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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndianapolis has been approved to establish a local World Trade Center organization.
The World Trade Centers Association announced the decision Monday morning after an application and approval process that lasted more than a year.
World Trade Center Indianapolis will join a network of 320 WTC organizations in more than 90 countries, including more than 50 in the United States.
The network works to stimulate trade and investment opportunities for commercial property developers, economic development agencies and international businesses.
Indianapolis had been the fourth largest metropolitan area without a World Trade Center designation prior to the approval.
Former Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced he would chair the effort to get Indianapolis a WTC license in January 2017, two days before he left office.
“Receiving this final license from the WTCA governing body is great news for Indianapolis and the state of Indiana,” he said Monday in written comments. “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.”
The WTCA was founded in 1969. It acts as a global network for economic development agencies and international businesses looking to connect globally and helps firms seeking to export and import products.
Zoeller has been assisted by former Marion County Clerk Doris Anne Sadler, who will serve as president of the local unit. Travis Spotts, a former official at the Indiana Office of Management and Budget, will serve as executive director.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the development of a World Trade Center in Indiana,” state Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger said in written remarks. “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.”
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