Thomas Young has been in the role of CEO of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia since August 2023, and has a vision of growing the organization, writes Ariana Perez-Castells for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Specifically, he hopes to double its organization’s staff and increase its annual operating budget. The latter is estimated at $2 million and he hopes to get it to around $4 million by 2026.

“I just believe in the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, the opportunity to be the vehicle that can help drive our local economy, to help increase job opportunities, to help increase business capacities,” said Young. “I’m a kid that likes to dream big.”

In addition, Young wants to help more minority businesses participate in international opportunities.

To achieve this growth, the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia is looking to raise funds from both private and public sources, as well as by increasing its membership base.

2026 will be a big year for the nonprofit.

In late March 2026, Philly will host the annual Global Business Forum for the World Trade Centers Association for the first time. Young estimates the weeklong forum will bring between 500 to 1,000 attendees to the city.

“This is huge for Philadelphia to host this,” Young said.

Read more about the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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