Are you searching for a consistent business partner? Serving North Alabama businesses since 1984. At First Commercial Bank, we believe it’s important to have a financial partner who can help turn your vision into reality. Our local relationship managers are people you know in the community and our decisions are made right here in <strong>Huntsville</strong>. a bank 256-551-3300 www.fcb-hsv.com 26 <strong>August</strong> <strong>2009</strong> <strong>Initiatives</strong> Member FDIC
<strong>Huntsville</strong> Prepares Welcome Mat, continued from page 23 – are in English, which is a major business language around the world, but it may not be the language <strong>of</strong> the entire travelling party, Scott said. Rental cars and hotel rooms should be more plentiful, as these groups may want to rent an entire fleet <strong>of</strong> cars or a floor <strong>of</strong> rooms. Hotel staff, others in the hospitality industry, and business people should be prepared to welcome these visitors who may have special needs. An awareness and ability to meet those needs must be fostered, which in itself may be a tremendous business opportunity for entrepreneurs in the community, Scott said. “First and foremost is cultural sensitivity,” according to Scott, “and taking time to let them get to know you.” Local hosts should be aware <strong>of</strong> obvious issues like language <strong>of</strong> the travelers and special diets, but there are also less obvious issues like holy days in foreign countries and needs <strong>of</strong> the family and entourage who may travel with the delegation to the U.S. The accompanying family and staff will <strong>of</strong>ten want to spend extended time here – to see sites, dine in restaurants, and tour the area. And that is where the <strong>Huntsville</strong>/<strong>Madison</strong> <strong>County</strong> community may have a great advantage. As Scott pointed out, “the warmth <strong>of</strong> this community is far greater than in D.C,” and he said <strong>Huntsville</strong> has “a tremendous advantage being a great town with lots to <strong>of</strong>fer.” Scott called attention to some <strong>of</strong> <strong>Huntsville</strong>’s star attractions, including the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Space Camp, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Bridge Street Town Centre, and the new Westin hotel – as well as the warmth and hospitality <strong>of</strong> the entire North Alabama community compared to the National Capital Region. Possible solutions to the challenges faced by the community as a result <strong>of</strong> USASAC’s move include a partnership <strong>of</strong> entities, like the <strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>of</strong> Commerce <strong>of</strong> <strong>Huntsville</strong>/<strong>Madison</strong> <strong>County</strong>, <strong>Chamber</strong>s from across the Tennessee Valley, NAITA, and Team Redstone helping to educate the community on international business and cultural issues. Several existing organizations, including the International Services Council <strong>of</strong> Alabama, <strong>Huntsville</strong> International Society, and various cultural groups may also get involved in working with the city, county, and others to accommodate our distinguished guests. General Scott suggested working with international groups in the community who could provide assistance for visitors from the same part <strong>of</strong> the world. International business takes time, especially when dealing with the large contracts involved in FMS cases (see FMS and Security Assistance at Redstone on page 24). USASAC handled about $14 billion in contracts in 2008, and earlier this year they had already surpassed that amount with an additional $7 billion worth <strong>of</strong> contracts. The U.S. Government is working to train and equip foreign militaries to take care <strong>of</strong> their responsibilities, and USG takes very seriously the relationship between the two countries when negotiating these sales. The bottom line is that FMS impacts national security strategy goals. For <strong>Huntsville</strong>, a positive first impression and continued positive visits will go far in creating relationships and future economic development benefits for the community. As has been shown in the past thanks to the presence <strong>of</strong> more than 50 foreign-owned businesses in the <strong>Huntsville</strong>/ <strong>Madison</strong> <strong>County</strong> community, the sky is not the limit for international business in <strong>Huntsville</strong>, and the dollar volume <strong>of</strong> FMS cases handled here is equally limitless. • Amanda P. Berkey Sr. International Trade Specialist <strong>Madison</strong> <strong>County</strong> Commission/NAITA Planning & Economic Development ® Regions Quick Deposit Get more control. Get more convenience. Get a free $500 scanner. Regions Quick Deposit Save time, manage your deposits and take control <strong>of</strong> your banking. As a business owner, you’re always looking for ways to be more efficient. Regions Quick Deposit gives you that and more. With a free $500 scanner, you’ll have the convenience <strong>of</strong> making deposits right from your desk. Plus, the extended cut-<strong>of</strong>f time means deposits scanned as late as 6:00 p.m. CST will post to your account the same day. In business, success is <strong>of</strong>ten determined by efficiency, which is exactly what Regions Quick Deposit gives you. Well, that and a free scanner. For a Quick Deposit demo, visit regions.com/quickdeposit. To learn more, visit a branch or call 1-866-822-3770. 1.866.822.3770 | regions.com/quickdeposit © <strong>2009</strong> Regions Bank. Free scanner with a two-year service agreement. Noninterest-bearing account required; $25,000 minimum monthly average collected balance. Monthly service and per-item fees will apply. 27 <strong>Initiatives</strong> <strong>August</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
Change language