How to Leverage SelectUSA with Greg Kozera from Shale Crescent

March 16, 2024

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