The World Trade Center – Tacoma (WTCT) celebrated innovators and community contributors at its 16th annual Globe Awards banquet May 21. Three businesses and one community partner were recognized at the event, where hope and success were highlighted above the economy.
“This region recognizes we’re all in this together,” said Robert Marcovitch, president of K2 Sports and keynote speaker at the event. “We need to support each others’ efforts as competition becomes fierce.”
Anthony Hemstad, executive director of WTCT, expressed with a sense of urgency the need to expand international trade.
“Growing trade…is more critical today than any time in the last 30 years,” he said. “We know that trade can bring prosperity, but today trade is on the defensive…Working together we can help these interesting times we’re living in turn into more prosperous times for [the area].”
General Plastics Manufacturing Company received the 2009 Globe Award for the effect its international trade participation has benefited the community’s status around the globe. General Plastics, founded in 1941, is a specialist in producing high-performance, high-density polyurethane foams, which have a wide variety of uses, including in aerospace and defense applications. Boeing is the company’s biggest client, but the company also serves 3,000 other clients around the globe each year.
Floyd Henry, president of General Plastics, said the World Trade Center played a big role in helping the company establish itself internationally.
“If it weren’t for customers none of us would be here tonight,” Henry said at the event. “We are now actively engaged in kicking up that participation (in international trade) to a higher level.”
Emerald Home Furnishings received the 2009 G.F. Train International Business Commemorative, for its contribution to the growth of international trade in Tacoma. Emerald started in 1962 as B&D Sales. Following the sale of the company to Evan Ritchie, from his father, the company grew immensely, and now occupies 200,000 square feet in Tacoma. The company also has a showroom in Las Vegas, Nev., as well as sourcing offices in Shanghai, China; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Saigon, Vietnam.
“Primarily our goal is to make people’s homes beautiful and comfortable,” said David Beckmann, president of the company. “We believe our success is only limited to our aspirations and our commitment.”
Tahoma Imports was awarded the 2009 Marco Polo Award for its success in international trade. The company was founded in 2007, and specializes in the direct import and export of goods such as Tiffany-style lighting fixtures, semi-precious gemstone décor items and patio furniture.
The Transportation Club of Tacoma received the 2009 Community Vitality Partner award for its contribution in improving the quality of life in the local community through economic vitality. The club was founded in 1926. Its mission centers on establishing connections within the transportation industry, and also enhancing the community through charitable work and donations.
“Decisions we make today impact people in all four corners of the world and for generations to come,” said Port of Tacoma Commission President Clare Petrich, who served as master of ceremonies at the event. “We’re here tonight because we’re all in this together.”
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