By Tim Evans

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ith rapid advances in technology and the continuing development of globally interdependent markets, the world is getting smaller. We have access to each other and to business systems wherever we are. Companies can spread their facilities and personnel around the globe, using location, resources and business climate to their advantage.

In response to such an environment, states and communities must vie for available international capital by recruiting and retaining international companies. Every opportunity brings the potential for jobs and investment, which makes competition sometimes fierce.

Georgia has had much success in the international marketplace. There are more than 1,600 internationally owned facilities representing 39 countries located in the state, and we have 59 international consular and trade offices.

To remain competitive, we must continue to focus on what international businesses expect, what our competitors have to offer and how we can differentiate Georgia from the field. The Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism does just that, working with international companies already in Georgia as well as with businesses that want to establish a presence in the North American marketplace.

Some of the challenges we face include language barriers, cultural issues, “Old South” perceptions and time zone differences. Our competitors deal with the same difficulties, respond. We must show potential investing companies why Georgia is the best place for their businesses to thrive and remind existing companies why Georgia continues to be the right choice for them.

One way we do this is through our team of international representatives. Based in Europe, Asia and other places around the world, our representatives know the ins and outs of global business. And, sometimes even more importantly, they live and work in these areas, speak the languages and know the contacts. This helps bridge communication and cultural barriers, which increases companies’ comfort level and allows us to understand thoroughly what they need and want.

We also benefit from using a team approach to work with companies. International representatives, project managers and regional managers work with communities and other statewide developers to respond to the needs of existing and expanding international companies. This approach often involves Georgia’s extensive network of international accounts, attorneys and other service providers, which makes it even easier for companies to work with us. These working partnerships provide a seamless, consistent approach to recruiting and retaining businesses.

Quick Start is another resource that gives Georgia an advantage over our competitors. Having worked with more than 4,000 companies, Quick Start has the experience businesses want and provides the expertise they need — workforce training that is second to none.

Previous experience with international companies, the capability to customize training programs for different business cultures, providing training services at little or no cost to the company — these features set Quick Start far above our competitors’ training programs.

Every company wants to be wanted. Georgia’s team of international experts works to show companies from around the world why we want them here, and why Georgia can serve them best. Together we can remain competitive and continue to build on Georgia’s success in the global marketplace.

Tim Evans is assistant deputy commissioner of GDITT’s International Trade Division. He assists in the management of international business recruitment, manages Georgia’s international representatives, and provides export assistance and support for international business delegations.

For a reprint of the original article
in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, click here.