11 October 2011
More than a dozen trade commissioners from countries across the Western hemisphere are to spend the day in Palm Beach County on Oct. 12 in an effort to generate more international business ties between primarily Central and Latin America and the region.
Dubbed Link Up 2011 the event, put together by consulting firm Orbis Strategy Group in partnership with Miami's International Association of Trade Commissioners, “is the largest single group of foreign trade commissioners to visit Palm Beach County in over six years,” according to Orbis’s website.
Orbis opened its doors in 1995 and specializes in helping small, medium and large companies, as well as organizations, municipalities and foreign trade offices, develop an international business strategy.
The 13-person delegation will spend a whirlwind day touring the country before heading to the only public event, a reception at Lake Pavilion, at 101 S. Flagler Drive, in downtown West Palm Beach from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30.
“I think one of [Palm Beach’s] competitive advantages is that there’s something for everyone, there’s something for all companies,” said Orbis President Barbara Fiedor. “‘I think we also offer competitive advantages in regards to the cost for land, commercial and industrial space if you compare it with Miami-Dade County.
“We’re not a Miami-Dade County, we never will be, but we offer lots of opportunities that fit different companies,” she added.
Prior to the evening reception, trade commissioners will visit Florida Atlantic University, Northwood University, the Port of Palm Beach and Palm Beach County Government Center. They’re to meet with everyone from the Enterprise Development Corp., to local industry and company representatives to City of West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio.
Palm Beach County has made waves in recent years as the home of both the Germany-based Max Planck Florida Institute and the Scripps Research Institute, two internationally known life sciences research firms, but Canadian Trade Commissioner and Consul Claudio Ramirez said Palm Beach has companies in biofuels, aerospace and software.
“Palm Beach is also making a very deliberate effort to become more international,” he added. “There’s a deliberate effort to tap into growing economies from Canada to Chile.”
For more information about the event visit here.