World Trade Center New Orleans

World Trade Center of New Orleans

World Trade Center of New Orleans
Abbreviation	WTCNO
Predecessor	International House, International Trade Mart
Formation	1943
Type	Not for Profit
Purpose	International Business
Headquarters	New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Region served	Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, USA
Membership	1,600 Corporate and Individual Members
Official language	English
Chief Executive Officer	Dominik Knoll
Chairman	Edward T. Hayes
Parent organization	World Trade Centers Association
Website	http://www.wtcno.org/

The World Trade Center of New Orleans is the founding member of the World Trade Centers Association, a worldwide association of over 300 World Trade Centers in nearly 100 countries. The mission of the World Trade Center of New Orleans is to create jobs and wealth in Louisiana through international trade.

The World Trade Center of New Orleans is a non-profit organization of +1,000 corporate and individual members. This membership base represents a diverse group of industry leaders, companies, professional organizations, and government institutions that include manufacturers, energy, agriculture, maritime, digital media, foreign consulates, and other interests. In 2014, member organizations were able to significantly contribute to Louisiana's record-breaking exports, the total value of which exceeded $65 billion. The organization is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A. Its office was relocated from the former World Trade Center Building, located at Canal Street and now operates from the office tower of One Canal Place. The office tower of One Canal Place is located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, and is the ninth tallest building in the city.

The International House, chartered in 1943, and the International Trade Mart, chartered in 1945, were the two predecessor organizations of the World Trade Center of New Orleans. Plans for a monumental structure to house both organizations were drafted. Several plots of land were purchased at 2 Canal Street where the new ITM building was constructed. The formal dedication ceremony of the ITM building took place on April 30, 1968, as part of a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of New Orleans. Ambassadors from around the world visited the city. Parades and banquets were held, and the Organization of American States brought its first meeting outside of Washington, D.C., to New Orleans.

The concept of the International Trade Mart launched the formation of a worldwide league of trade centers, which led to the founding of the World Trade Centers Association. The World Trade Centers Association now comprises more than 300 World Trade Centers in nearly 100 countries.