GLOBAL GATEWAY – OVERVIEW

2011 Global Gateway Awards, Presented at the Global Gateway Event on September 22, 2011

Ted Woehrle

Newell-Rubbermaid

Click for our Mission statement

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:

Tracking the Middle Class in Emerging Market – A Country Briefing Series with research and insights provided by Georgia State University-CIBER, and Consular Corps/Bi-National Chambers. Countries highlighted include: Argentina, Brazil, China, Israel, Mexico, Taiwan, and Turkey.

Best Practice Forum Series – Insights from executives of local multinational companies.

Ethnic Entrepreneurs Roundtable – Informational, advocacy, networking and mentoring events.

UPS/Georgia State University Export Academy – Sponsorship and participation in this “Ten Month Professional Development Certificate” program for managers of mid-sized exporting firms.

OTHER:

Annual report: State of the Region’s Engagement in International Business.

Needs assessment survey - Developed to establish needs and expectations of member and non-member firms with respect to international business.

International Student Intern for Market Research –Member firms can recruit qualified international students attending Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, or Emory University (on a project basis) to conduct research on their home countries.

Recruit international student interns through AIESEC chapters at Georgia State University and Georgia Tech to assist companies with projects.

International Knowledge Portal on Chamber website – Links to key portals, including Global Atlanta.

Social Media - (Facebook, etc.) Presence and visibility.

One-Stop Contact Point for Foreign Direct Investment Inquiries – FDI support and promotion targeting key industries where SS/PC area has a critical mass of firms.

Opportunity Alerts – Feeding information, leads, and contacts to member firms about markets, partners, and technologies.

Advocacy - Jointly advocate for local, State and Federal legislation and initiatives that reduce barriers to trade and investment; promote incentives that further global trade; and oppose regulations that hinder global business.

Statistics:

CENTRAL PERIMETER REGION

• Central Perimeter Sub Market – Largest office market in Metro Atlanta with 29 million square feet
• One of the region’s largest employment centers (professional, scientific, technical, health care, finance, insurance, education, telecommunications and broadcasting.)
• Home to Fortune 500 companies (20% of Atlanta market) (UPS, First Data Corporation) with strong complement of international businesses and consulates. Fortune 1000 headquarters (53% of Atlanta market) include Newell Rubbermaid, Global Payments, Mirant, Rock Tenn, Georgia Gulf and Spectrum Brands.
• Over 10,000 businesses in the region and known as a great place to “live, work and play”
• Easy access to I-75, I-85, I-285, GA 400, SR 141, Hartsfield/Jackson International Airport and Peachtree/Dekalb Airport
• MARTA has strong presence in Central Perimeter (Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Buckhead/Lenox) areas
• Metro Atlanta’s largest concentration of medical facilities are located in the Central Perimeter market
• Awarded Best Workplaces for Commuters District Designation by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Sandy Springs Best Small City for Startups in 2009 by Zoomprospector
• Sandy Springs is No. 8 in highest income/capita for cities of its size in the U.S. (median in Sandy Springs was $73,290 in 2009 compared to $47,590 for the State of Georgia)
• 2010, City of Sandy Springs rolled back occupational tax to promote a “business friendly” environment (effort coordinated by the Sandy Springs/Perimeter Chamber of Commerce and PCID); 18th in nation in exports MSPA
• Superior work force with highly educated population
• Strong retail (shopping, recreation and restaurant) clientele