Sedlik Joins LAEDC
Barry Sedlik, former manager of economic and business development for Southern California Edison, has joined the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. (LAEDC) as chief operating officer. He has also been named chief executive officer of the World Trade Center Association (WTCA) of Long Beach, which recently merged with LAEDC.
As COO of LAEDC, Sedlik will be responsible for the programs that the organization provides to local businesses. As CEO of the WTCA, he will oversee the integration of the two organizations, helping to provide WTCA services to a wider business audience.
Some of the services WTCA provides include a trade-matching program that links international companies and delegations with local businesses.
In the past, it’s been a daunting challenge to make such links, according to Sedlik. In his new position, he said, he will seek to “better target the needs on both sides to better identify the companies here that may be interested in [those international] products or services. Or for companies in Los Angeles, we will identify [international] markets for their products and services.”
Sedlik said that the merged organizations plan to utilize LAEDC’s local resources and WTCA’s trade ties to benefit local businesses.
“By using the network that we have throughout Los Angeles County, this enables us to get better penetration opportunities for companies to get more engaged in international trade,” he said.
Sedlik said he plans to work closely with the California Fashion Association to use both organizations’ abilities to assist the apparel industry. He said he also will work with the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau to find ways “to accommodate the business visitor and make sure their visits to L.A. are very positive.” —Alison A. Nieder
