| Since its modest beginnings in 1971
with three states and one port authority, the Council
of American States in Europe (CASE) has grown to its
present membership of 18 states, representing over 50%
of the US population.
In addition to its expansion in size
and representation, CASE has grown in importance as
European investment in the US has increased significantly
over the years. And, on a historical cost basis, total
direct investment in the US from the UK is greater than
from any other country, 45% greater than the worldwide
second largest investor country, Japan, and 55% more
than the nearest European country, Germany. UK investments
in the US constitute over 23% of total European investments
and almost 17% of investments from the entire world.
The US has reciprocated: in 2003, 65% of all American
overseas investment went to Europe.
However, during this period of rapid
growth and increasing interdependence, firms interested
in adding to the impressive UK investment or in expanding
their current operations have had no US national agency
to which they could turn. Since the mid- 1970s, the
Federal Government of the US has provided no central
source of information to foreign firms regarding the
establishment of a US trading company or affiliate.
Since 1974, there has been no literature to attract
foreign investors.
During the late 1980s, due to pressure
resulting from significant Japanese acquisitions, the
US Foreign Commercial Service, the division of the US
Department of Commerce with over 150 offices worldwide,
issued a directive against active assistance to potential
investment firms.
Clearly, there is no American equivalent
to the investment component of UK Trade & Investment.
Enter CASE. Our members are the European representatives
of individual US state governments. We act as a one-stop
advisory and support gateway for European businesses
considering establishing a presence or expanding a base
within the US. Think of us as a business intelligence
clearinghouse.
CASE members offer access to a wide range of business
information and site location services, including:
- General information on how to establish
a business in the US
- Information on key industries, infrastructure
and suppliers
- Information on available labour supply,
qualifications and training programmes
- Data on operating costs, such as wages,
taxes and utilities, as well as construction costs
- Assistance for building and site selection
- Advice on local, regional and state
incentives
- Contacts with key companies
- Access to industry and technology associations
and other networking opportunities
Moreover, when you decide to invest in
the US, you will not locate in a country or a state,
but in a specific region or municipality. CASE members
can introduce you to the rich variety of locations within
their individual states, each with its own cost structure,
workforce availability, transportation infrastructure
and other important features. The state representatives
have networking partners, who can quickly become partners
to your investment initiative.
And, of course, business development
is an ongoing effort. Once your company has set up operations,
the state and regional partners you have found will
continue to make sure that you learn about and have
access to all continuing services available. CASE has
members at numerous locations around Europe, all of
whom have Europe-wide responsibilities – and we
travel often. We would be pleased to visit you to discuss
your plans for North America.
As the CASE member offices are funded
by the economic development operations of individual
state governments, all CASE services are absolutely
confidential, free of charge and without any obligation.
If you are interested in finding out more about the
service and support offered by CASE and its members,
visit us online at www.case-europe.com. Among other
items, you will find a quick-reference guide to the
member states, enabling you to compare and contrast
business locations you are considering. Or send an e-mail
to the CASE administrator for targeted assistance.
After all, the US is not one giant, homogeneous
market dominated by big business. To the contrary, the
country offers a vast number of markets that are friendly
to small businesses: 80 per cent of all US companies
employ 10 people or fewer.
Finding your company’s niche among
the myriad of markets and opportunities in such a geographicallyimmense
country can be a daunting task. We’re here to
help.
For more information, contact:
Massachusetts Office of International
Trade and Investment
Am Karlsbad 11
D-10785 Berlin
Tel: +49 30 3990 2547
Fax: +49 30 3990 2548
E-mail: greenwood@masstradegermany.de
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