PIATEK TAKES HELM OF WORLD TRADE CENTER BUFFALO NIAGARA BOARD AS CHAIR
International trade organization leading the bi-national Buffalo Niagara region into the post-pandemic global trade environment
BUFFALO, NY (Feb. 10) – World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara (WTCBN) president Craig Turner announced today that at the organization’s first Board of Directors meeting on February 3, the WTCBN Board of Directors unanimously elected Damon Piatek, President & CEO of Welke Customs Brokers USA, as its new Board chairman. Steve Briggs, formerly of Dynabrade, handed over the gavel after three years at the trade group’s helm.
“When you have a volunteer board of directors, you can never take for granted when you have leadership that is dedicated, supportive and effective and, indeed, World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara has been blessed over time in that regard,” said Turner. “Steve’s impact on the organization will be felt for a long time, especially his leadership during the pandemic that ensured that can actually happen. We’re looking forward to working with Damon, who brings a technical understanding on the inner workings of trade processes from start to finish, which will be invaluable for our members as the world’s supply chain challenges are sorted out.”
Briggs was elected to the position in November, 2018, filling a two month vacancy before beginning his first full term in January, 2019. Similar to many not-for-profit organizations during the pandemic, Briggs agreed to stay on to maintain consistency through the difficult time.
“For the past three years, it has been an honor and privilege to work with this wonderful organization, and its tremendous network of professionals,” said Briggs. “The world of global trade right now has many challenges, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done throughout the pandemic to keep the organization not only relevant, but a critical asset promoting trade on both sides of our border here in Buffalo Niagara. Damon is the right person for the job as the world decides what it’s going to do about supply chain and trade.”
“Never easy following someone like Steve, who not only is well-liked and a natural leader, but oversaw this organization through a time when many not-for-profits suffered or, worse, didn’t make it,” said Piatek. “I look forward to building on the great work that Steve did, to continue to make World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara an economic development asset to not only our members, but the region, as we all ready for what global trade is going to be like in the coming years.”
The WTCBN Board also welcomed Joey Casullo, Director of International for Speed Global Services, as a new member, nominated at the organization’s Annual Meeting in November. Casullo will represent Speed, succeeding long-time WTCBN Board member and supporter, Speed’s CEO, Carl Savarino.
“Carl and Speed Global Services have been huge supporters of our organization for many years, and while we’ll miss Carl’s leadership and worldview on the board, especially when it comes to the cross-border economy, we’re happy to have Joey, and pleased that Speed is still represented,” said Turner. “Our board of directors is active, supportive, and I can’t thank them enough for their leadership.”
New WTCBN Board Member: Joey Casullo, Director of International for Speed Global Services
Joey Casullo is Director of International for Speed Global Services, a Buffalo-based freight forwarder and customs brokerage house with Locations in Linden, NJ, Thorold, ON Burlington, ON, amassing more than 1.3 million square feet of warehouse space. Casullo has been with speed for more than eleven years, working his way up the ranks in the company from operations to Director of Sales to his current position.
World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara’s mission is to assist companies in Western New York and Southern Ontario to find success beyond their domestic markets. WTCBN is part of the World Trade Centers Association, comprised of more than 325 World Trade Centers around the globe. More information on WTCBN is available at www.wtcbn.com.
