Metal Edge International Offers Cutting Edge Products, Literally

Posted on February 23, 2018 by Graziella DiNuzzo

ME Food service wrap

A lot can happen when you put metal on the edge of cardboard.

“Imagine all important documents that sat in stacks in church basements and institutions and were ruined because they weren’t stored properly,” says Paul Markert, Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Metal Edge International, Inc.

In 1896, a German technician placed metal edges along the four corners of a cardboard box and invented a box assembly method used worldwide from the National Archives to museums and institutions around the globe. The metal edges re-enforce each box corner, which adds strength and long-lasting protection for the important documents within.

And have you ever noticed the metal blade on a box of aluminum foil or plastic wrap used to dispense the roll material? Metal Edge International supplies that metal too.

“We are the market leader in offering a number of dispensing blade choices for the global Aluminum foil and Cling Film market. Our primary focus is commercial / catering size rolls where performance, quality, safety and utility are required, says Markert. “

Metal Edge International, Inc. manufactures boxes, dispensing blades, corner metal (Fastay is their brand) and assembly equipment, enabling customers to manufacture their own packaging in-house. They also affix blades onto unassembled cartons. Metal Edge dispensing blades are available in a variety of choices for multiple applications and uses.

A family owned and operated company, Metal Edge International was founded in 1978, In North Wales, Pennsylvania, Today, the company’s global reach extends to clients in 6 continents and 33 countries and employs 14 total staff.

“We are an industry leader serving local, national and multi-national companies,” says Markert as he points to a map on the wall of his office. Our strength is in our people, product innovation, understanding our market niche and providing dispensing solutions to each individual client.

“Ninety-nine percent of our products are produced in our facility in North Wales, PA,” says Markert. The company also has a warehouse in Chicago, Illinois and a facility in Shanghai, China.

During a tour of the North Wales factory warehouse, Markert explains Metal Edge’s winning customer service. “By working directly with designers, product and brand managers, our team can offer innovative, customized packaging solutions.”

As a member of the WTCGP CEOs China Operations Club, Paul Markert relies on the WTCGP for up-to-the-minute information on global markets. “I like to stay in the know and being a member of the WTCGP China Club helps me keep up with what’s happening,” he adds. “Yes, the WTCGP has helped grow our global business.”

The WTCGP also appreciates Paul Markert’s advice as a contributor of the WTCGP Advisory Council. His vast manufacturing and global sales experience gives the WTCGP valuable input on how to better serve our members and clients.

Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of Canadian Chamber of Commerce talks NAFTA

Posted on December 27, 2017 by Graziella DiNuzzo

The United States, Canada and Mexico are heading into the sixth round of talks on NAFTA in mid-January 2018, and on December 11th, The Consulate General of Canada in New York, together with Canada’s Trade Commissioner in Philadelphia, Vince Finn, held a roundtable discussion and luncheon to discuss the “Modernization of NAFTA.” Over 50 business people gathered at Duane Morris to hear the Honourable Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, talk about the opportunities and challenges of NAFTA in an interview led by Ram Mudambi, Professor of Strategy for Temple University’s Fox School of Business. Read More

Handmade in PA: Stunning ceramics from the state’s artisans

Posted on December 21, 2017 by Graziella DiNuzzo

When Royce Yoder, artist, craftsman and owner of Royce Yoder Pottery, took his three children to see the Pfaltzgraff factory in York back in the 1990s, the company was manufacturing 160,000 pieces of tableware per day. Today their products are no longer made in the United States.

According to the September 2017 IBIS World Industry Report, the ceramics industry has suffered from declining sales because of rising imports, but that doesn’t affect pottery artisans like Yoder. Pennsylvania has a wealth of small-scale producers and solo operators creating handmade tableware for an audience seeking something special for their homes.

Yoder has been creating and selling his designs — bowls, casseroles, mugs, plates, vases — since 1983. He typically make 5,000 to 6,000 pieces per year by himself and by hand.

“I’m not making one-off art pieces,” he explains. “I make functional kitchen and tableware intended for everyday use.”

Yoder’s studio is located in a barn on his property in Lederach, Montgomery County.

“My commute is a walk through the pine trees,” he says.

Yoder typically spends an average of 12 hours per day “throwing clay,” a term used when molding and shaping a ball of clay on a potter’s wheel.

“If it doesn’t have heart and soul of yourself it’s not worth making it,” he muses. “I need to make work that has vitality. Each piece is different. You can make two dozen coffee mugs but each one is a little fatter or skinnier, and the consistent quality is there.”

In September, an Ohio company asked him to create 350 rectangular bowls as a holiday gift for their employees. Yoder wrapped each piece in newspaper, placing them in white-handled shopping bags along with a note on care and handling — just in time for the holiday party.

If it doesn’t have heart and soul of yourself it’s not worth making it. I need to make work that has vitality.Royce Yoder

Teresa Chang is another standout tableware artisan. After earning a masters degree in architecture from Columbia University in 1992, she set up a pottery studio in her Brooklyn loft and began to do what she loved most: create porcelain ceramics. In 1997, Teresa Chang Ceramics debuted its dinnerware at the International Gift Faire and soon attracted clients such as Barney’s Japan, Takashimaya, and Dean & Deluca. She recalls when ABC Carpet and Home in New York offered her an open stock display table.

“That really helped get my name out there,” she says.

In 2001, Chang moved her studio to the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia and began concentrating more on retail sales.

“By scaling back to retail I am able to maintain a personal connection with my client and I love that,” she says. “I invite my clients to come to my studio. I also send samples, and I get to know what they want.”

“My customer is a craft enthusiast who prefers to buy limited edition items, or someone who has just renovated their home and wants to purchase a custom dinner order,” she explains. Loyal customers include Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg, who have ordered complete dinnerware sets for several of their estates. “They saw a small article in the New York Times and that was it. But if someone wants to buy one cup, that’s okay.”

Chang is known for her soft and vibrant color palette; she credits early Korean and Japanese pottery, and her mother’s appreciation for simplicity as influences.

Denise Wilz finds her inspiration in traditions closer to home: namely the traditions and techniques of Pennsylvania German potters from the late 1600s to the mid 1800s. Wilz earned a BA in Studio Art from Moravian College but worked as a computer programmer for 18 years. In 2002, it was time for a change, and she opened Wilz Pottery in Macungie, Lehigh County. Today, working out of a house built in the 1700s, Denise creates one-of-a-kind redware. She is also president of the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.

Her work, which begins with red earthenware clay, is created using replicas of hand tools employed by 17th century Pennsylvania German potters. The clay is rolled out and then draped over a plate or platter mold. Mugs and jars are made on a potters wheel. White earthenware clay is used in the decoration; Wilz also uses a “sgraffito tool” to scratch and slip cups in order to decorate the clay. Each piece is signed and dated, and the weather of the day is also noted on the back.

Most Wilz Pottery customers buy her pieces for decoration, not everyday table use, though the glazes are food safe.

“I sell mostly retail and have a few shops that carry my work,” she adds, “mostly gift shops that are associated with historical locations and/or traditions.”

Some independent pottery artisans have chosen to scale their businesses and take on employees. JoAnn Stratakos, owner and founder of MudWorks Pottery, employs about 15 people at the company’s 9,000 square foot warehouse in Effort, PA, a town near Stroudsburg in the Poconos.

MudWorks may be best known as home of “Elwood, The Rainbow Unicorn,” a whimsical mug that hit the scene in 2012. A successful debut at an Orlando trade show led to a spot in the Uncommon Goods holiday catalog and a feature on the website — they sold out 900 units of Elwood during the 2014 holiday season and the rest is history. To date, the company has received orders for over 7,000 mugs and 5,000 Elwood cereal bowls.

Mudworks produces much more than just Elwood. Stratakos develops all the designs, which include over 200 mug choices.

“I believe in functional pottery,” she says. “I want to make pieces people can use on a daily basis. We produce 100 mugs per day, seven days per week. It truly is a labor of love.”

There is something special about handmade tableware — each item is made by hand and therefore unique. As Royce Yoder puts it, “The customer is buying a bit of you, and people are still drawn to that.”

GRAZIELLA DiNUZZO is a freelance writer and handles communications for the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia.

The local impact of international medicine in Philly

Posted on October 31, 2017 by Graziella DiNuzzo

About 100 countries send patients to CHOP and other health systems in Greater Philadelphia. From a 7-year-old taking her first steps to an infant finding a cure, the stories of local impact are moving.

By Graziella DiNuzzo / GUEST

Ruth Frey and CHOP Chief of Oncology Dr. Stephen Hunger were on their way to Philadelphia International Airport to catch a flight to Saudi Arabia to meet with Ministers of Health and referring physicians.

Their mission: Bring patients in need of specialized care to Philadelphia.

“Families in many countries around the world can’t access specialized care for their children, in many instances, it’s a difference between life and death,” said Frey, CHOP’s Executive Director for International Relationships and Programs.

Frey has traveled to the Middle East and other countries before, working with their embassies to pave the way to CHOP for patients such as Abdulrahman Abanemi from Saudi Arabia who has Holt-Oram syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disorder that causes heart and limb abnormalities.

Approximately 100 countries have sent their critically ill patients to CHOP’s Department of Global Medicine for complex medical care. That’s because CHOP is a quaternary care hospital, which means the hospital offers treatment for rare disorders and uncommon specialized surgeries.

CHOP’s reputation for specialized care is noted by physicians across the world. Endocrinologists at Princess Margaret Hospital for Childrenin Subiaco, Australia, for instance, have referred patients to CHOP’s Congenital Hyperinsulinism Center — patients such as 8-week-old Lachlan Cooper, who was born with the pancreatic disease. Three weeks after taking the 35-hour journey from Perth to Philadelphia, baby Lachlan was cured.

Leonard Karp, president and CEO of Philadelphia International Medicine (PIM), has dedicated over 25 years of his career establishing the Philadelphia region as an international healthcare destination of choice. PIM provides international patients and physicians with access to doctors and surgeons from Temple, Jefferson, Fox Chase Cancer Center, WillsEye Hospital and beyond, and patients have been received from across the globe, from the Caribbean and Latin America to Europe and Asia.

PIM recently entered into a partnership with the Sociedad Mexicana de Oncología (SMeO) that will allow physicians at the two institutions to collaborate on treatments. The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia helped PIM connect with the appropriate representative in Mexico to make the partnership happen.

“We want to assist on the expansion of SMeO’s mission of advancing Mexico’s healthcare community by providing the opportunity to engage and establish relationships with PIM hospitals,” said Karp.

The region’s health systems are even helping to fill the need for lifesaving treatments for China’s growing middle class. Companies such as Premier Global Care, based in King of Prussia, are helping to serve the average of 60,000 Chinese citizens who seek medical assistance abroad every year.

The bottom line: Philadelphia has top doctors and surgeons that are actively sought out by international patients, and the economic impact for the region is huge.

When patients travel to Philadelphia, they oftentimes bring their entire family. Outside of the cost of medical treatment, which may be covered by governments or insurance, international patients and their families staying in Philadelphia contribute to regional economy. With some hospital stays as long as a year or more, families are spending on airline travel, housing, food, clothing, education for young family members, tourism and more.

Not to mention the importance of delivering care to those who typically can not access it.

Frey told a story of a 7-year-old CHOP patient currently learning to walk who asked one of the hospital’s patient navigators for “something special” — sneakers.

“Yesterday, [the patient navigator] alerted our staff to join him on a Skype call. He had something to show us. While our staff and her parents watched via Skype, our girl gently stepped into a pair of sneakers she had always dreamed of wearing — and took her first steps,” said Frey. “That’s why we do what we do every day. That’s why I love my job. ”

Dr. John Bennett Talks Healthcare Coverage in China

Posted on October 23, 2017 by Graziella DiNuzzo

Dr. John A. Bennett, Chairman , and CEO of Devon International Group (center) with Chinese delegation.

In June 2017, the WTCGP and WTC Tianjin, China signed an MOU to introduce member companies to opportunities in Tianjin – and on September 22nd, they did just that.

Dr. John Bennett, WTCGP board member and Chairman and CEO, Devon International Group recently returned from a productive meeting at World Trade Center, Tianjin, China, where he met with Mr. Eric Cao, WTC, Tianjin, Executive Director and Tiejun Zhang, Deputy Director-General, Tianjin Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning.

The discussion? Healthcare coverage or lack thereof. Extending healthcare benefits to all citizens is a hot topic, not only in the US, but also in the Peoples Republic of China. Mr. Zhang would like to provide expanded healthcare benefits to include coverage of approved specialty drugs and some medical procedures that are not covered by China’s Social Security Program.

Devon International Group was also glad to report some confirmed steps forward, “We have received approval to offer Catastrophic Health Coverage to the People’s Republic of China,” says CEO, Dr. John Bennett. “We are the second US Company to offer coverage for severe medical problems in the US, and are glad to be partnering with world-renowned reinsurance company, Munich Reinsurance America.”

Next steps? Mr. Zhang will provide additional information to the Devon International Team and together they will move closer to providing extended healthcare coverage to the citizens of Tianjin, China.

How these 4 PA companies found success in exporting

Posted on October 3, 2017 by Graziella DiNuzzo

How do we get more Pa. producers to export?

This story is part of Grow PA, a reported series on economic development across 10 Pennsylvania counties underwritten by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia.

This is a guest post by Graziella DiNuzzo, communications director at the World Trade Center of Greater of Philadelphia.

What does an underwater robotic vehicle manufacturer have in common with an organic bug spray company, a manufacturer of stainless steel and an ice cream shop?

All four are successful Pennsylvania exporters who are growing their business and strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy.

According to the Greater Philadelphia Export Plan, launched by the Economy League of Philadelphia and the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) in April 2016, manufacturing and services firms that export enjoy higher revenues, faster growth, a stronger labor pool and higher profitability than non-exporters.

Raising the region’s export intensity to the average for the 100 largest U.S. metros — an ambitious but realistic goal — would translate into $6.3 billion in new economic activity every year and 35,000 additional jobs.

This represents the enormous untapped potential to strengthen our economy. According to WTCGP President Linda Conlin, the region’s export economy is “well-positioned” for success.

“We’ve been counseling companies since 2002. As one of 320 World Trade Centers, WTCGP has helped area companies generate over $1.6 billion in incremental export sales, supporting over 20,200 jobs,” said Conlin. “Global opportunities exist, and it is up to organizations like the WTCGP, U.S. Commercial Service, Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center (DVIRC) and state, county and local governments to continue to support these small to medium sized businesses.”

So, how do we get more Pa. companies on board? First, consider these tips from a recent event on going global.

Here are four Pa. companies that have found success in exporting:

VideoRay

Pottstown-based VideoRay is the largest volume producer of portable inspection-class underwater robots used in port security, law enforcement, offshore oil and gas drilling and ship inspection. Just recently, VideoRay fulfilled two large orders for Autonomous Remote Vehicle Systems — one for the French Navy for $1.5 million and another for the Indian Navy for $1 million. Today, VideoRay products are used on every continent.

Sandmeyer Steel

“If you had told me nine or 10 years ago that we’d be doing business overseas, I would have told you that you were crazy. And yet today, we are all over the world,” says John Curley, Vice President of International Sales for Sandmeyer Steel, a stainless steel and nickel alloy manufacturer located in Northeast Philly. Sandmeyer currently maintains 10 international sales locations and business is good.

GreenerWays

In April 2017, GreenerWays was named Exporter of the Year in Bucks County by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Founded in 2010, Greenerways LLC is a Langhorne-based company that develops, produces (via consignment manufacturing) and wholesales organic household cleaning and insect repellent products. GreenerWays is currently exporting to Japan, Hong Kong, Aruba and Mexico.

“Greenerways, LLC, is an outstanding example of a small business that starts, grows and goes on to success in the global exporting market,” said SBA Eastern Pa. Director Antonio Leta.

Bassetts Ice Cream

In December, Bassetts, America’s oldest ice cream company and a hometown favorite, shipped its first container of ice cream to South Korea, and has opened its first store. Bassetts is also selling in China and the Caribbean and China accounts for 20 percent of Bassetts revenue. Bassetts has reportedly experienced double-digit growth in the last three years, and President Michael Strange expects that growth to continue.

Graziella DiNuzzo is Director of Communications and Development at the World Trade Center of Greater of Philadelphia.

The Girl On The Bridge

Posted on September 30, 2017 by Graziella DiNuzzo

by Graziella DiNuzzo

I was on my way to the Bronx for a surprise visit to see mamma and papa. If I let them know in advance, mamma would have yelled at me and make me swear on my children’s lives that I wouldn’t come. The weather is too cold, or hot, there is too much crime happening in the neighborhood, the traffic is going to be bad, you should stay home and do your laundry – just some of the usual reasons.

So, I learned long ago to wait to call mamma when I got to the George Washington Bridge. No doubt, at 88 and 89 years young they would be home.

I hung up with mamma, who yelled at me for not telling her, etc. She told me she had minestrone soup cooking, but would have made my favorite eggplant, yadda, yadda. Why didn’t I tell her? You always do this! What if we weren’t home?

Mamma was right about the traffic on the bridge. Truth be told, she’s right about a lot of things.

As I inched my way across the bridge, I thought it would be nice to bring them a pizza. I ask my phone for pizza shops on Allerton Avenue and I call the first name that pops up. Yes, I know I should not have been on my phone but with the usual traffic I could have written an essay and vacuumed the back seat of my car. Nope I wasn’t driving.

“A large pie with broccoli and mushrooms, “ I tell the guy who answered the phone. “Okay, fifteen minutes,” he says in his abrupt Bronx tone.

I go back to the music and my gorgeous view of Manhattan and the World Trade Center Freedom Tower. As always, I think of the day when I crossed the bridge after 9/11 and the towers were gone – it’s still so surreal.

Hitting the first pothole on the Cross Bronx Expressway wakes me from my bittersweet ride down memory lane. I love New York.

These days, Allerton Avenue has parking kiosks – and as many parking spots as a Manhattan street – hardly any. C’mon New York, I’m just picking up pizza – shouldn’t there be a space for that? I circle the avenue a few times and find a spot four blocks away.

I walk into the shop and tell the tall man, “I’m here to pick up a large pie, broccoli and…” Before I can say “mushrooms, “ he looks straight into my eyes and violently lifts his arms up and down into the air and back down to his side and back up again, and down again. He starts shaking his head and walks back and forth in front of the large pizza box sitting patiently on top of the oven.

“YOU CALL ME TO MAKE THE PIZZA AND I MAKE THE PIZZA AND I WAIT AND I WAIT AND I SAY I MAKE THE BEAUTIFUL PIZZA AND YOU NOT HERE AND LOOK!” he yells while opening the pizza box in total disgust.

From my vantage point at the counter, the pizza looked good to me and quite delish.

“Oh, I’m so sorry I say softly, I was in traffic on the George Washington Bridge and didn’t realize…”

He interrupts with more yelling, “I MAKE THE PIZZA AND PUT THE BROCCOLI…”

A young Mexican man sticks his head out over the swinging kitchen doors.

“HER!” The tall, angry pizza man yells at him while pointing at me.

“Oh, she the one,” the Mexican young man says, “oh, oh, “

I was happy to be the only person in the shop.

I try to apologize again in a damsel in distress tone, “I really had no idea it would take so long…”

I try again, “you know I am from this neighborhood and I can’t come home without picking up the best pizza…”

The tall angry pizza man has his back to me and the young Mexican man is just watching my mouth move – still perched over the kitchen doors.

“How much is it?” I ask nervously thinking this is getting deep.

“I DON’T KNOW!” Tall angry pizza man yells while looking down at my pizza.

My pizza. I just want my pizza.

“HOW MUCH?” the tall angry pizza man barks at the young Mexican’s face, which remains perched over the doors.

“$18,” the young Mexican man says.

The tall angry pizza man walks towards my pizza box and slams the lid of the big brown box.

There is silence. I really wanted to laugh, but no one else would.

Okay, what to do now? I just need to get the pizza and get out. I put 20 minutes on the meter, but I hate to leave him in such a bad mood. The pizza meant so much to him. I mean, he made it with so much pride about 30 minutes or so ago and I let it sit there. Poor pizza, poor pizza guy, bad me, bad bridge.

“Hey, don’t worry,” I say to the back of tall angry pizza man’s head. “I was planning on heating it up later anyway.” I should really just shut up.

But nah, I go in again and keep talking pretending to myself that he didn’t hear me, “hey, don’t worry, I was planning on heating it up later anyway.”

I want to please him. He stares past me, fixated on the the door and hands me the box.

Then he hands me change from $20. I didn’t want the change but that may be insulting. Two dollars doesn’t the cover the cost of what I have done to him. I didn’t want to leave him like that. He looked so hurt.

“Thank you…I’m so sorry, “ I say as I take the big brown box. It really was a really, really big box. I feel self-conscious and awkward.

They are staring at me as I carry the cold pizza towards the door like a dead animal on its way to a burial.

I turn around and feeling quite pathetic say, “Hey, thank you again.”

They just stare at me in disgust. I push open the door and walk into the blinding Allerton Avenue sun.

When mamma answers her door, I hand her the box and she almost drops it while yelling at me in Sicilian. “Why, why, why, did you do this? I made minestrone…and your father gets constipated eating pizza…blah, blah, blah.”

I walk quickly behind mamma as she struggles to find space on the table for the box. Dad shuffles in from the other room and starts yelling at me – yeah about the pizza.

I sit down and inhale a cold slice. Yummy! When I see my sister later that day, we both wondered if I should call tall angry pizza man to see if he was okay.

About two weeks later, my sister decides to walk into the same shop and order a pie. We’re weird like that.

She says to the tall pizza guy, “my sister ordered a pie a few weeks ago and she said it was so good.”

“YOUR SISTER! “ he shouts.

‘THAT WAS YOUR SISTER! THE GIRL FROM THE BRIDGE!”

This is New York. Now how many customers come and go on any given day from a busy corner pizza shop? Really, really?

Maria starts to laugh and texts me that she’s at the pizza shop and the guy remembers me. I spit out my coffee and laugh out loud.

What!

So yesterday, as I was on my way to another surprise visit to mamma and while sitting in traffic on the George Washington Bridge, I think it would be nice to have a slice.

But this time I know better! I will call when I get a few blocks away from the shop.

I will be early! I will not be late! I will pick up a piping hot work of art and everyone will be happy with me. Mamma and papa did end up eating a slice last time. And just to be sure he doesn’t remember me I will order something different and keep my dark glasses on.

“A large plain pie,” I say to the man’s whose voice I know. The man I hurt.

“Okay, fifteen minutes,” he says. Fifteen minutes is the magical pickup time for all pizza orders for as long as I can remember.

I walk into the shop with a big smile on my face.

“I ordered a large plain pie,” I say with confidence.

“Yeah, it’s in the oven… a few more minutes,” he says eyeing the oven.

“No problem, I don’t mind waiting,” I say. That’s nice. He sounds like he’s in a good mood, I think to myself.

I am happy. Life is good. Maybe this time mamma will even let me leave the leftover pizza with her instead of forcing me to bring it back home.

The tall pizza guy gently takes the pizza out of the oven and slides it into the very big brown box. He brings the pizza to the counter and says,

“You’re the girl, the girl from the bridge.”

Philly, Be Proud! First U.S. World Heritage City

Posted on September 27, 2017 by Graziella DiNuzzo

A city of firsts, Philadelphia is also now the first World Heritage City in the United States. As such, The Philadelphia World Heritage City Project, a partnership between Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) and the City of Philadelphia, has emerged to promote Philadelphia’s esteemed cultural and economic contribution to the world and its need for continued historical preservation. The

The PWHCP invites the world to invest, live, work, study and visit Philadelphia. Today, Philadelphians can share and celebrate the honor of being a part of a World Heritage City.

GPA also worked to create a World Heritage City Strategic Plan —a plan that uniquely positions the many new opportunities for economic growth, international relationships, historic preservation and increased tourism. The strategic plan summarizes a series of bold aspirations that come with our new status. And as GPA continues to remind us —this plan is for all Philadelphians!

Have you seen the movie yet? The Philadelphia World Heritage City film is a 28-minute documentary written and narrated by University of Pennsylvania Professor of History of Art, David B. Brownlee, Ph.D., FSAH, and produced and directed by filmmaker Sam Katz. Created to commemorate the historic designation of Philadelphia as the First World Heritage City in the United States, the film offers an
exceptional glimpse into the formation and development of Philadelphia, illustrating the city’s leadership role in the fields of art, transportation, urban planning, medicine and more. The film spans centuries, touching upon the formation of some of Philadelphia’s unique neighborhoods and how far Philadelphia has come from the idealistic plan envisioned by William Penn in the 17th century. Now, with a World Heritage City designation by the Organization of World Heritage Cities, Philadelphia should fully embrace its rich
heritage, as Dr. Brownlee so eloquently reminds viewers.

And as part of the World Heritage Project branding, a World Heritage Seal was created and unveiled on May 26, 2016, by Mayor Kenney at a press conference to announce World Heritage Day, which will take place every fourth Thursday in May. The seal is available for use on websites, brochures, annual reports
and other promotional materials. Use is not authorized in connection with merchandise.

“I hope that all Philadelphians can share in the pride of living in a World Heritage City,” Mayor Kenney said. “Whether we were born here or we chose to make our home here, whether we live downtown or in one of our many diverse neighborhoods, this designation is a distinct honor for all of us.”

Sunhillo Corporation is Keeping Us Safe Around the World

Posted on September 26, 2017 by Graziella DiNuzzo

When Dave Whitman and Robert Jones founded Sunhillo Corporation in 1991, they did not create a business plan – they went right to work. Dave and Robert met at the company they worked for, Formation, in Moorestown, NJ and decided to combine their expertise in radar surveillance technology. At the time, David was Director of Engineering, and Bob was VP of Sales and together they formed a team dedicated to making the world a safer place to live through cutting-edge surveillance technology. After 6 months in business, Dave and Bob landed their first subcontract for IBM, to develop a radar interface for Taiwan.

For the past 25 years, Sunhillo has been developing products and systems to distribute radar data, more specifically, to convert and filter surveillance data used by Air Traffic Automation systems. Headquartered in West Berlin, NJ, within 45 minutes of the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center (WJHTC), Sunhillo also provides technical services to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including Atlantic City Technical Center, which is supported by 80 Sunhillo employees. http://www.sunhillo.com/

Today Sunhillo does $20,000,000 in annual global sales and is an industry leader in surveillance data distribution and conversion products

With the need for increased security around the world, Sunhillo data systems and software are in demand. Sunhillo is in every airport in the United States!

In 2001, Sunhillo began to export.

“Between 8 to 15% of our business is international and 7 to 10% is outside of North America. Canada has become a big market for us and growing our international sales is a top priority since we are saturating our FAA business, “says Dave Whitman, President, Sunhillo Corporation. “The WTCGP has helped provide vital information on exporting and has helped connect us with cost-saving export finance options.”

Sunhillo Corporation has been a member of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia since 2015 and in 2016 received the New Jersey Member Company of the Year Award at a ceremony at our World Trade Center’s Day Awards and Celebration, which took place at the Independence Seaport Museum.

To date, Sunhillo is exporting to 13 countries, which include Thailand, France, Spain, Belgium, United Kingdom and Brazil. In the UK, Sunhillo employs a full-time sales person.

While 90% of Sunhillo customers are Government Air Traffic Service providers, such as the FAA and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA in UK and China), they also sell to the Department of Defense (DOD) and Homeland Security.

Sunhillo surveillance is used to monitor the United States-Mexican Border and by Drug Interdiction personnel in the Caribbean.

And Sunhillo is protecting the President of the United States! The US Secret Service uses Sunhillo products every time the President travels.

And the Space Shuttle! Sunhillo has also been deployed to track several space shuttle landings.

Tasked with the mission to continue to create the latest in surveillance technology, the team at Sunhillo, an employee-owned company, works to protect people, places and things around the globe. It’s no surprise that with increased global security needs, Sunhillo has seen a steady 12% growth in business over the last ten years.

Growing Number of Chinese Seek Medical Care in the US

Posted on December 29, 2016 by Graziella DiNuzzo

A 47-year-old woman whose CT scan shows several pulmonary nodules visits another doctor in Shanghai. The doctor, who that day may have seen as many as 200 patients, tells her she mostly likely has cancerous lesions in her lungs and will need chemotherapy and surgery to remove all 7 of them. He doesn’t perform a biopsy.

Fortunately, this woman is one of a growing number of people in China who are seeking medical care in the United States, and can afford it. In her case, a medical tourism agent in China reached out to Ruth Wu, President of Premier Global Care (PGC) and Ruth stepped into action. After an appointment with a pulmonary doctor at Penn Medicine, it was determined that the woman did not require chemotherapy or surgery, as the lesions were too small and low in density to be diagnosed as malignant. Instead, the doctor told her not to worry and suggested a six-month and follow-up.

Premier Global Care, a newly created medical tourism company was established to fill the growing need and desire for China’s growing middle class to receive life saving medical care in the United States. China’s medical care procedures are standardized and due to high volume, doctors are forced to seek the fastest treatments, leading to increased medical errors. Every year an average of 60,000 Chinese seek medical assistance abroad, especially for conditions related to China’s pollution problem. A recent article in Time Magazine reported that by 2020 lung cancer cases in China are expected to top 800,000.

PGC was established under the Devon International Group (DIG). Since 2002, DIG has been a member of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) and has received trade counseling and access to WTCGP global networks to create a long-term China strategy. In 2004, WTCGP Manager of Export Services Ron Drozd established the CEOs’ China Operations Club, a closely-knit group of 45 peer companies who participate in informative roundtable presentations by China specialists and share business challenges and best practices.

Ron Drozd commented, “The World Trade Center provides a platform of services, networks and international opportunities for members to grow their businesses. In June, both Devon International Group and Premier Global Care participated in a trade delegation we hosted for the World Trade Center Tianjin, China. Talks from this inbound delegation prompted Ruth to travel to Tianjin where the WTC network would help her to meet with numerous partners and potential customers.A second WTCGP Tianjin delegation came to Philadelphia in early November and had meetings with PGC and Dr. John Bennett, founder of Devon International Group. Two weeks later both Ruth Wu and Dr. Bennett traveled back to China to further develop the business relationships.”

For the past year, PGC has been working in China to create personalized medical tourism packages for Chinese people seeking anything from critical medical care and In Vitro Fertilization to corporate executive physical exams.

Once a patient has connected with PGC, Ruth Wu will work with her team to create a personalized package.

First step to a personalized package – review the patient’s medical records and connect with the hospital in Philadelphia (or other US city) most suitable for the patient’s case to come up with the best treatment plan. After discussing the plan with the patient and his/her family, the PGC team will handle all necessary details which may include: obtaining a Visa; arranging housing and transportation to and from hospital and doctor appointments; providing translation services, organizing tourist excursions for family members, and providing other needs such as weekly food shopping.

Once the patient returns to China, PGC continues to provide assistance with prescription refills; medical report translation and other needs that may arise such as remote follow up sessions.

PGC has brought over 30 patients from China to the United States, most often to Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, Ruth Wu works closely with Philadelphia International Medicine, which matches international patients and physicians with access to a network of world-renowned doctors, surgeons and hospitals.

Sometimes time is of the essence, as in the case of a three year old girl who had received radiation in China for a tumor that was growing inside her mouth. Unfortunately, by the time the toddler arrived at New York’s Lenox Hill hospital, the cancer had advanced and doctors were unable to save her life.

“I accompanied Baby Yao to Lennox Hill Hospital. It was heart breaking to see that we got to Yao, a precious 3 year old, too late for treatment. I ask myself often what if her parents had sought out help a few months earlier,” says Dr. John Bennett, CEO of Premier Global Care. ”

PGC is currently managing 4 patients in the Unites States and their prognosis is great. One of those patients is a 34- year old woman who was recently diagnosed in China with cirrhosis of the liver. Chinese doctors told her that she had ten years to live. Follow-up tests in the United States determined she did not have cirrhosis of the liver – she was fine.

“She and her husband are so happy about this result” says Ruth Wu. “I have a mission now to help more patients to get the proper care and to avoid unnecessary procedures.”

About Premier Global Care (PGC)
Premier Global Care is a medical tourism company leveraging Devon International Group’s years of experience in the healthcare and medical industries. PGC is dedicated to advanced medical treatment and personalized patient services.About Devon International Group (DIG)
DIG is a multinational group of businesses spanning the healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and international industries. DIG’s nine companies employ over 500 people in 20 countries. The Group routinely partners with entities ranging from small private companies to Fortune 500 enterprises to help achieve its goals of driving affordability and access in healthcare, technology and other industries. www.devonintlgroup.com

DIG has built an extensive relationship in northern, mid and southern China over the past 15 years, and has an office in Shanghai and a factory in Nantong.

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