Author name: Bill Kenney

Bill Kenney: Welcome to the latest episode of Belly2Belly! Today, we’re joined by Emily Smith from American Electric Power to discuss how to prepare for SelectUSA. Welcome, Emily. Emily Smith: Thank you so much for having me, Bill. About AEP Bill Kenney: Absolutely. Our goal is to provide companies attending SelectUSA with insights into the resources they can expect to encounter and foster pre-event connections to enhance their US expansion efforts. We’ll also look to give them some “how to prepare for SelectUSA” tips. Emily, could you share more about how American Electric Power supports companies looking to expand in the US? Emily Smith: Certainly, Bill. American Electric Power is one of the largest investor-owned utilities in the US, serving an 11-state footprint. We’re committed to facilitating economic growth in the communities we serve. We offer assistance to international companies in two main areas: establishing their presence in the US and providing ongoing support through our Aftercare services. Our expertise lies in power availability and cost, offering site proposals, custom research, and tailored energy solutions to help companies navigate the energy landscape and manage costs effectively. Why do You Participate in SelectUSA Bill Kenney: That’s impressive, Emily. With such a broad reach, I can see how American Electric Power plays a vital role in supporting economic development across multiple states. You’ve been a regular attendee at SelectUSA. What makes this event so essential for connecting with international companies? Emily Smith: SelectUSA is a cornerstone event for us every year. It brings together a diverse array of stakeholders, including our states, communities, customers, suppliers, and partners. It’s a valuable opportunity to engage with all these parties under one roof and showcase the benefits of expanding or locating within our service territory. Get the Most Out of SelectUSA Participation Bill Kenney: The networking opportunities at SelectUSA are indeed unparalleled. For companies attending for the first time, what advice would you offer to make the most out of their experience? How should they prepare? Emily Smith: Preparation is key. Having a framework or plan in place, even if it’s preliminary, can help companies navigate the event more effectively. Pre-scheduling meetings with specific stakeholders and setting clear objectives beforehand can streamline the experience. Additionally, familiarizing oneself with the event portal and identifying relevant resources ahead of time can be immensely beneficial. And of course, comfortable shoes are a must for making the most of the event’s offerings. Bill Kenney: Excellent advice, Emily. Preparation and planning can significantly enhance the SelectUSA experience for attendees. Thank you for sharing your insights today, and I look forward to seeing you in late June. Emily Smith: Likewise, Bill. Thank you for having me. Summary Points: American Electric Power, as one of the largest investor-owned utilities in the US, plays a crucial role in supporting economic development across an 11-state footprint by assisting international companies with power availability, cost management, site proposals, and custom research. Emily highlights the importance of SelectUSA as a key event for networking and connecting with various stakeholders, including states, communities, customers, and partners, providing a valuable platform for showcasing the benefits of expansion within their service territory. For first-time attendees, Emily emphasizes the significance of preparation, including setting clear objectives, pre-scheduling meetings, and familiarizing oneself with the event portal, to maximize the benefits of participating in SelectUSA. About MEET MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies gain traction and scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821. Meeting ended after 00:07:30 👋 How to Prepare for SelectUSA Podcast Recording with Emily / Bill (2024-03-14 14:14 GMT-4) – Transcript Attendees Bill Kenney, Emily Smith Transcript This editable transcript was computer-generated and might contain errors. Watch the conversation here Read “Ready for SelectUSA? Crush this 12-Step Checklist to Make Sure” – SelectUSA Summit, 23-26 June 2024, Washington, DC https://www.selectusasummit.us/ — Emily Smith, ejsmith1@aep.com https://www.aep.com/ – Feel free to contact us with any questions Bill Kenney,bill@meetroi.com MEET,https://sheikharin.com/meetroi/

Bill Kenney: Welcome to the next episode of Belly2Belly! Today, we’re joined by TJ Villamil from SelectFlorida to discuss SelectUSA success tips. Welcome, TJ. TJ Villamil: Hey Bill, thank you. I’m thrilled to be here and eager to dive into our discussion. About SelectFlorida Bill Kenney: Our goal is to provide companies attending SelectUSA with insights into the resources they can expect and to foster connections with organizations like yours. TJ, could you share what types of assistance SelectFlorida provides to companies looking to invest in Florida? TJ Villamil: Absolutely. SelectFlorida is dedicated to facilitating foreign direct investment in our state. We offer personalized consulting services to international companies, helping them navigate the investment landscape in Florida. Our team collaborates closely with these companies to understand their needs, preferences, and growth plans, guiding them to the right opportunities and resources available in our state. With a diverse economy encompassing industries like aerospace, defense, manufacturing, life sciences, and financial services, Florida offers a wealth of opportunities for international investors. Bill Kenney: That’s impressive, TJ. Florida’s economic diversity and growth potential make it an attractive destination for international investors. What industries in Florida do you consider particularly noteworthy? TJ Villamil: Florida’s economic story extends far beyond its renowned tourism industry. We have thriving sectors such as aerospace, defense, manufacturing, life sciences, and financial services. Our state boasts a robust cluster of military and defense companies, a strong presence in aviation and aerospace, and a burgeoning manufacturing sector. Additionally, Florida’s strategic location and robust logistics infrastructure make it an ideal gateway for companies looking to expand their reach into Latin America and the Caribbean. Why SelectUSA Bill Kenney: Florida’s economic landscape offers a compelling array of opportunities for international investors across various industries. You’ve been participating in SelectUSA for several years. What makes this event so essential for SelectFlorida? TJ Villamil: SelectUSA serves as a premier platform for connecting with international investors and showcasing the opportunities available in Florida. It’s a comprehensive event that brings together stakeholders from across the globe, providing a centralized forum for networking, collaboration, and information sharing. Our partnership with the US Commercial Service enhances the event’s impact, facilitating ongoing engagement and investment promotion throughout the year. SelectUSA Success Tips Bill Kenney: SelectUSA indeed provides a valuable opportunity to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and promote investment opportunities in Florida. For companies attending SelectUSA for the first time, what SelectUSA success tips do you have to maximize their experience? TJ Villamil: Preparation is key. Given the vastness of the United States, it’s essential for international investors to plan their visits and meetings strategically. Utilizing tools like the event app to schedule meetings in advance can streamline the experience and ensure productive interactions. Additionally, leveraging the expertise of service providers and consulting with project managers can help companies navigate various aspects of the investment process, from immigration to tax considerations, enabling them to make informed decisions and optimize their time at SelectUSA. Bill Kenney: Excellent advice, TJ. Preparation and leveraging available resources are essential for companies to make the most of their participation in SelectUSA. Thank you for sharing your insights today, and I’m sure many companies will benefit from connecting with SelectFlorida. TJ Villamil: Thank you, Bill. It’s been a pleasure discussing SelectUSA preparation, and I look forward to connecting with attendees at the event. Summary Points: SelectFlorida provides personalized consulting services to international companies seeking to invest in Florida, helping them navigate the investment landscape and identify opportunities across diverse industries such as aerospace, defense, manufacturing, life sciences, and financial services. Florida’s economic diversity, strategic location, and robust infrastructure make it an attractive destination for international investors, offering opportunities for growth and expansion across various sectors. SelectUSA serves as a crucial platform for connecting with international investors and promoting investment opportunities in Florida, providing a centralized forum for networking, collaboration, and information sharing. For companies attending SelectUSA for the first time here are some success tips, preparation is key. Strategic planning, scheduling meetings in advance, and leveraging available resources can optimize their experience and facilitate productive interactions during the event. About MEET MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies gain traction and scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821. Meeting ended after 00:09:22 👋 SelectUSA Success Tips Podcast Recording with TJ / Bill (2024-03-14 13:33 GMT-4) – Transcript Attendees Bill Kenney, TJ Villamil Transcript This editable transcript was computer-generated and might contain errors. Watch the conversation here Read “Ready for SelectUSA? Crush this 12-Step Checklist to Make Sure” – SelectUSA Summit, 23-26 June 2024, Washington, DC https://www.selectusasummit.us/ — TJ Villamil, TJ.Villamil@selectflorida.org https://selectflorida.org/ – Feel free to contact us with any questions Bill Kenney,bill@meetroi.com MEET,https://sheikharin.com/meetroi/

Bill Kenney: Welcome to the next episode of Belly2Belly! Today, we’re joined by Greg Kozera from Shale Crescent to discuss how to leverage SelectUSA. Welcome, Greg. Greg Kozera: Good to see you again, Bill. About Shale Crescent Bill Kenney: It’s wonderful to see you. Our goal today is to assist companies coming to the US, particularly to SelectUSA, by providing a preview of the resources available. Greg, could you highlight how Shale Crescent supports companies entering the US market? Greg Kozera: Certainly, Bill. Shale Crescent is a nonprofit organization focused on economic development, marketing, and research. We offer extensive research and support services to companies interested in investing in our region, covering West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. With abundant energy resources, particularly natural gas, we assist companies by connecting them with the necessary resources and stakeholders to facilitate their entry into the US market. Our goal is to guide them through the process and provide support every step of the way. Industries Supported by Shale Crescent Bill Kenney: That’s impressive, Greg. Given your region’s abundant energy resources, what industries do you believe are particularly well-suited to benefit from your services? Greg Kozera: Industries that are energy-intensive, such as petrochemicals, manufacturing, and glass production, can greatly benefit from our region’s abundant energy resources. Companies in these sectors can capitalize on the cost advantages offered by our region’s low energy prices. For example, the petrochemical industry can take advantage of our abundant natural gas to produce products like polyethylene and propylene. Additionally, our region’s strong presence in manufacturing and glass production benefits from the reliable and affordable energy supply, ensuring operational efficiency and cost savings. Why SelectUSA? Bill Kenney: Indeed, the cost advantages and reliability of energy in your region make it an attractive destination for energy-intensive industries. You’ve been attending SelectUSA for several years now. What makes this event so appealing to you, and what do you typically gain from it? Greg Kozera: With the right leverage SelectUSA is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with international investors and showcase the opportunities available in our region. The event provides a platform for networking, collaboration, and information sharing, allowing us to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders from around the world. Over the years, we’ve generated numerous leads and forged valuable relationships that have led to tangible business opportunities. SelectUSA is instrumental in expanding our network and promoting investment in our region. How to Leverage SelectUSA Bill Kenney: It’s clear that SelectUSA offers significant benefits in terms of networking and fostering business opportunities. For companies attending SelectUSA for the first time, what recommendations do you have to ensure they leverage the event? Greg Kozera: Preparation is key. I recommend that companies preset meetings and utilize the event app to schedule appointments in advance. This allows them to maximize their time and ensure meaningful interactions during the event. Additionally, I advise them to be open, engaging, and empathetic in their conversations, focusing on understanding the needs and challenges of potential partners or investors. Leveraging existing relationships and reconnecting with contacts can also yield valuable opportunities. Ultimately, it’s about building genuine connections and offering solutions that meet the needs of others. Bill Kenney: Excellent advice, Greg. Preparation, engagement, and relationship-building are crucial for success at SelectUSA. Thank you for sharing your insights today, and I look forward to seeing you at the event in June. Greg Kozera: Thank you, Bill. It’s been a pleasure, and I’m excited to connect with attendees at SelectUSA. Let’s make it a productive and impactful event for all involved. Summary Points: Shale Crescent, a nonprofit organization, offers research and support services to companies interested in investing in the West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania region, particularly focusing on energy-intensive industries such as petrochemicals, manufacturing, and glass production. SelectUSA provides an unparalleled platform for networking, collaboration, and promoting investment opportunities. Participating in the event has enabled Shale Crescent to generate leads, forge valuable relationships, and expand its network, ultimately leading to tangible business opportunities. For companies attending SelectUSA for the first time, preparation is the basis of how to leverage the event. Presetting meetings, utilizing the event app, and focusing on genuine engagement and relationship-building can maximize the benefits of the event and foster meaningful interactions with potential partners or investors. Leveraging existing relationships and reconnecting with contacts can also yield valuable opportunities, emphasizing the importance of building genuine connections and offering solutions that meet the needs of others. About MEET MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies gain traction and scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821. Meeting ended after 00:14:23 👋 SUSA Podcast Recording with Greg (2024-03-11 15:33 GMT-4) – Transcript Attendees Bill Kenney, Greg Kozera Transcript This editable transcript was computer generated and might contain errors.   Watch the conversation here Read “Ready for SelectUSA? Crush this 12-Step Checklist to Make Sure” – SelectUSA Summit, 23-26 June 2024, Washington, DC https://www.selectusasummit.us/ — Greg Kozera, gkozera@shalecrescentusa.com https://shalecrescentusa.com/ – Feel free to contact us with any questions Bill Kenney, bill@meetroi.com MEET, https://sheikharin.com/meetroi/