Charleston capitalizes on global business interest

May 24, 2018

By Mike Graney

CRDA’s Global Business Development team travels the world, often with our regional and state economic development partners, stakeholders, and investors, to meet with company executives interested in locating or expanding in the U.S. We proactively reach out to executives as they develop their U.S. strategies to provide input and ensure Charleston is in consideration for their U.S. location.

During a recent Europe mission, we were asked by a C-level executive of a multibillion Euro, multinational German manufacturing company, “Are you undertaking this mission because of the current political climate in the U.S. or is this a long-term strategy?”

We explained seeking foreign direct investment has been a priority for the state of South Carolina for over 40 years, regardless of which party sits in the White House or the State House. The first South Carolina international office opened in Europe in the 1970’s, the longest continuously operating office of any U.S. state in Europe. Since then, we have added offices in India, China, Japan, and most recently, South Korea.

There is a reason why South Carolina has ranked #1 in the U.S. in per capita FDI (and #4 in total investment; an impressive achievement for the nation’s 25th largest state) four of the last five years. South Carolina’s committed international presence and proactive approach also enables the Charleston region to connect our community to the global economy.

When he heard this, our German friend became convinced that we were not a reactionary, “fly by night” operation, and he greenlighted a return trip to Charleston for two of his colleagues to gather more information about the advantages of locating their first U.S. manufacturing plant in our region.

Stay tuned for future developments, and if you have interest in locating in our market, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact us:
Mike Graney
Michael J. Graney
Vice President, Global Business Development
843.760.4526 | Michael Graney

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