Local Businesses Explore Global Opportunities at International Town Hall
March 1, 2013
Tampa Hillsborough EDC presents a community briefing on the state of international business in Tampa Bay
TAMPA, Fla. / The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation will present a community briefing on the state on international business in Tampa Bay, at the 2013 International Town Hall. Held on Friday, March 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the University of Tampa, the event will explore current and future efforts to attract foreign direct investment to the region and open new trade markets for local companies.
“This is an exciting opportunity for area business leaders to learn more about the international initiatives taking place in Tampa Bay,” said Jim Pyburn, co-chair of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC’s International Trade and Foreign Direct Investment Task Force, and Director of Trade Development & Latin America for the Tampa Port Authority. “Our community partners are more closely aligned than ever before, and focused on expanding our global reach, particularly importing and exporting potential.”
Hillsborough County BOCC Chairman Ken Hagan and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn will introduce key leadership from the Tampa Hillsborough EDC, Tampa International Airport, Tampa Port Authority and the University of South Florida, for an in-depth look at the regional programs driving international business development.
Special guest Mayor R.T. Rybak of Minneapolis will present a community case study for the development of a regional export plan. A 2011 pilot market for the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Export Initiative, Mayor Rybak offers valuable insight as Tampa Bay prepares to launch a similar effort later this year.
A series of mid-morning breakout sessions will highlight key topics in exporting and international business, including market selection, finance, logistics and international law.
“These workshops are invaluable for businesses considering global expansion,” said Andrew McIntosh, co-chair of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC’s International Trade and Foreign Direct Investment Task Force, and shareholder with Fowler White Boggs. “Participants will be able to seek advice from the experts, access available resources and address the common concerns associated with entering the international marketplace.”
The event concludes with a keynote address by Joe Phillips of OCO Global, a recognized authority on foreign investment and global economic development strategies. Phillips will provide an overview of investment promotion trends and the challenges facing organizations in attracting international business.
Participation is $25 per person, which includes a continental breakfast and keynote luncheon.
For more information, contact Lorrie Belovich, Director of International Business Development, at lbelovich@tampabayedc.com.
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About the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation:
The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation (tampabayedc.com) is the lead economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC drives job creation and capital investment through the recruitment, expansion and retention of economic base businesses in Hillsborough County.
