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The Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc. (GRP) is the lead regional economic development organization for the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico in Virginia.
This post is part of SelectUSA’s EDO Spotlight series, highlighting the work of EDOs around the country recruiting foreign direct investment, how that work supports jobs and economic growth across the United States, and how SelectUSA partners with EDOs to support economic development.
You could say that the first foreign direct investment occurred in 1607 when English settlers founded the Richmond Region in Virginia. Soon thereafter the nation’s first hospital was built, the first university was chartered, and the first ironworks were established.
Photo via Creative Dog Media
Today, the Richmond Region is home to more than 220 international firms from 26 countries employing 24,600 residents. From advanced manufacturing to supply chain and finance to technology, international firms love the region’s quality of life and affordable business costs.
The biggest challenge for international companies is finding the right location and much like explorers John Smith and Christopher Newport, businesses are still finding their way to the Greater Richmond Region:
- Sabra Dipping Company operates the world’s largest hummus factory in the region.
- A locally-based Rolls-Royce manufacturing facility anchored two suppliers, Erodex and Pryor Technology. The two UK-headquartered companies were seeking to improve existing customer relations while expanding its offerings.
- German company iMPREG Group expanded its operations with a North American headquarters.
- Polykon Manufacturing, a joint venture between two Air Liquide entities (France), is completing its $60 million facility to produce consumer cosmetics.
- ERNI Electronics, Inc., a Swiss-based manufacturer of electrical connectors for the automotive, medical, and communications fields, is investing $25 million to establish a new 80,000-square-foot facility.
The United States is the largest economy in the world, so opportunities abound for new businesses. However, most of our clients are adapting from their home market with different business cultures, systems and regulations. GRP encourages international firms to maximize their efforts and resources by taking advantage of expert advice and doing things right the first time. When a company visits the Richmond Region, GRP schedules an itinerary loaded with meetings with industry leaders, local partners and service providers.
GRP’s Global Assistance Program is a one-stop shop designed to provide these essential connections for firms exploring opportunities in the U.S. market. Our roster of referral partners and experienced professionals have a proven track record with international businesses. Company information is always kept confidential and the first meeting with any of our partners is complimentary and without obligation. Available services, include legal advice, , financing, development and real estate, insurance, and marketing.
But don’t take our word for it. In fact, many of GRP’s former clients have served as the best salespeople for the Richmond Region. Several firms even serve on GRP’s International Advisory Committee, which provides valuable expertise and insight for companies considering the U.S. market.
It’s a lot easier following an expert’s map than stumbling through unchartered territory.
For more information on GRP, please visit the organization’s website at grpva.com.
About SelectUSA
Housed within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, SelectUSA promotes and facilitates business investment in the United States.
As a region, the Greater Washington area is a prime destination for international companies that want to expand and grow in the United States. Arlington’s location, just across the Potomac River from Washington, allows companies, both regional and international, unparalleled access to the entire region and the world.
Tradeology, the ITA Blog 