Austin attends SelectUSA Investment Summit 2018

“Bring your investment dollars!” said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, addressing the international audience attending SelectUSA Investment Summit 2018.

An American government program under the umbrella of the International Trade Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce, SelectUSA’s goal is two-pronged:

To showcase the importance of foreign investment in the U.S. economy

To assist in job creation

In all, representatives from 66 international markets and 51 U.S. states and territories came together to learn about the initiatives and opportunities available to businesses large and small.

U.S. Cabinet secretaries, U.S. governors, CEOs and other C-Suite executives from Fortune 500 and 100 companies spoke on a wide range of topics, from site selection to emerging technologies to the impact of current tax reform initiatives.

Among the more than 3,000 attendees at this global conference were four from The Austin Company – Senior Vice President Matt Eddleman, Managing Director Frank Spano, Director Brandon Talbert, and myself. The Austin Company and our parent company, Kajima USA, stood out among the exhibiting organizations as two of the very few companies offering site selection, design, engineering and construction services. Between networking receptions and high-level plenary and breakout panel sessions, the Austin team developed new connections and further solidified existing connections.

Building Business in the U.S.

“SelectUSA provided us with an opportunity to engage directly with foreign-based companies that are interested in expanding their business because they see market growth opportunity in the U.S.,” Talbert explained. “The personal introductions and relationship development is a great starting point for an ongoing dialogue, as many of these companies need guidance and support as they navigate the broad range of location options in the U.S. The exhibit hall and state-sponsored networking receptions also provide us with great networking opportunities with both potential clients and our economic development partners that we work with on a regular basis.”

SelectUSA had a dedicated hall for matchmaking sessions prearranged via their interactive website and app. Austin team members were among the 2,700 who met with specifically selected representatives from state and regional economic development organizations, along with past and potential clients. And thanks to the talents of Austin’s marketing and communications department, the eye-catching booth enjoyed heavy traffic in the exhibit hall.

“Attending SelectUSA benefits The Austin Company by interacting with a wide array of companies seeking to locate in the United States for the first time, expanding current operations with the addition of a new facility, or acquiring partners for joint venture opportunities,” explained Managing Director Frank Spano. “The attendees of the conference are a diverse microcosm of the global society. They are here to experience the opportunities, as well as the challenges facing their organizations by considering a U.S. location. It is our intention at Austin to provide these organizations or individuals assistance in successfully determining the feasibility of operating in the U.S.”

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