About Northwest Indiana World Trade Council
Our Mission
- to promote a greater understanding of Northwest Indiana's role in the global community
through education, connections, communication and marketing;
- to increase international trade through resource coordination, investment, innovation
and direct assistance.
The Northwest Indiana World Trade Council (NWIWTC) was founded in 1988 to raise
regional awareness of the international marketplace, something vital to our economic
growth. The Council is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization serving businesses and
individuals throughout the seven-county area of Northwest Indiana and the south suburbs
of Chicago. The Council provides a neutral forum focused on international
trade, seeking to bridge the differences and diversity of the community. The Council membership
includes over 250 individuals and three student chapters.
Diverse membership
Marketing Staff
Physicians
Realtors
Tourism Industry
Trade Brokers
Trade Groups
Translators
Travelers
Universities
Agents
Associations
Attorneys
Bankers
Business Students
College Professors
Consulates
Consultants
Cultural Organizations
Entrepreneurs
Exporters
Foreign Owned Businesses
Government Resources
Importers
International Restaurants
International Students
International Visitors
Manufacturers
15 years of accomplishments
- included more than 100 businesses & organizations as members
- created an export process module
- provided direct assistance to would be exporters
- hosted visiting counsuls general and trade delegations
- developed stimulating, informative seminars and programs
- acted as a clearing house by accumulating and disseminating information
- supported economic devlopment across Northwest Indiana.
Advocacy
- We support the economic development of Northwest Indiana by providing information
and direct assistance on international trade to existing local manufacturers
and service providers.
- We promote Northwest Indiana as a prime location for international investment.
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- We serve as a catalyst for international trade and investment.
- We connect people, ideas, and information related to the global marketplace.
- We help the community to understand its place in the global business context.
- We dispel fears of the international marketplace.
- We act as an information clearing house, both accumulating and disseminating
information.
- We work to develop innovative, hands-on services.
- We cooperate with universities, hospitality/tourism agencies, Indiana Commerce-International
Trade Division, governmental trade offices, chambers of commerce, Northwest Indiana Forum,
international business organizations, and private industry to optimize and promote programs
and services.
Northwest Indiana in the global community
- Our regiion is a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, heritages, and people.
- Many of our residents have deep roots and family connections to other countries and homelands.
- With international travel available to more and more people, we learn how we are all connected.
- Many of us see ourselves not only as Americans, but as global citizens.
Why Northwest Indiana Needs the World Marketplace
- Since 96% of the world market is outside the U.S., our businesses need the international marketplace
to traverse the ups and downs of economic cycles.
- Our companies need to be just as competitive in the global marketplace as they are domestically.
- Compared to companies which operate only domestically, companies which are exporting grow faster
and are more productive.
- Although Northwest Indiana contains the highest concentration of industry in the state, its percentage
of Indiana's exporting dollars is disproportionately lower.
- Higher salaries and wages are found in export-related jobs.
- As people gain greater understanding and comfort, it becomes easier to participate in the world
economy.
Join NWIWTC
- Be a part of this growth and success.
- Link yourself and your organization or business to people, information, and ideas.
- Promote our region to be active citizens in the global community.
- Be part of our activities:
- Luncheon programs and seminars featuring topics and speakers of international interest;
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- Innovative, direct assistance to our members and to the international business community; and
- Timely mailings and email updates to keep you informed of international opportunities and events.
