World Trade Center

Long Beach, CA – On September 18, 2024 the World Trade Center Long Beach (WTCLB) launched the Trade & Supply Chain Advisory Council, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the region’s prominence in global trade and supply chain. The council, comprised of high-level executives and industry leaders, will serve as a think tank and advisory body, providing valuable insights, fostering connections, and promoting commerce in and with Long Beach.

Vince Iacopella, a seasoned expert in the trade and supply chain industry, has been appointed as the inaugural Chairperson of the Advisory Council. Iacopella will lead the council in shaping its strategic direction and facilitating discussions and engagements that address the complex challenges of global trade and promotes the city and region as the key gateway for trade and goods movement. His leadership will be instrumental in delivering actionable recommendations that support companies, investors, policymakers, and stakeholders in advancing the regional economy.

“The establishment of the Trade & Supply Chain Advisory Council marks a significant milestone for the WTCLB as we continue to champion the Long Beach ecosystem as a hub for global trade,” said Vince Iacopella. “I am honored to lead this council and work alongside esteemed industry leaders to foster growth, innovation, sustainability and economic prosperity in our region.”

World Trade Center Executive Director Felipe Cusnir celebrated the launch, stating, “We are thrilled to introduce the Trade & Supply Chain Advisory Council under the capable leadership of Vince Iacopella. This council embodies our commitment to bringing together the brightest minds in the industry to not only enhance our competitiveness and facilitate trade, but also tackle the pressing challenges and opportunities in global trade. Vince’s extensive experience and passion for the industry make him the perfect leader for this initiative. We look forward to the positive impact this council will have on Long Beach and beyond.”

The Advisory Council’s mission is to leverage the collective expertise of its members to promote trade and provide strategic insights and intelligence, positioning Long Beach as a leading force in the global supply chain and goods movement industry and supporting WTCLB’s broader mission of enhancing trade and economic opportunities for the region.

For more information on the Trade & Supply Chain Advisory Council or to inquire about membership, please contact [email protected] or visit www.wtclb.org.

About Vincent Iacopella, President, Trade & Government Relations/ EVP Strategic Growth/Alba Wheels Up International LLC

For over 30 years Vince managed global customer relationships in Transpacific markets with cross-border imports and exports considered trade sensitive for US Government agencies, such as CBP, FDA, and others. Vince works externally and within Alba on strategy and initiatives that drive value to mid-market and global enterprise customers through this approach. Vince focuses on collaboration with US Government agencies, such as the Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC), which allows the trade to align CBP policy commercially to the private sector, and the private sector to align their practices with long-term strategic policy of government regulatory agencies.

Vince is part of a senior team that is responsible for efforts in growth and strategic development as part of the senior management team driving growth performance. Vince works on the team strategically for mergers and acquisitions, new emerging markets, and new service lines such as e-commerce services.

Vince is a licensed Customs Broker, served 5 years on the Customs Operations Advisory Committee, and was a 2020 recipient of the Stanley T. Olafson Award.