April 2006 - Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce

and the information highway) includingsecuring funding for the Memphis-AtlantaHighway. Integrating international visitorsand residents in our communities, using artsand education to understand and celebratediversity, expanding international trade educationand networks, and regional strategicplanning were also flagged.Participants also discussed regional stewardshipand the methodology other regionshave used to bring leaders together for collaborationon important issues. DougHenton, president and founder of CollaborativeEconomics in California, addressedthe GC2 Summit on October 25. Doug andhis partners were instrumental in the startupand continued success of the regionalinitiative in the Silicon Valley, Joint Venture:Silicon Valley Network and have workedwith similar regional efforts across thecountry. At the same meeting, Rep. JeffMcLaughlin, District 27, Alabama StateLegislature, enlightened participants on thecritical issue of inter-basin water transfersfrom the Tennessee River and how this canadversely impact our water supply andregional economic development.Individual local governments and communitiescurrently set visions for their ownfutures and work toward these goals, but aregional strategic plan is needed to focuscollaborative energy on common issues andefforts that will enhance the global competitivenessof North Alabama. Efforts continueto move forward in developing a processfor regional collaboration beyond politicaland geographic boundaries. This achievementwill indeed put North Alabama in thewinner’s circle.Further information related to a GloballyCompetitive Community and presentationsfrom the GC2 Summits are available atwww.naita.org/globalcommunity.htm. Forfurther information on the Madison CountyCommission International Trade DevelopmentCenter or NAITA, please contact AnneBurkett at 256.532.3505 or trade@co.madison.al.us.Source: The Globally Competitive South(Under Construction), Southern GrowthPolicies Board, June 2004Written by Amanda P. Berkey,Senior International Trade Specialist,Madison County CommissionHUNTSVILLEIS WIRED!Over 80% of Madison Countyresidents have internet access and theirfavorite local website is al.com, withover 550,000 unique visitors per month.Put your business front and center onal.com with turnkey advertisingcampaigns for all budgets.Call 800.701.0898 oremail sales@al.com for a freeconsultation.0037597300375971Initiatives April 200613