World Trade Center Indianapolis Receives Final Approval

The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) approved a final license for World Trade Center Indianapolis at their latest board meeting, ending an extensive application process for local leaders to establish the organization in the Hoosier capital. Indiana businesses and others involved in international trade will benefit from the global WTCA network, connecting with companies and governments around the world and fostering new economic-growth opportunities.

“Receiving this final license from the WTCA governing body is great news for Indianapolis and the State of Indiana,” said former Indiana attorney general Greg Zoeller, chair of WTC Indianapolis. “Our organization has received tremendous support from Hoosier business leaders, trade associations, academia, and state and local government officials to develop a WTC. I’m proud of all the excellent work by our team.”

“Months of planning, preparation and hard work have turned a preliminary business plan into a fully-licensed entity focused on global opportunities for Indiana,” said Doris Anne Sadler, president of WTC Indianapolis. “We’ve traveled to foreign countries for trade and investment opportunities, hosted visiting trade delegations, created strategic partnerships and introduced the WTC brand to a number of constituencies. It has been a lot of hard work; that work continues as we help smaller businesses identify otherwise unknown opportunities overseas and navigate complex international transactions.”

“Becoming a Member of our Association is not an easy task as an application requires detailed business plans, extensive and demonstrated local support, and the approval of our Executive Committee made up of a truly international panel,” said Scott Ferguson, CEO of the WTCA. “As the newest Member of our North American network—one of our most mature with more than 50 WTCs –Indianapolis is a terrific addition.”

A WTCA member is exclusively licensed to develop and operate a WTC in their region. WTC operations provide high-end business facilities and integrated trade services for corporate members, tenants and the local business community to promote local economic development. Services focus on three main categories: facilities and services in real estate, trade and economic development, and conferences and exhibitions.

The WTC announcement was welcomed by state and local officials.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the development of a World Trade Center in Indiana,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “As we work to take Indiana to the world and bring the world back to Indiana, these resources and partnerships will be key. The power of their international network is something we plan to put to good use for Hoosiers as we seek to bring new jobs and investment here while growing our export markets.”

“The World Trade Center Indianapolis is a welcome addition to our city. Indianapolis has grown into a dynamic global business hub and today’s announcement is yet another example of that. Our workforce continues to evolve and access to a global trade network through the new World Trade Center will increase our ability to connect with international partners to grow our economy,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett.

Prior to today’s final license announcement, Indianapolis was the 4th-largest U.S. metropolitan area without a WTC designation.