Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, PA -
Penn’s Northeast and the Pennsylvania Office of International Business Development (OIBD) came together on Monday, March 11, 2024, to host the biennial Bringing the World to Northeastern PA event. This initiative aimed to spotlight the region's potential as a prime destination for international investment and foster meaningful connections between local businesses and global partners.
The event, hosted by Penn’s Northeast and its regional allies, welcomed Pennsylvania's International Investment Partners for a day brimming with networking opportunities and illuminating presentations from international businesses already thriving in Northeastern PA. With an agenda designed to facilitate dialogue and collaboration, attendees were treated to insights and perspectives from both regional and international stakeholders.
A highlight of the day was the roundtable discussion led by John L. Augustine III, President/CEO of Penn's Northeast. Participants delved into the unique strengths and opportunities that Northeastern PA offers to prospective investors. Eric Esoda, President/CEO of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), and Jim Cummings, VP of Marketing at Mericle Commercial Real Estate, provided comprehensive overviews of the region's economic landscape and its potential for sustainable growth.
A total of 11 representatives from countries including Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Japan, Taiwan, UK, Spain, and India attended the event. Their attendance underscored the global interest in Northeastern PA as a strategic investment destination and signaled the region's emergence as a player on the international stage.
The regional presenters also included Ken Okrepkie, Regional Manager of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA, and Mary Frances Postupack, Vice President of Economic Development and Entrepreneurship at East Stroudsburg University. Their contributions shed light on the collaborative efforts underway to nurture innovation and drive economic growth in the region.
The event also provided a platform for Northeastern PA's international businesses to showcase their offerings and connect with potential partners from around the world. Companies like Mrs. T’s Pierogies, Cardinal LG, Orange Pavers, Mosqitter Inc., Huttopia & Hekipia, and Jesco Projects seized the opportunity to highlight their expertise and explore avenues for collaboration on a global scale.
In the wake of this successful collaboration between Penn’s Northeast and OIBD, the future looks brighter than ever for Northeastern PA. Armed with newfound connections, the region is poised to embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and prosperity, fueled by the power of global collaboration.
