“Without promotion, something terrible happens… nothing!”
-P. T. Barnum
Great empires and countries have promoted trade around the world for centuries. The development of trading routes was developed through force or commercial persuasion by ancient civilizations and is still done by nearly every country. The pursuit of foreign investment from one country to another is a relatively modern concept.
The creation of the global corporation has, in fact, changed the world. Major companies from former adversaries now are employers of choice all over the world. As an example, Siemens and Honda are two of our very best employers in the Columbus Region, and there are hundreds more.
While the United States remains a great recipient of foreign direct investment, it has also benefited from having its companies enter other markets, which creates jobs and investment and enhances global relationships. Until recently, however, the U.S. did not promote itself quite as directly as a destination, leaving it to states and local areas to compete for investments and providing only high-level support. That changed with SelectUSA, an organization that is now an incredible partner to Ohio and the Columbus Region as we work to secure foreign investment and promote our market around the world.
It is worth a virtual trip around the globe to see how countries promote themselves from different regions. The striking thing is that the websites for the countries listed below resemble so many local websites in your city or county. The fact that countries go to great lengths to develop a brand and provide content that makes it easier to do business in and with their countries shows that all investment is local, whether you are sitting in your nation’s capital or your county seat.
The Middle East
Europe
North America
Asia
Indian Subcontinent
Africa
Rest of the World
I’d be keenly interested in what you observe. Please send me your thoughts or leave a comment below.
-Kenny McDonald
One Columbus Update
- Last week, independent online retailer Huckberry announced its first expansion outside of San Francisco will be a new fulfillment and logistics operation in Columbus. Congratulations and thank you to Huckberry for its commitment of 158 new jobs in our region.
- One Columbus was recognized at the Ohio Economic Development Association’s Annual Summit with the Excellence in Economic Development Marketing Award for the Columbus Region’s One of US marketing campaign. Thank you to OEDA and to dozens of partners for their commitment to the campaign.
- This week, the One Columbus team is in Las Vegas for Money20/20 and in Little Rock for Site Selection Guild’s Fall Forum.
- Next week, our team will travel to Atlanta and to Europe to meet with companies and consultants.