Its charter may say World Trade Center Savannah, but these days, it could just as easily be called World Trade Center Southeast Georgia.
In less than three years, the young organization’s vision of becoming a true regional resource for economic development is already coming to fruition, with no fewer than a dozen regional development authorities on board.
From the Screven County Development Authority some 65 miles northwest of Savannah — the first to partner with WTC — to the Camden County Joint Development Authority 100 miles to the south, international trade and investment is flourishing as already established and successful economic development authorities look to spread their wings with WTC.
In Screven County, for example, leading India-based textile manufacturer SV Pittie broke ground last month for a planned $70 million textile plant near Sylvania that will bring 250 new jobs to the area.
“Our partnership with WTC has been great for us,” said Dorie Bacon, executive director of the Screven County Development Authority.
“From lessons in protocol when hosting the group from Pittie to helping one of our established industries plan for the international visitors coming for their 40th anniversary, to supplying an Indian flag for the Pittie groundbreaking, they have been there to help from the start,” she said, adding that one of Screven County’s goals as a development authority has always been to embrace regionalism.
“A lot of authorities say that, but we like to think we walk the walk,” said Bacon, who serves as chair of the Greater Savannah Regional Alliance, an economic development coalition of some 13 southeast Georgia counties.
“Over the last several years
we have been seeing a trend toward more international projects,” Bacon said. “So, when WTC was formed and they came looking for regional partners, it made sense for us.”
But WTC is about more than attracting international business, she said.
“Our main focus continues to be helping our existing industries grow and prosper, and WTC has been a tremendous asset in doing that.”
Finding value
Up Interstate 16, the Development Authority of Bryan County’s Interstate Centre is home to vinyl films manufacturer Orafol, ready-mixed concrete supplier Argos USA and arms manufacturer Daniel Defense, as well as distribution facilities for Oneida Ltd., DKW Logistics, Blue Bell Creameries, Reese and Co. and Matson Logistics and Kenco Logistics.
“Since joining the WTC Savannah just a few months ago, we have already found value in the partnership,” said Anna Chafin, CEO of the development authority.
“The educational offerings sponsored by WTC Savannah, like the upcoming cross-cultural/international protocol training, enhance our economic development efforts. These types of opportunities are beneficial to our existing industries and are also helpful as we try to recruit new companies, specifically those headquartered abroad, to Bryan County.”
John Henry, CEO of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, agreed.
“I think the WTC has been a great resource for the area,” Henry said.
“We are seeing a lot more international prospects these days, and the WTC is an integral part of recruitment efforts. The programs being offered, such as the cultural protocol training, also help me and my staff be better prepared for dealing with those prospects.
“The World Trade Center also helps sell our region across the globe,” he said. “We have recently worked with the WTC and our other regional partners to host the Consulate Corps. This was a well-received event that helped spread our marketing message to the world.”
Meanwhile, down Interstate 95, McIntosh County is one of six adjacent counties represented by the Southeast Georgia Joint Development Authority – all of which have become partners with WTC Savannah.
Wally Orrel, executive director of the McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority, embraces the “stronger together” mantra.
“We don’t think we could be as successful as we have been without the support of many partners,” he said. “As for WTC Savannah, we’re relative newbies, only joining a few months ago. But, already we’ve seen tangible results.”
One of his first experiences as a new member was the invitation to meet with eight Consul Generals visiting from Atlanta, Orrel said.
“I can promise you, the only way we would have had that opportunity otherwise would have been if their ships veered off course and landed at our shrimp boat docks,” he said, laughing.
But, as a result of that event, McIntosh County has already received a visit from a delegation led by the Consul General of Germany.
“What World Trade Savannah is doing for us is giving us that larger than life view and providing the kinds of networking opportunities and trade partners that will help our local companies grow and prosper,” he said.
‘Every success a win’
While the Savannah Economic Development Authority has been preaching the gospel of regionalism for years, it’s taken the World Trade Center Savannah — which operates under SEDA — to really bring it about.
That’s because, from the beginning, WTC Savannah has made it clear regional partnerships are an essential part of its mission to help the region create jobs and attract investment on an international level, said Eric Johnson, chairman of the WTC Savannah board.
“We’re committed to working with our regional partners to help their established businesses grow internationally and provide them access and opportunities for identifying new foreign direct investment projects,” he said.
SEDA president and CEO Trip Tollison said it all boils down to a simple philosophy.
“Every success an area development authority experiences is a win for the entire region and something we should all celebrate,” he said.
“It’s through working together that we will achieve the ultimate goal of creating jobs and attracting investment to the region.”
Bacon says that works for her.
“World Trade Center Savannah has been, and continues to be, a positive force for us,” she said.
“We’re just going to grow from here.”
ABOUT WTC SAVANNAH
World Trade Center Savannah was created in 2011 to help develop an international business platform specific to the greater Savannah region. The international arm of the Savannah Economic Development Authority, WTC Savannah’s mission is to help regional businesses expand internationally and identify more foreign direct investment opportunities for the region.
Governed by a regional board and connected to more than 300 world trade centers in 100 countries, WTC Savannah offers companies valuable information and services to help them do business internationally, including country and industry-specific research, international protocol, trade information and education, business match-making and trade mission planning.