Membership

Benefits of World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara Membership

World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara (WTCBN) assists companies in Upstate New York and Southern Ontario to expand internationally through trade and investment. Our efforts help companies grow, become more competitive, create jobs, reduce risk, and generate greater regional economic output. Members of WTCBN enjoy access to our consulting services, networking events, educational resources, and our regional and global network of vendors and partners. In addition, by supporting the activities of WTCBN, you are supporting the growth of our bi-national region’s presence in the global marketplace.

Click here to join or renew your WTCBN Membership.

Jump to Membership Levels.


While there are various levels of membership, all members receive the following benefits:

Access to World Trade Centers Network – As a member of the World Trade Centers Association, WTCBN offers access to the association’s 'international ecosystem' of global connections, iconic properties, and integrated trade services, including access to more than 300 World Trade Centers around the globe.

Business-to-Business Connections — For importers and exporters, WTCBN provides access to contacts, resources and expertise to help grow your international presence, including fellow members, governmental and quasi-governmental trade resources, and partners at World Trade Centers around the world. For service providers, WTCBN provides opportunities throughout the year for you to get your story and services in front of companies engaged in international trade.

Help Desk — WTCBN member can contact us at any time with their one-off international trade questions.  Whether we facilitate your request internally or connect you with the right expert, calling us can save you hours of time, and get you more quickly to accurate, timely and compliant information.

Visibility — Your business will be listed in our online Member Directory under your industry category, along with a link to your website, with additional visibility on the internationally-accessed World Trade Centers Association website.

Referral Opportunities – WTCBN is consistently approached with requests for consulting services and/or one-off questions that can lead to future opportunities; the WTCBN member database is the first resource we use when helping companies find solutions.

Trade & Economic Analysis — WTCBN members receive regular updates on critical issues affecting international business and global risk, and access to numerous educational programs, networking events and trade opportunities.

Advocacy – WTCBN provides advocacy on trade-related matters, and look regularly to members for feedback; whether specifically or anonymously, we represent our members’ interests when working with elected officials and the media.

Workforce Development – A part of WTCBN’s advocacy efforts include educating our state and local workforce development agencies on the importance of strong logistics and supply chain workforce in the Buffalo Niagara region. This work includes collaboration with our region’s higher ed institutions and workforce agencies on the development of curriculum, and building awareness in the community of career paths in international trade.

Discounts and Exclusive Programs — Save money on signature events, educational programs, accommodations, and translation and localization services; your savings can often exceed the low cost of joining (read more about discounts).

Speaking Roles/Opportunities to Provide Content – As the global trade environment changes rapidly and often, education is critical to forecasting; WTCBN turns regularly to our members to provide expertise, offering you the opportunity to position your company as the expert in certain areas.

Global Trade Upskilling – To take your trade-focused team members’ knowledge and expertise to the next level, WTCBN members have access to our Global Business Academy (GBA – U.S.) and Trade Accelerator Program (TAP – Canada), where we collect experts in a certification curriculum providing a nuts-and-bolts overview of global trade.


 

Individual Membership - $350

This level is for students, independent consultants and anyone joining without the support of an organization. If you have a company affiliation, others from your organization would not be eligible for WTCBN Member pricing and benefits.

 

New Membership - $750

Companies that are new to WTCBN can join at our new member rate of $400 for their first year (annual fees as indicated below will kick in after 12 months). New members receive all benefits listed below for their category.

 

Manufacturing Company Membership - $750

This level is for small to mid-sized manufacturing companies.

 

Canadian Manufacturers Membership - $400 (USD)

This level is for Canadian-based companies in the manufacturing sector. 

In addition to everything listed above, Canadian Manufacturer Members receive:

  • All individuals at a member company are eligible for events and programs at the member rate (often free)
  • Unlimited trade counseling (non-customized service), including on-site visits
  • Help-desk
  • Discounted pricing on customized consulting (fee-based service)
  • Opportunity to host meetings/tours

 

Service Company Membership - $1,000

This level is for service companies.

In addition to everything listed above, Service Company Members receive:

  • Access to contacts and resources from World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara, fellow members, and partners of World Trade Centers in countries around the world.
  • Opportunity to host meetings/tours
  • Ability to share content with fellow WTCBN members, including through speaking role, blog post, social media, etc.
  • Referral opportunities

 

 

Champion Membership - $2,000

Champion Members receive first priority for both speaking roles and member-generated content such as blogs, newsletter entries and white papers. Includes all benefits listed above, as well as:

  • Being a voting Member of WTCBN with recognition for your company in WTCBN’s Annual Report and during the Annual Meeting and Reception.
  • Eligibility to serve on WTCBN Board of Directors (subject to vote of the membership)
  • Champion Members are offered first access to content opportunities on timely topics (e.g. seminars, newsletters, blogs, videos)

 

Alliance Membership - $10,000+

Alliance Members receive all of the benefits mentioned above plus customized services based on your company's interests in international trade. Includes all benefits listed above, as well as:

  • Customized marketing/sponsorship package
  • Recognition through the World Trade Centers Association’s online portal promoting your products or services to an international audience.
  • Customized consulting for international trade projects or customized promotion and visibility through educational programs and events.
  • Top billing recognition in Annual Report 

 

 

 

Click here to join or renew your WTCBN Membership.