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On May 1, the first meeting of the International Business Group drew approximately 30 representatives from the region’s business and government sectors involved in international trade and business. EDC member Stephen Brainard, who noted the area’s unprecedented opportunity in the area of international trade, led the roundtable discussion.
“We have so much opportunity, but I’m not sure that is widely understood and it’s certainly not exploited as much as it could be,” Brainard said. “We are perfectly positioned to be a player in international trade and that helps bring business and jobs.”
EDC Executive Director Jim Hampton said the opportunity also means an opportunity to increase jobs in Clay County and throughout the metropolitan area. That regional approach was also visible in the list of attendees, who included representatives from area development organizations and international grade companies.
Although much of the meeting involved initial introductions, several of the comments were also indicative of this area’s strong—though not widely appreciated—international presence. These advantages include:
• Located almost precisely in the center of the nation
• The second largest rail center in the nation (the first by tonnage)
• More free trade zones than any other city in the country
• I-35, the “NAFTA superhighway,” connects Canada, the United States and Mexico
International air options are especially significant. Already one of the most efficient airports in the nation, Kansas City International Airport recently underwent some $80 million in improvements, and is targeting additional air cargo and business development options. The Kansas City Downtown Airport (located in Clay County) is the region’s busiest executive jet facility, with business leaders traveling worldwide from this recently upgraded facility. For telecommunications and other high-tech firms, the area’s time zone and advantages are significant.
The group agreed to begin with a Web page at www.clayedc.com/international. You may also contact the EDC office at (816) 468-4989 or info@clayedc.com for more information.