As companies gear up for SelectUSA Investment Summit 2025, preparation is key to unlocking the incredible opportunities that await. To shed light on how international companies can maximize their U.S. market entry, we sat down with John Woodward and Stefan Harrigan from the Metro Atlanta Chamber on the Belly2Belly podcast. Here’s what I learned from our lively conversation.
About the Metro Atlanta Chamber
John and Stefan are part of the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s global commerce team, dedicated to supporting international companies as they explore expansion into the U.S. market. They emphasized the importance of conducting thorough due diligence when making decisions about market entry.
John shared, “Entering the U.S. market is a fundamental business decision. It should be data-driven, not based on emotion, past vacations, or where your friends might live.” Their team provides invaluable resources—from market data to connections with local authorities—ensuring companies make informed, strategic choices.
Stefan highlighted the Chamber’s role in creating connections. “Whether it’s linking companies with state partners, utilities, or providing real estate insights, we make sure they have a one-stop point of contact.”
Why SelectUSA?
The Metro Atlanta Chamber has been a consistent participant in SelectUSA since its inception. The event offers a unique opportunity to bring together U.S. states and regions with international companies under one roof.
John pointed out that SelectUSA amplifies Georgia’s spirit of collaboration. “At the Georgia booth, you’ll find a unified, collaborative team ready to support companies with all the resources they need. It’s an efficient way for companies to explore U.S. market entry.”
Top Tips for Maximizing SelectUSA
For companies attending SelectUSA, the duo offered some sound advice:
- Do Your Homework: Identify which U.S. regions align with your business goals. Are you prioritizing customer proximity, supply chain availability, or workforce considerations?
- Focus on Fundamentals: John emphasized, “Incentives are finite; business fundamentals like workforce, tax rates, and logistics will be with you for the life of your project. Choose your location based on these, not just shiny incentives.”
- Make Connections: Take advantage of the event’s networking opportunities. Don’t hesitate to stop by the Georgia booth and chat with the team!
Final Encouragement
The Metro Atlanta Chamber team stands ready to guide companies through their U.S. expansion journey. Whether you’re attending SelectUSA for the first time or considering a stop at the Georgia booth, John and Stefan are your quarterbacks for success.
As John wisely put it, “Focus on what will build your business for the long term. Incentives can be the icing, but it’s the cake—your business fundamentals—that matters most.”
Additional Resources
For more on this topic, we suggest reading Making the Room Small: A Strategic Approach to B2B Trade Shows and Events.
About
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.
