NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 2014

Introduction

"With only a couple of days before the end of 2014 we are filled with positive thoughts and excitement of all the current year accomplishments. The month of December is also a good month to think ahead about our plans for the coming year. I would like extend my best wishes to all and hope that you will rejoice with your families during these festivities and holidays.Merry Christmas and a happy 2015!" Remy Swaab, Executive Director of WTC Panama.

Close to Home

Information from the Administration WTC Panama

Firstly, the Administration wants to announce that the projects of 2014 are culminating successfully in this month of December. Amongst these projects there is the remodeling of the Lobby, the energy efficiency studies that will guide us next year, the deployment of online presence as well as local and international press, the investment in security and training through our drills, along with other projects.

They also would like to reiterate what has been announced in the previous newsletters; from the beginning of 2015 the new ID access cards to enter the WTC Panama Complex will be implemented. All tenants and owners will have the opportunity to update and change their information until the 15th of January 2015, to do so, please contact the Administration: 265-7848 or by email: administration@wtcpanama.org.

On the other hand the Administration wants to thank everyone that cooperated in the realization of the Unified Fumigation, which has been a success and has been achieved as scheduled. Additionally, the Administration would like to inform you that, following the Improvement Plans, the reparation and renovation of the elevators have started and asks for your understanding if there are any inconveniences during these improvements.

Member Acknowledgment

Words from‏ Donna Siebrasse - Sanchiz, Siebrasse & Asociados, S.A. (SSA)

Pioneers in Public Relations in Panama

We have many firsts. We were the first PR firm in Panama that had a partner with a college degree in PR (1985). We were the first PR firm in Panama to acquire an international affiliation (1991). We were the first PR firm to participate in a multi-million dollar contract, Panama Tourism promotion (1999 to 2001).

We are also among the founding companies of the World Trade Center Panama. Since April 1997, we have been delighted to hang our corporate hat at this prestigious international business center.

In 2014, a robust year for our company, we undertook much exciting retainer and project work.

In April, we were hired as the national public relations agency for the World Economic Forum on Latin America, held April 1-3, in Panama. This event brought together 7 heads of state and more than 600 leaders from business, government, civil society, academia, media and entertainment and the arts for three days of high-level discussions on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the region, under the theme, “Opening Pathways for Shared Progress”.

In May we managed the invitation and local logistics for a Google Media Lab in Panama, for qualified media representatives from print, online, television and radio media outlets.

In July and August, we provided media support to announce that Mr. Remy Swaab was named the new Executive Director of the World Trade Center Panama. With an initial investment of US $45 million, the WTC Panama opened its doors in 1997 as an innovative mixed use facility that catalyzed the real estate development of the Marbella and Calle 50 sectors as Panama City’s new commercial and financial sector. Every day, there are approximately 1,147 employees that come to work while an average of 400 people visit the WTC Panama. Currently the WTC office tower has a 98% occupancy rate. WTC Panama is part of a worldwide network of more than 330 WTC’s in 90 countries. WTC Panama Case Study

A Changing of the Guard and Repositioning of the Brand For Dayton Superior, North America’s largest supplier of construction accessories, chemicals and forming products, we organized logistics for their booth at CAPAC Expo Habitat, the largest construction and real estate fair in Central America and the Caribbean.

In September, we provided public relations support to launch the upscale restaurant, Azahar Panama.

Cyber security and online mobile banking were some of the topics addressed at ISACA’s CACS / ISRM 2014 Latin American Conference in October. ISACA is a nonprofit, professional association with 115,000 members in more than 200 countries. Panama hosted their Latin American meeting with more than 350 attendees. We worked with PR colleagues from Mexico to manage media relations before, during and after this prestigious conclave. Case Study: Shining the Light on Cyber Security

For Corporate Social Responsibility, we provided pro-bono PR services for the International Guitar Festival, held in June. Our agency is proud to be associated with this cultural endeavor for more than 15 years. We supported the Circle Theatre for their flagship production, The Verdict, in August.

It was a busy and fun year. We look forward to 2015. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Members at Heart

The Flags waving in the Plazoleta

The national flag of Panama in the middle pole, announces that it is the host country. The accompanying flags waving on both sides, are representing either independent countries with offices in the Complex (for example the Embassy of Germany, Guatemala and Peru) or that they are a supranational organization or a flag from a private entity (ie. the European Union and the World Trade Centers Association, respectively).

National Flags indicate that, in the WTC Panama Complex, although it’s Panamanian territory, the embassies of these countries are not linked with local laws and in most situations, the embassies are treated as part of the territory of the country that they represent. So, only by seeing the flags on the Plazoleta, we know that, within the WTC Panama Complex, there is a part of territory of Peru, Guatemala and Germany. Besides the embassies the WTC Panama complex also accommodates the consulate of Belize and commercial offices of Peru, Japan and Korea.

Here you will find more information about these offices:
Embassy of Germany www.panama.diplo.de
Embassy of Guatemala www.panama.minex.gob.gt
Embassy of Peru www.embaperupanama.com
Consulate of Belize c.belize.panama@gmail.com
Unión Europea www.eeas.europa.eu
Commercial Office of Peru in Panama www.mincetur.gob.pe
Japan International Cooperation Agency www.jica.go.jp/spanish/index.html
Korea Business Center www.kotra.or.kr/KBC/panama/ - www.kotrapanama.org

Jock O'Connell visits Panama

Mr. Jock O’Connell, an international trade economist who specializes in the logistics of trade, met with Mr. Remy Swaab, Executive Director of WTC Panama, while visiting Panama. They talked about the possible effects and impact of the Expansion of the Canal to the US. During Mr. Jock O’Connell’s visit to Panama he also met with the Port Authority, the Canal and with the local Panamanian press.

Mr. O’Connell is widely regarded as one of California's foremost authorities on world trade, global economic trends, and the internationalization of the Golden State's economy and one of the leading authorities on California's role in the global economy; he is frequently quoted in the media both here and abroad. For more information about Jock O’Connell, click here

Connected to the World

World Trade Centers Latin-American Meeting

On the 11th of November WTC Lima and Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola hosted the Pacific Alliance meeting in Lima, Peru. They brought together members of the World Trade Center network from the Latin America region of the Pacific Alliance. The following day, 12th of November, 20 Executive Officers of 30 different World Trade Centers from Latin America reunited to strengthen their connection and to discuss pending topics on trade and connectivity in their region.

Mr. Remy Swaab from WTC Panama attended this event and spoke about the importance of the digital connection between the regional WTC’s but also between Latin America and the rest of the World. WTCs in Latin America have a strong and solid network and base to stimulate and facilitate Trade and Investment for companies in their countries. If you would like to have more information, or if you would want to see the photos of this event, please click here

San Diego – Balboa Park 100 year celebration after opening Panama Canal

Almost 100 years ago the Panama–California Exposition was held in San Diego, California, between March 9, 1915, and January 1, 1917. The exposition celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal, and was meant to tout San Diego as the first U.S. port of call for ships traveling north after passing westward through the canal. The fair was held in San Diego's large urban Balboa Park. 100 years later, in 2015, San Diego will celebrate again in the Balboa Park 100 years past and a 100 years future. This means the entire year of 2015 will be a celebration in San Diego. For more information on the activities click here

Panama News

The expansión of the Tocumen International Airport

The International Airport of Panama, Tocumen, is considered as the best international airport in the region with strategic connections between the Americas and the cornerstone of Logistics and is in constant development and modernization to meet its growing demand of passengers and cargo, therefore, Tocumen International Airport has decided to expand. This expansion of the airport will take place in 3 phases, the first 2 phases has already been completed.

Phase I – The expansion of the existing terminal; construction of new gates and the expansion of the existing terminal infrastructure.

Phase II – The construction of 12 new large aircraft positions, enabling Airbus A380 to land and board at Tocumen.

With the launch of these developments in 2012, Tocumen has doubled the operational capacity of the airport. On average 360 flights are conducted at the airport daily. There were 18 commercial airlines serving the airport, flying to 74 different destinations to North and South America and Europe.
Phase III – This will contain the construction of a new terminal, called South Terminal, with 20 new gates and a new runway and landing lane. This construction is at 40% completion and is scheduled to be finished in 2016. The construction of the new boulevard to access the new South Terminal will be 2.6 km long and will have 4 lanes, 2 in both directions and will contain VIP lounges, clubs, restaurants and additionally 1600 more parking, among much more. They expect to serve 18 million passengers in 2017, a year after the full completion of the expansion. Read more

New Direct Flight Denver – Panama brings new business opportunities

The new direct flight of United Airlines, from Denver, Colorado to Panama City, started on Dec 3rd and was celebrated with its first trade delegation, with participants that included the 45th Mayor of Denver, Mr. Michael B. Hancock.
In honor of this commercial mission, the Ambassador of the United States in Panama, Mr. Jonathan D. Farrar and his wife Mrs. Farrar, organized a reception at their residence on the 4th of December. The next day, on the 5th of December a Networking Breakfast was held for this Delegation and the local Panamanian business community. This Breakfast was sponsored by the Commercial office of the United States in Panama, Denver International Airport, Visit Denver, United Airlines, among others. Mr. Remy Swaab of World Trade Center Panama attended both events. This new direct flight opened new business opportunities for all members of World Trade Center Denver and World Trade Center Panama. If you are interested in doing business with companies in the State of Colorado, please contact WTC Panama: communication@wtcpanama.org

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The Team

About Us

WTC Panama aims to expand communication, international market culture and business services. The primary goal of the WTC Panama is to bring together the businesses involved in international commerce and provide them with services that will help facilitate growth. WTC Panama connects various economic segments locally and globally and is a member of the World Trade Centers Association. This Association stimulates trade and investment opportunities for commercial property developers, economic development agencies and international businesses looking to connect globally and prosper locally through the exclusive 330 'World Trade Center' branded properties and trade service.