One does not gain the reputation of being an international trade specialist overnight: it takes years of hands-on experience, both at home and abroad, as well as a constant effort to stay on top of emerging global trends and shifting economic conditions throughout the world. There is also a job that comes with the title: one that involves careful planning, organization of meetings and networking events, and, above all, an ability to communicate the importance of expanding international trade.

 Thomas Panek, President and CEO of World Trade Center Chicago, does all this with optimism and ambition. Despite the overwhelming number of day-to-day tasks he must accomplish the countless events and meetings he must attend, he has managed to streamline his job: bringing together business representatives from around the world in order to promote international trade, provide trade-related services, and facilitate interaction.

I joined Mr. Panek for lunch to discuss the WTCC and better understand his personal role in this successful and growing organization.

- How did you become involved with the WTCC?
Thomas Panek: I started working at the WTCC in September, 2006. When I first came to Chicago three years ago, I had already collaborated with the WTCC on several occasions. I became interested in the organization and its activities beyond the implementation of the many successful programs. When I was offered the position at the WTTC, my first job was to assist in developing a strategic plan from the perspective of international trade. As that was my field of expertise, I have continued to play that role.

- What was your career prior to joining the WTCC?
T.P.: I worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce. Each embassy employs a political attaché, a cultural attaché, and, a commercial attaché for whom our department was responsible. I held the position of international trade specialist and was in charge of promoting bilateral trade between the U.S. and other countries.

- What is WTCC's main objective?
T.P.: Our primary goal is to drive business growth through international trade. On the local level, this means building interest in international trade here in Chicago through event planning and business matchmaking events. There are also efforts made towards the construction of a World Trade Center in Chicago in cooperation with our current business partners. After the events of September 11, the World Trade Center Chicago became an important leader in international trade and a facilitator for other world trade centers.

- How is the organization funded?
T.P.: Our funding comes from three sources: membership, programs, and tenants. Membership can be at an individual level, where a single person represents a corporation, or at the executive level, for example companies like Boeing or Motorola. Large companies may co-sponsor events, particularly if they have an interest in a specific country.
Some funding also comes from government agencies, on the national or on the state level, in the form of grants, programs, and real estate. Furthermore, we rent out office space to various businesses, and have space available for companies interested in trade practices.

- Your background is primarily in international trade. Where did you obtain your academic degrees?
T.P.: I attended the School of International Service at American University, followed by the Washington School of Law. As a student, I got a job at the Polish Embassy because of my personal interests and my ethnic heritage. Both my parents came from Poland: my father is from Warsaw, my mother from Katowice. I wrote most of the correspondence between Poland and the U.S. until 1999. Of course, I also worked on international trade at the Embassy, and specifically on expanding Poland's trade relations.

- How strong is Poland's involvement with the WTCC?
T.P.: We have very strong ties with Poland. Our members, many of whom are Poland's business partners, are behind most of our involvement. We are also observing a growing interest in trade missions to Poland. The Lt. Governor will in fact be leading the next mission, on June 8, 2007. We are in the process of coordinating the business plan for this event.
At the business level, we make efforts to reach out to different chambers of commerce, such as the Polish-American Chamber of Commerce. We work hard to reach out to business communities, yet it is difficult to convince everyone that involvement is important. The U.S. has been traditionally perceived as the ultimate land of opportunity, and immigrants sometimes do not realize that going back may benefit us here, as well as at the international level. It is up to the next generation to develop business ties between Poland and the U.S. now that Central Europe offers many opportunities.

- On a personal level, how do you sustain the responsibility of being an international trade specialist?
T.P.: I'm a workaholic. Although my life has changed significantly since having a family and moving to Chicago, in terms of the amount of traveling I do, I do not have much free time. There are three small children in my household, two dogs, and three adults, including me, my wife, and an au pair. To give you a sample schedule: I come home from work, and have only about an hour to myself before I am back on the phone with China at 9 p.m. due to the time difference.
However, new technologies, particularly in telecommunications, are changing that. For example, at the WTCC, we are going to install webcams allowing our members to connect with other trade centers. We have been working on this for the past six months. The new system will facilitate greater interaction among members.

- You truly are a man with many missions!