Virtual Tour 2024 - Southern U.S

Join us on a virtual tour through the southeast of the USA

Virtual Tour 2024 - Southern U.S

Are you ready to embark on an exciting virtual tour through the Southeastern United States?

Join us on this journey as we showcase the vast business opportunities available in this region. For German companies looking to export, invest, or expand in the United States, the Southeastern region of the U.S. has become an attractive market.

However, setting up an office with employees can be a daunting task that requires a significant investment of time, money, and resources. That's where our Digital Tour comes in - it aims to strengthen relationships between stakeholders in the southeastern U.S. states and German companies.

Over the next 11 months, we will take you on a virtual journey to each state in our region. During a 45-minute webinar, you'll hear from the state or regional EDO about international business opportunities and local economic conditions. You will also get a firsthand account from a German company already successfully expanded to the United States, sharing their best practices and insights. This will give you an in-depth understanding of the local business opportunities and the unique advantages and focus industries of each state. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to ask us and the business promoters individual questions.

Don't miss out on this inspiring opportunity to explore the Southeastern United States and discover the endless possibilities for your business!

We will announce the first dates at the beginning of January. Use our TICKET ALERT to be informed as soon as a new date is scheduled.

State Key Facts

Alabama

Known as the Heart of Dixie, Alabama's economy thrives on many industries.

Home to major auto manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Hyundai, plus an extensive network of parts suppliers, Alabama is a hub for car-making.

Headquarters of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and aerospace leaders like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Airbus, Alabama continue growing their presence in the space sector. With IT firms like CGI, DST Health Solutions, and Intergraph, Alabama's tech sector is rapidly expanding.

Alabama is also the top producer of fertilizers, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and other chemical products. The chemicals industry is a major employer. Timber is one of Alabama's most lucrative exports, buoyed by the state's thriving forestry industry.

With a skilled workforce, excellent transportation infrastructure, low costs, and pro-business policies, Alabama provides advantages that attract investment and enable companies to thrive.

Arkansas

Known as the Natural State, Arkansas' economy thrives on several core industries.

Home to aviation leaders like Dassault Falcon Jet, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon. Aerospace contributes $2 billion to the economy and employs over 10,000.

Being a hub for innovation and technology, Arkansas headquarters for major companies like Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt, and Acxiom. Software industries Arkansas yields $11 billion in revenue due to their strong presence in data management firms, hardware, and telecommunications.

The sixth largest natural gas producer Arkansas, with the 2nd biggest refining capacity and 8th largest wind generation, energy accounts for 9% of GDP and over 100,000 jobs.

The leading producer of rice, poultry, and soybeans, Arkansas also dominates in cotton, corn, wheat, peanuts, and fruits. Agriculture employs 14% of the workforce and contributes over $16 billion. With over 19 million acres of forest covering half the state, Arkansas' forestry industry generates $6 billion in revenue as the country’s ninth-largest producer of timber.

Leveraging its natural resources and strategic location, Arkansas provides advantages that enable companies in agriculture, aerospace, energy, and technology to thrive in the Natural State.

Florida

Known as the Sunshine State, Florida's sunny climate and natural attractions fuel several major industries.

Florida produces most of the United States' fruits, vegetables, tobacco, and more. This sector employs 2 million Floridians and adds over $104 billion to the economy annually.

Ranked 2nd nationally in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing, Florida houses over 46,000 healthcare facilities and research centers. Also being a hub for aviation and aerospace, Florida sees an economic impact of $144 billion from related activities yearly. Major employers include the Kennedy Space Center.

Florida exports $55 billion in goods, making it the 8th largest exporting state in the US. Its ports connect North America with Latin America and the Caribbean.

With competitive advantages across these industries, Florida leverages its climate, resources, and geographic position to fuel a strong, diversified economy.

Georgia

Georgia, is a land of opportunities that attracts businesses and talented people from around the world. It's also known as "The Peach State" and home to some of the world's most famous companies like Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, and UPS.

The state's diverse economy is primarily driven by manufacturing, which accounts for 18% of its GDP and provides jobs for over 400,000 people. Georgia's manufacturing sector is varied and includes aerospace, automotive, food processing, paper products, textiles, and chemicals.

The state is also a hub for auto parts suppliers, and it houses major automotive manufacturers such as Kia, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz.

Georgia is a leading state in the aerospace industry, with companies such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, and Pratt & Whitney. Moreover, Georgia is the top producer of peanuts, pecans, and peaches in the U.S., which makes agriculture and food processing a significant industry in the state. It is also one of the top film and television production locations globally, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year.

Lastly, Georgia is a major logistics and distribution hub, with access to major highways, railways, and ports. The state's Port of Savannah is the fourth-busiest container port in the United States, and Hartsfield Jackson is the world's busiest airport.

Louisiana

Known as the Pelican State, Louisiana leverages its strategic location and business advantages to power core economic sectors.

With nearly 7% of residents employed in manufacturing, Louisiana produces chemicals, food, paper products, and more as a vital global supply chain hub. Louisiana’s location and access to major transportation networks make it an attractive location for manufacturers.

Louisiana’s aerospace legacy began with NASA’s early Apollo missions and evolved into a diverse sector with a statewide footprint. Now home to Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and more, Louisiana's storied aerospace sector spans aircraft, space exploration, and satellite production.

Also being oil, gas, and renewable energy producers, with extensive refining along the Gulf Coast, energy continues to be a top Louisiana industry. With nearly 30,000 farms spanning 8 million acres, agribusiness led by cotton, soybeans, and catfish contributes billions to Louisiana's economy. Louisiana’s agribusiness industry contributes billions of dollars to the state’s economy.

Louisiana's billion-dollar entertainment industry, fueled by incentives, includes film production, digital media, live events, and sound recording.

This state fosters growth across diverse, thriving industry sectors by leveraging its infrastructure, incentives, and natural advantages.

Mississippi "Registration Open"

Known as the Magnolia State, Mississippi's economy is driven by multiple industries. 

Accounting for over 17% of GDP, manufacturing is a cornerstone of Mississippi's economy. The state's prime location and transportation access have attracted companies producing items ranging from automobiles to aerospace components. 

Home to over 200 hospitals and clinics, healthcare provides jobs for 15% of Mississippians. Major providers like UMMC and Baptist Memorial generate over $20 billion for the state annually. 

Mississippi's low costs and business incentives have drawn IT firms specializing in software, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Research institutions like MSU also bolster tech innovation. 

With its fertile soil and abundant crops like cotton, soybeans, and catfish, Mississippi thrives in agribusiness. The sector employs 29% of the workforce as a leading state exporter. 

Both traditional oil and gas producers as well as renewables thrive in Mississippi. The state has long been a hub for fossil fuel refinement and is expanding into solar, wind, and storage. 

With advantages across these core sectors, Mississippi provides a prime business environment with the infrastructure, natural resources, and hardworking talent that companies need to grow. 

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North Carolina "Registration Open"

Nicknamed the Tar Heel State, North Carolina is home to over 10 million residents and several thriving industry hubs.

With companies like GE Aviation, Honeywell, and Siemens, North Carolina leads in advanced manufacturing, especially aerospace components. The state's auto parts suppliers also bolster production. North Carolina's vibrant aerospace industry wields a $9.5 billion economic impact. Major players include GE Aviation, Honeywell, and Pratt & Whitney.

North Carolina excels in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Key companies such as Novo Nordisk, Merck, and FUJIFILM Diosynth leverage the assets of Research Triangle Park.

Home to tech giants like Google, Cisco, and SAS, North Carolina also draws IT firms to Research Triangle Park's resource-rich ecosystem.

As a major East Coast finance hub, North Carolina houses banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and BB&T, plus a Federal Reserve branch.

 

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Oklahoma

Nicknamed the Sooner State, Oklahoma leverages its central location and business advantages to power key economic sectors.

Oklahoma's central location, low operating costs, workforce, and strong supply chain have attracted GM, Ford, Toyota, Tesla, and more. The state also offers various incentive programs to further boost the sector. Employing over 120,000 workers in the Aerospace and Defense makes it the largest and most diverse sector in Oklahoma. The state also has major maintenance and engineering facilities, plus robust R&D activity, and education programs.

With many of the Universities and Colleges focused on programs and degrees in tech and other corresponding fields, no wonder major companies like Google, Dell, and AT&T. With over 100,000 skilled workers, Oklahoma excels in IT, banking, insurance, and telecom.

Being ranked in the top five producers of oil, natural gas, and wind, Oklahoma capitalizes on its abundant natural resources. Oklahoma also has a vibrant energy innovation ecosystem, with research centers, universities, and startups working on new technologies and solutions. A top producer of wheat, cattle, poultry, and more, Oklahoma's bioscience sector also thrives in associated manufacturing and research. Agribusiness contributes over $40 billion annually.

With targeted advantages across these industries, Oklahoma delivers the infrastructure, talent, and environment for businesses to prosper.

Puerto Rico

Known as the Island of Enchantment, several core sectors drive Puerto Rico's economy.

Major manufacturing emerged throughout Puerto Rico in the 1940s. Pharmaceuticals, machinery, textiles, leather, electronics, printing, and publishing are just a few of the key manufacturing activities that have contributed to the industry’s rise. According to the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association, manufacturing now provides about 75,600 jobs in Puerto Rico or about 8% of total employment.

Though smaller than before, agriculture still produces coffee, tobacco, and fruits. Even though the island produces less than before it still manages to bring in just under 1 billion dollars in revenue every year.

Puerto Rico's growing finance industry, including major banks, yields over $4 billion in sales annually. With major pharma companies like Pfizer and Merck, biotech generates over $4 billion in annual sales.

Puerto Rico's beautiful beaches, history, and culture drew over 6.5% of GDP from tourism pre-pandemic.

South Carolina "Event Recap"

South Carolina, a southeastern gem in the United States, presents a compelling opportunity for German companies seeking expansion on American soil. With a diverse economic landscape, the state offers several major industries ripe for investment and growth.

One prominent sector is advanced manufacturing, where South Carolina shines as a leading hub. Renowned German companies can leverage the state's infrastructure and skilled workforce to establish their presence. The likes of BMW, Boeing, and Michelin have already recognized the state's potential and established successful operations here.

Additionally, the aerospace industry in South Carolina is a vibrant and lucrative avenue for German companies. With an impressive $19 billion economic impact, the state hosts giants like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and GE Aviation. This sector offers not only ample opportunities for collaboration but also access to a highly skilled aerospace workforce.

The agribusiness industry is another sector of interest, as South Carolina ranks among the top producers of various commodities. German agribusiness companies can tap into the state's fertile lands to expand their agricultural and farming operations, benefiting from the state's rich resources and diverse agriculture.

Furthermore, the logistics and distribution sector in South Carolina, with its strategic location and access to major transportation routes, provides an ideal gateway for German companies aiming to reach broader markets in the United States.

In conclusion, South Carolina's dynamic economy offers a range of enticing opportunities for German companies to expand their operations. Whether in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, agribusiness, or logistics, the state's conducive business environment and strategic advantages make it an attractive destination for international expansion and growth.

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Tennessee "Event Recap"

Tennessee also known as the volunteer state, has a diverse and thriving economic landscape powered by key industries including:

With major manufacturing plants from GM, Nissan, and Volkswagen, plus an extensive network of auto parts suppliers, Tennessee has firmly established itself as an automotive powerhouse.

Home to a vibrant entertainment scene, Tennessee's music, broadcasting, digital media, publishing, and film/TV production support over 56,000 jobs and wields a $10 billion economic impact.

Tennessee's robust agribusiness sector generates over $50 billion in economic output annually, with agricultural exports exceeding $750 million annually.

From globally recognized Tennessee whiskey to state-of-the-art cooking appliances, Tennessee's "Made in Tennessee" products are known worldwide for their craftsmanship and quality.

With over 900 healthcare companies headquartered locally, including major players like HCA, Community Health, and LifePoint Health, Tennessee is a leader in the healthcare space.

With competitive advantages across these core industries, plus the infrastructure, workforce, and business-friendly policies in place to support growth, it is easy to see why Tennessee draws investment locally and worldwide.

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Texas

Nicknamed the Lone Star State, Texas' massive land space and economy is powered by diverse industries.

The country's largest producer of cattle, cotton, and sorghum, Texas also leads in rice, wheat, corn, peanuts, and more. Agriculture employs about 14% of the workforce in Texas and contributes over $100 billion. With globally renowned institutions like MD Anderson and pioneering R&D, healthcare provides 12% of GDP and employs over 1.5 million Texans.

As the nation's top producer of crude oil and natural gas, with massive refining and wind power generation, energy accounts for 15% of Texas' GDP and over 300,000 jobs.

Being home to tech giants like Dell, IBM, and Texas Instruments, the state is a hub for hardware, software, telecom, and cloud computing companies, generating $140 billion in revenue. This is why the city of Austin is considered America's new “Silicon Valley”.

NASA's Johnson Space Center is located in Houston, plus contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Boeing. The aerospace, aviation, and defense industries contribute about $40 billion to the state’s economy.

With competitive advantages across these core sectors, Texas leverages its size, resources, and business-friendly climate to fuel massive economic output.

US Virgin Islands

A U.S. territory located in the Caribbean Sea, the US Virgin Islands' economy relies heavily on tourism but also has strengths across several sectors.

A robust manufacturing industry since the 1960s, the islands' skilled workforce, and tax advantages have attracted pharmaceutical, electronics, and rum producers.

The US Virgin Islands has a growing financial services sector, with several major banks and financial institutions operating on the islands. Major banks generate over $1 billion in annual revenue. Leveraging an adept workforce and favorable tax climate, the islands have drawn IT firms specializing in software, cybersecurity, and data.

The US Virgin Islands has made significant investments in renewable energy in recent years. With abundant solar and wind resources, the islands target 60% renewable energy by 2025 through green energy initiatives.

The islands are well known for their beautiful beaches and historic tourist attractions. According to the United States Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority, tourism accounts for approximately 60% of the territory’s GDP and provides jobs for over 7,000 people.

Though small in size, the US Virgin Islands provides key advantages that support economic diversity and growth potential looking ahead.