RESOLUTION NO. 110379

Declaring the week of May 16-20, 2011, as World Trade Week in Kansas City.

WHEREAS, former president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, declared the month of May to be World Trade Month in 1935 and Kansas City has celebrated its own version since 1946 when the International Trade Council founded by J.C. Nichols, initiated the first Kansas City World Trade Week; and  

WHEREAS, Kansas City is honored to host Futurallia KC 2011, the global business to business forum May 18-20, which also served as catalyst to secure three additional trade related events to be held during the week of May 16-20, 2011; and

WHEREAS, at Futurallia, Kansas City will host more than 600 small businesses and entrepreneurs, from over 30 countries, participating in thousands of business matchmaking meetings, and will showcase Kansas City venues and businesses through special events and industry/cultural tours; and

WHEREAS, in tandem with Futurallia, the World Trade Center Association convenes its North American members meeting in Kansas City; NASCO (North America’s Corridor Coalition, Inc.) convenes its annual NASCO 2011 Conference in Kansas City, with George D. Blackwood, Jr. of Kansas City as Chairman of the Board since 2005; and the National Association of Women Business Owners convenes its International Board of Directors and Midwest Regional Summit in Kansas City, Missouri, with Kelly Scanlon of Kansas City as Chairman of the Board; and

WHEREAS, the International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City is a key partner and supporter of Futurallia KC 2011 and continues its outstanding trade education seminars and educational programming and Kansas City international organizations such as the International Relations Council of Greater Kansas City hosts the Brazilian Ambassador to the U.S., Mauro Vieira, on May 17, and the United Nations Association of Kansas City hosts the United Nations Peacekeepers on May 18; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby declare the week of May 16-20, 2011, as World Trade Week in Kansas City; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to George Blackwood (NASCO), Gary Walker and Benny Lee (Futurallia KC 2011), and Kelly Scanlan (NAWBO) with the appreciation of the Mayor and Council that these global trade events and international activities provide opportunities for Kansas City businesses and its people to connect to the world and for the world to connect to Kansas City.

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