Stating your CASE

For advice and support on building business links with the US, the Council of American States in Europe (CASE) is your one-stop shop. Bruce Greenwood, CASE President and Director Europe, State of Massachusetts, explains its role

Since its modest beginnings in 1971 with three states and one port authority, the Council of American States in Europe (CASE) has grown into a well-established organization of 18 states, representing most states east of the Mississippi River, the geographical divide between East and West in the United States, those with the strongest ties to Europe. In addition to its expansion in size and representation, CASE has grown in importance in the past almost 40 years, as European direct investment increased dramatically and, by year end 2008, constituted over 70% of all foreign direct investment in the US.

The US and the UK are by far the largest foreign investors in each other’s country, representing the largest bilateral investment relationship in the world. By the end of 2008, the most recent year for which figures are available, over 13% of all outward direct investment from the US had gone to the UK, with a current book value of over $420 thousand million. And, the UK accounts for 20% of the total of the book value of worldwide foreign direct investors’ equity in and outstanding loans to their US affiliates in the amount of $454.1 thousand million.

We live in turbulent times, and yet, despite the recession and troubling financial markets, European confidence in the US marketplace remains high; in 2008, 68% of all foreign direct investment came from Europe, $27.6 thousand million alone from the UK.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, the economic stimulus package enacted in February in the wake of the economic downturn, has a nominal worth of $787 thousand million. Particularly for UK firms in education, healthcare, infrastructure and energy, the ARRA provides additional challenges and opportunities in the US marketplace. And, whereas, within specific guidelines, funds flow from the Federal Government, the determination of how they are spent is made in co-ordination with state and regional authorities.

While the federal government provides general advice, information, statistics and referrals through its “Invest in America” offices, it’s up to the individual state development agencies, in co-operation with local authorities, to provide specific professional assistance in finding the most appropriate location, workforce, utilities, financing as well as logistical, legal and tax advice for the investor.

This is where CASE comes into the mix. CASE is made up of European representatives of individual US state governments. CASE act as a one-stop advisory and support gateway for European businesses considering establishing a presence or expanding a base within the US.

CASE members offer easy access to a wide range of business information and site location services, including:

CASE has information on establishing a business in the US
CASE can provide information on industry, infrastructure and suppliers
CASE has information on available labor supply, qualifications and training programmes
CASE can give you data on operating costs, such as wages, taxes and utilities, as well as construction costs
CASE can offer assistance for building and for site selection
CASE can give you advice on local, regional and state incentives
CASE offers contacts with key companies
CASE provides access to industry and technology associations and other networking opportunities
CASE can give information regarding access to Federal stimulus funds.

Moreover, when you decide to invest in the US, you will not locate in a country or a state, but in a specific region or municipality. CASE members can introduce you to the rich variety of locations within their individual states, each with its own cost structure, workforce availability, transportation infrastructure and other important features. The CASE state representatives have networking partners, who can quickly become partners to your investment initiative. Since business development is an ongoing effort, your state and regional partners will continue to work with you even after your company has set up operations, in order to ensure your company’s growth and success.

Members of CASE are interspersed throughout Europe and travel frequently. We would be delighted to visit you to discuss your plans for North America in detail. All CASE services are absolutely confidential, free of charge and offered without any obligation.

CASE Seminars in the UK

In the UK during the week of 27 September 2010, CASE will conduct with local partners a series of seminars to inform British executives and entrepreneurs about investment and business opportunities in the US. As the dates approach, details will be available on the CASE website, below.

For more CASE information, contact:

Council of American States in Europe (CASE)
Mainzer Landstr. 176
D-60327 Frankfurt, Germany
Tel: +49 69 9735 8315
Fax: +49 69 9735 8101
E-mail: case-europe@mainoffice.de
Website: www.invest-in-usa.org

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