reject containers that arrive over in Florida for whatever reason – improper documentation, some kind of insect, inappropriate pesticide, et cetera.” Malamud says there are plans to host a delegation of officials from MIA, WTC Miami, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and the FDA to educate major agricultural producers on how to reduce product rejection. He also says the trade group will facilitate conversation between public entities in the DR and the U.S. for more pre-inspection and pre-clearance programs.
Lastly, the working trade group emphasized the need to increase air cargo. “Most of the cargo between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic comes by sea,” says Mencia. Malamud adds, “Last year, we broke 10 million tourists coming by air. There’s cargo space in the belly of all those planes.” The interest in boosting air cargo is shared by key members of the task force, including American Airlines Cargo, Amerijet International Airlines, FedEx Express, and UPS. l
• Multi-Billion Dollar Hi-Tech Hub
• No Slots/Curfews/Delays
• Top Perishable Products Hub
• Top U.S. International Freight Hub
• Multi-Billion Dollar Pharma Hub
• Top Latin American/Caribbean Hub
• High Ranking Global Freight Hub
• Major North American e-Commerce Hub
Miami’s Trade with the World
In the first quarter of 2024, the Miami Customs District experienced a dynamic trade performance, underscored by a diversified portfolio of trading partners and products. Brazil stood out as the top trading partner at $4.27 billion, driven by the exchange of industrial goods and commodities like aircraft parts. Colombia and China followed, with $2.38 billion and $2 billion respectively, largely because of their imports to the district.
On the import side, unspecified commodities topped the list at $1.68 billion, followed by telephones ($1.18 billion) and gold ($751 million), showcasing a diverse range of incoming goods. Exports were dominated by high-value items such as aircraft parts ($2.39 billion), telephones ($1.55 billion), and packaged medications ($998 million), highlighting Miami’s role as a crucial hub for technological and medical products. The presence of recreational boats in both export ($376 million) and import ($412 million) categories also signified Miami’s strategic importance in the luxury goods market. l
MIAMI CUSTOMS DISTRICT QUARTER 1. 2024 TRADE
