Savannah, GA - World Trade Center
The Savannah-based firm of Hussey, Gay, Bell and DeYoung was looking for new offshore markets. The newly formed World Trade Center Savannah was looking for case studies to determine the kind of value they could bring to the process of doing business overseas.
“We are always exploring new international markets,” said Rich Hallman, a principal in the engineering and construction management firm that has already established itself in Bermuda and Saudi Arabia.
“The Georgia Department of Economic Development and the governor’s office were urging businesses to attend TurkeyBuild, a trade show in Istanbul, last month,” Hallman said. “We decided to go to learn more about the market and opportunities there.”
It turned out to be a trip well worth the time.
“Turkey has the second-fastest growing economy in the world right now,” Hallman said. “There are definitely business opportunities there.”
WTC Savannah was granted a license as a World Trade Center in October of 2011 and is one of more than 320 such centers in 100 countries, each with its own business plan but all working to help area businesses conduct profitable international trade.
At its meeting June 12, SEDA’s board voted unanimously to rebrand the SEDA building on Hutchinson Island the World Trade Center Savannah.
The decision to become a World Trade Center — which required an initial $200,000 investment and yearly dues of $10,000 — was the result of a four-month due-diligence process conducted last year by SEDA staff under the direction of president Steve Weathers and a board leadership team that included then-chairman Tommy Hester, Eric Johnson, Brooks Stillwell, Steve Green and Scott Center.
Is membership in the World Trade Center Association worth the cost for a city like Savannah?
Absolutely, said Kathe Falls, director of international trade for the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
“One of the keys to accelerating success in international markets is making sure that you are doing business with the appropriate people,” Falls said. “Having someone to help with those introductions is essential and can save a significant amount of time.”
That’s where organizations like the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the U.S. Commercial Service and the World Trade Center really shine. Each has its network of contacts overseas that, when properly leveraged, can generate concrete results.
“What is unique in Georgia is the way these organizations work together with a common goal of accelerating exports,” Falls said. “We are pleased to see this new trade partner in Savannah.”
Resources provided by Mary Carr Mayle, Savannah Morning News, “Idea of a world trade center began nearly 75 years ago” http://savannahnow.com/exchange/2012-06-24/idea-world-trade-center-began-nearly-75-years-ago
And “World Trade Center Savannah Scores First Success” http://savannahnow.com/exchange/2012-06-24/world-trade-center-savannah-scores-first-success
