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Authorizing Council's Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings on how the city can become more competitive in the global economic markets and reassert itself as a destination for international tourism, economic investment, export markets, job creation and cultural offerings.
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WHEREAS, In the previous century Philadelphia was the largest and most influential city in the Western Hemisphere; it was a center and major port and held a centennial exposition in recognition of its continuing place as an international industrial powerhouse. For years afterward, it continued to be a major manufacturing center and was one of the most prosperous of American cities; and
WHEREAS, The local economy can and does benefit when it becomes an international city. Specifically, 55% of the 66 companies that Select Greater Philadelphia has helped locate here have come from overseas. A recent example is the Mark Group, a UK company that located to the Navy Yard in October, 2010. This energy efficiency company is expected to fill 320 jobs and occupy 75,000 square feet of space in three years; and
WHEREAS, The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia worked with over 300 companies in 2010, helping them generate in excess of $147 million in incremental exports; and
WHEREAS, Emerging markets are now growing at a faster rate than our own economy. Businesses, if they have not already, need to consider markets beyond the U.S. domestic market; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Flower show has become a signature event for the city. This past year 265,000 people attended, coming from places as far flung as Canada, Panama, Bermuda, Russia, Great Britain, France, Japan and Indonesia; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is renown for its numerous health organizations including the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia which treats children from all over the globe; and
WHEREAS, A wealth of international organizations, globally-minded citizens and other world-class re...
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