Indy World Trade Center Effort Gets Green Light

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The effort to bring a World Trade Center to Indianapolis is moving forward. Inside INdiana Business has learned the New York-based World Trade Centers Association has granted approval to a group led by former Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller, who is WTC Indianapolis chairman, and former Marion County Clerk Doris Anne Sadler, WTC Indianapolis president, to develop a proposal for the city to join the global economic development organization and set up an Indianapolis World Trade Center. In a January interview with Inside INdiana Business, Zoeller said he believes a World Trade Center location in Indianapolis would open the door to new commerce opportunities.

Travis Spotts, who previously served in a leadership role with the Indiana Office of Management and Budget, is serving as the group’s executive director.

Zoeller says "over the next several months, our organization will work with Hoosier business leaders, trade associations and both state and local elected officials to develop a World Trade Center proposal for Indianapolis. We are grateful to have this vote of confidence by the WTCA’s governing body and I am proud to say we are well on our way to securing the necessary funding and infrastructure to support WTC Indianapolis."

Indianapolis is the fourth-largest U.S. metropolitan area without a World Trade Center organization. The process to assemble a plan for the WTCA that shows the city’s proposed organization meets stringent membership requirements and has the backing of businesses, independent agencies and community leaders is underway.

WTCA Chief Executive Officer Scott Ferguson says "we were delighted to approve an option for Indianapolis after reviewing their impressive plans for a World Trade Center. North America is one of our most mature markets with 60 World Trade Centers across the continent, and Indianapolis would be a most welcome addition. We are looking forward to receiving their full application soon."

In all, the WTCA has more than 320 member organizations in 90 countries that the nonprofit says creates an "international ecosystem of reciprocal global connections, commercial properties and integrated trade services."