WITA’s Friday Focus on Trade – July 21, 2023

07/21/2023

|

WITA

2023 WITA/WITF Annual Dinner

On Wednesday, July 19th, the Washington International Trade Association (WITA) and the Washington International Trade Foundation (WITF) hosted the 2023 WITA/WITF Annual Dinner. Every year, the Dinner attracts hundreds of top decision makers, policy shapers, and trade experts from D.C. and around the world, and is affectionately known as “Trade Prom.”

At this year’s Dinner, WITA and the Foundation honored Congressman Adrian Smith, WTO Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard, and Senator Tom Carper. The event also featured remarks by Senator John Cornyn and former Speaker Paul Ryan. In addition, every year, WITA and the Foundation acknowledge the contributions of a member of the trade community with the Lighthouse Award. The recipient of the Lighthouse Award remains secret until revealed on stage during the Dinner. This year, we were proud to recognize Monica H. Whaley, President of the National Center for APEC, with this special award.

WITA and the Foundation sincerely thank all of the sponsors that make this event possible each year. We appreciate your support for international trade and are grateful for your contribution to help us bring the trade community together every year.

The full recording of the 2023 WITA/WITF Annual Dinner can be accessed here.

 

Presentation of American Leadership Award to Senator Thomas Carper

WITA Board Chair, Steve Lamar, introduces Senator John Cornyn to virtually present the American Leadership Award to Senator Tom Carper.

 

Presentation of Congressional Leadership Award to Congressman Adrian Smith

Former Congressman Kevin Brady presenting the Congressional Leadership Award to Congressman Adrian Smith.

 

Presentation of Lifetime Achievement Award to WTO Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard

Introduction by Viji Rangaswami and Meredith Broadbent, followed by virtual remarks by Former Speaker Paul Ryan, presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to WTO Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard. Viji and Meredith presented the award to Angela surrounded by former colleagues of Angela’s from her 26 years working with the Majority and Minority staffs of the House Ways & Means Committee and Trade Subcommittee.

 

Lighthouse Award Presented to Monica Whaley

Bill Lane and Sarah Thorn present the Lighthouse Award to this year’s recipient Monica H. Whaley, President of the National Center for APEC.

 

Full Video of 2023 WITA/WITF Annual Dinner

Featuring:
 
Welcome Videos by H.E. Dr. Kevin Rudd AC, Australia’s Ambassador to the United States of America and H.E. Mr. Bede Corry, New Zealand’s Ambassador to the United States of America
 
Senator John Cornyn, Presenting the American Leadership Award to Senator Thomas Carper
 
Senator Tom Carper, American Leadership Award
 
Former Congressman Kevin Brady, Presenting the Congressional Leadership Award to Congressman Adrian Smith
 
Congressman Adrian Smith, Congressional Leadership Award
 
Former Speaker Paul Ryan, Presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to WTO Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard
 
WTO Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard, Lifetime Achievement Award.
 
Monica H. Whaley, WITA Lighthouse Award, President of the National Center for APEC
 
Time Stamps:
 
0:42: Welcome Video by H.E. Dr Kevin Rudd AC, Australia’s Ambassador to the USA
 
3:06: Welcome Video by H.E. Mr Bede Corry, New Zealand’s Ambassador to the USA
 
6:08: Remarks by Ken Levinson, WITA Chief Executive Officer
 
8:21: Welcoming Remarks by Steve Lamar, Chair of WITA’s Board of Directors
 
12:42: Virtual Remarks by Senator John Cornyn presenting American Leadership Award to Senator Thomas Carper
 
13:29: Featured Remarks by Senator Thomas Carper
 
25:07: Remembrances of former Reps. Jim Kolbe and Jackie Walorski by Sean Mulvaney, Everett Eissenstat, and Mike Dankler
 
31:42: Remarks by Former Ways & Means Chairman Kevin Brady presenting the Congressional Leadership Award to Congressman Adrian Smith
 
40:59: Featured Remarks by Congressman Adrian Smith
 
47:26: Virtual Remarks by former Speaker Paul Ryan, presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Angela Ellard.
 
52:40 Award presentation by Meredith Broadbent and Viji Rangaswami – surrounded by Angela’s former colleagues from the House Ways and Means Committee and the Trade Subcommittee.
 
59:20: Featured Remarks by WTO Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard
 
1:16:33: Bill Lane and Sarah Thorn present the Lighthouse Award
 
1:26:30: Remarks by Lighthouse Award Winner Monica H. Whaley, President of the National Center for APEC
 
 
07/19/2023 | WITA & WITF | Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
 
 

Photos from the 2023 Annual Dinner

View All Photos Here

 

WITA – We put the community in trade community.

Information about upcoming WITA and trade community events

TRADE COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR