US Commerce Secretary. visits Warren to talk international business 2011/08/29 at 7:16 am
WARREN,Ohio – When it comes to attracting a new business to the area, its usually up to local leaders.
But nowthe federal government wants to help out.
Acting US Commerce Secretary, Rebecca Blank, visited the Thomas Steel Strip Corporation in Warren Thursday.
The steel manufacturer is owned by India-based Tata, and a perfect example of the international investments Blank would like to see made here in the US
Twentyyears ago the United States didnt have to court [international companies], said Secretary Blank. We were the place that everyone had to be if they were going to be competitive in a world economy. For better or for worse, that world economy hasbecome a lot more competitive.
And to stay competitive, Secretary Blank introduced a new federal plan called Select USA to cut out the red tape for those wanting to invest in the US
If there are permitting issues, get people to the right folks in the federal government and to do the courting that is often necessary to attract a major corporate business, of millions of dollars, in the US, explained Secretary Blank.
The US was an attractive place for Tata to invest in Thomas Steel, which employs 250 people.
The workforce, the state of education, but mostly the motivation of the employees is a major attraction for us, said Thomas Steel Strip Corp. CEO and President William Boyd.
But the Select USA program isnt just about international investors. Its also for US based companies who need help expanding.
Thats something which could be of major interest to us, said Boyd. If theres a possibility of further support.
Secretary Blank says other countries do actively court international businesses.
There are a number of countries that are very well known for this; Singapore, Germany, France, theyre very, very actively out there, courting companies to come and invest in their locations, Blank said.
Its the first government-wide US initiative to attract international companies by making it easier to do business here in the states.