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 geographically-immense 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