Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education SPRING 2003 VOLUME 5, NUMBER 2 Bringing the World to Georgia Quick Start's work with international companies aids Georgia's economy In the mid-1980s, Jan Nunnery, then a Quick Start field training consultant, found herself working with an increasing number of projects for Japan-based companies. She quickly realized that working with international companies posed challenges that were quite different from working with domestic ones. "Most importantly, because of significant differences in business styles, we saw a need to conduct crosscultural training," said Nunnery, who currently serves as vice president of economic development at DeKalb Technical College. To address this pressing need, Quick Start developed a workshop dedicated to enhancing the cultural sensitivity of prospective employees of Japanese client companies. The workshop also helped Quick Start employees who would be interacting with Japanese business people. Topics included Japanese communication styles, greetings, dining tips, business protocol, even proper businesscard etiquette. "In Japanese culture, the business card is a representation of that individual," Nunnery explained, pointing out one of the unexpected areas where a faux pas could easily occur. "So you must treat it with respect, looking at it carefully when it's given to you." And that's just one example from one country. Since that first workshop, the number of international companies Quick Start has worked with has increased dramatically. International firms now make up nearly one-fourth of Quick Start projects and hail from 31 different countries. In addition to challenges of language and cultural behavior, cross-cultural understanding is critical in matters of logistics and technology transfer. "Manufacturing quality, productivity and technology transfer depend on strong employee working relationships and effective communication," said Sandra Morris, Quick Start director of performance technology, who oversees cultural training. "Companies cannot afford to have cross-cultural Continued on page 8 QUICK START IS GEORGIA'S PREMIER SOURCE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRAINING Quick Notes Jackie Rohosky What turns an employee into a team member are demonstrations of confidence, trust and good faith ... Comprehensive workforce development involves more than just instruction. What turns an employee into a team member are demonstrations of confidence, trust and good faith -- confidence in abilities, trust in integrity, and faith in a person's dedication to the job. That was demonstrated recently at Griffin, Ga.-based NACOM when it graduated the largest-ever class of Certified Manufacturing Specialists. An article on page 5 explains why, after the graduation ceremony, person after person expressed admiration for John Olson, the company's vice president and general manager, who is a rare example of a truly visionary, generous team leader. Another aspect of workforce development that goes beyond skills training becomes evident when working with international companies, NACOM's vice president and general manager, John Olson, applauds the CMS graduates. as this issue's cover story explains. Everything from differences in language to how people shake hands becomes important when people from different cultures interact, and that's where cross-cultural training becomes a critical part of a comprehensive workforce development program. Generosity, mutual understanding and effective communication -- these are the team-building aspects of workforce development that Quick Start strives to incorporate in all of its projects. Jackie Rohosky Assistant Commissioner Economic Development Programs jrohosky@georgiaquickstart.org Table of Contents Azeeza Muhammad was one of 117 NACOM employees who received a personal computer upon graduating from the Certified Manufacturing Specialist course. 10 6 3 Events around the state 11 6 Highlights from Manufacturing 11 Partner's Perspective from Appreciation Week GDITT's Tim Evans 10 STI building help-desk facility in Americus 12 Quick Start Project Announcements Spring 2003 Volume 5, Number 2 Published quarterly by Georgia Quick Start www.georgiaquickstart.org Quick Start is a registered service mark of the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education Kenneth H. Breeden, Commissioner. Address comments and questions to: Director of Communications GA Quick Start 1800 Century Place, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30345 404.679.2915 2 Events Quality training reigns at Ford In a notable existing-industry project, Quick Start is helping Ford update its Quality Leadership System (QLS) by training some 2,300 employees at the Hapeville plant. QLS is a computer-based tracking system that assures the highest standards of quality during production. Because of recent, wide-ranging advances in the system, nearly every position in the plant now interfaces with QLS, from assembly to repair work to quality checks. "We appreciate Quick Start for providing technical support in the design and development of our QLS training course and materials," said Plant Manager Patricia Reid at the training plan signing. "Your commitment will go a long way toward helping us sustain the ongoing development of our employees." Along with Quick Start and Ford, the training partnership also includes the UAW Local 882 and the technical division of Clayton College and State University. UAW Local 882 Chairman Mitch Smith said proudly that the Hapeville plant is Ford's No. 1 North American plant in man-hour productivity. "We at the UAW feel blessed to work at this facility," he said. HR Manager Cerita Brown noted that successful collaborations leverage the best resources, skills and knowledge of each party. "Industry, labor and the state create the most productive partnerships," she said. Key individuals in the training effort are, from left, Cerita Brown, Ford HR manager; Danny Sparks and Jack Schuch, Ford QLS specialists; Patricia Reid, Ford plant manager; Kim Learnard, a Quick Start training developer; Doris Fowlkes, Ford QLS specialist; Mitch Smith, UAW Local 882 chairman; and Joe McClure, Ford quality manager. CIBA Vision focuses on new line Quick Start is embarking on a technical training project for CIBA Vision's Focus Night & Day line of contact lenses. The project will add to the 2,165 hours of training provided by Quick Start and Lanier Technical College over the past nine years. A recent ceremony to mark the long partnership began with an overview of Quick Start by Marketing Director Mike Grundmann, followed by the training plan signing. "I am impressed by the competency and technical nature of this training plan," said From left are Dr. Michael Moye, Lanier Tech president; Dr. Ken Breeden, DTAE commissioner; Joe Mallof, CIBA Vision CEO; and Mike Grayson, group VP of CIBA Vision's Applied Science Manufacturing Technology Division. CIBA Vision CEO Joe Mallof. "We must have good training. Otherwise, the jobs we create are not long-lasting." In appreciation of Lanier Tech's role in CIBA Vision's well-trained workforce, the company donated $5,000 to the Lanier Technical College Foundation. The ceremony closed with a presentation of certificates to 12 CIBA Vision employees who completed the Manufacturing Associate's program, offered onsite at CIBA Vision through Lanier Tech. "This is a great example of a partnership between business and education," Breeden said. Grayson and Mallof present a check to Dr. Moye for the Lanier Tech Foundation. 3 Events Mohawk Industries is opening its fourth Alliance Carpet Cushion division, creating 65 new jobs in the Tifton area. Quick Start and Moultrie Technical College will provide training in job-specific skills, core skills, powered industrial truck safety, high-performance leadership and supervised on-the-job training. Catfish company launched Georgia Sweetwater Catfish Co. is creating 75 jobs with a fish-processing operation in Willacoochee. The company purchases fish from catfish farmers in the Atkinson County region, and then cleans, dresses and processes the fish to sell to food-service organizations and restaurants. "We hope to make an impact in this area not only by employing people but also by giving farmers the chance to diversify into aquaculture," said General Manager Johnnie Huddleston. Quick Start training, conducted in conjunction with East Central Technical College, includes manufacturing process, quality, safety and instructor training. Training plan signees are, from left, Marla Lowe, Quick Start executive director; Johnnie Huddleston, general manager; Dr. Diane Harper, president of East Central Tech; and Sam Joyner, owner and CEO of the company. Robert Craft (left), interim president of Moultrie Tech, and Russ Kotys, director of manufacturing Clark Mayfield Indianapolis-based hhgregg, a retailer of consumer electronics and appliances, is opening 10 stores and one distribution center (DC) in the Atlanta area over the next year, creating 350 new jobs. Along with Clayton College and State University, Quick Start is training the 107 DC employees in RDC logistics, warehouse operations and occupational safety. "Training is an integral part of our business," said Clark Mayfield, division director for southeast operations, adding that hhgregg prides itself on superior customer service and fast delivery. Filters made in Burke County A high-tech production facility opened in Waynesboro to house a new company making activated-carbon honeycomb filters. The patented product, which represents nearly 10 years of R&D, is used to control emissions in automobiles but has potential for other environmental applications as well. The company, called Purification Cellutions, is a joint venture of the Charleston-based Specialty Chemicals Division of MeadWestvaco and Atlanta-based Applied Ceramics. The March 4 grand opening featured presentations by company executives and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by plant tours and a luncheon. The speakers emphasized the special relationship between MeadWestvaco and Applied Ceramics, with distinct cultures and capabilities blending to form a new entity. "We are merging two competencies with this venture," said Benjamin Ward, Ph.D., president of the Specialty Chemicals Division of MeadWestvaco. "We want to prosper for this community." Quick Start and Augusta Technical College are providing manufacturing training to the 50 employees. These honeycomb filters are made by mixing powdered carbon with liquid to form a dough-like consistency. The material is then extruded, dried and cut. Dr. Nelson Brown (center), Purification Cellutions plant manager, cuts the ribbon on the new plant. Looking on are, from left, Tom McPartland, MeadWestvaco Specialty Chemicals Division VP; Herman Lodge, Burke Co. commissioner; Raddie Zittrouer, Burke Co. Development Authority board member; Bob Mitchell, Applied Ceramics president; Martin Dolin, Waynesboro mayor; Dr. Ben Ward, MeadWestvaco Specialty Chemicals Division president; and Jerry Long, Burke Co. Development Authority executive director. 4 QUICK START SPRING 2003 Events NACOM honors CMS grads The largest-ever Certified Manufacturing Specialist class graduated March 29 at a ceremony at Griffin Technical College. The 117 grads were employees of NACOM, which does plastic injection molding, elec- tronic printed circuit board assembly, junction box assembly and metal stamping at its Griffin facility. John Olson, VP and general manager, addressed some 1,000 family members, friends and co-workers. "NACOM is not a building," he said. "It is not a group of machines. It is a community of associates committed NACOM executives Brian Burk (left), manager of training, and Ken Boyd, director of administration. to the common good, helping each other achieve our very best." "Education is a gift," he said, and to prove his word, NACOM gave each graduate a personal com- puter in appreciation of his or her accomplishment. "This gift ... is to help you with the next step of your dream." Enthusiastic NACOM employees and family members cheer the CMS graduates. Fuji breaks ground on new facility T-Mobile repair center opens Local dignitaries and some 200 guests attended the grand opening of T-Mobile's National Repair Center (NRC) in LaGrange. The NRC exchanges and repairs cell phones for 300,000 T-Mobile customers per month. When customers call to report a faulty phone, the NRC sends a replacement phone in a box, which customers use to return the damaged phones. The NRC then ships repaired phones, as well as new phones to customers wishing to upgrade to new technology. The NRC can ship 4,000 cell phones per hour. "The whole point of this facility is service to our customers," said Davey Solomon, supply chain VP. Quick Start and West Georgia Technical College are training 200 employees on such topics as NRC operations, electrostatic discharge and computer operations. In a $32 million expansion, Fuji Vegetable Oil (FVO) is building a facility to accommodate a new, highly automated processing line at its Savannah operation. The 55,000-sq.-ft. plant will add 18 workers, who will receive training from Quick Start and Savannah Technical College. The new facility will process, blend and fractionate specialty vegetable oil products -- like locally grown sunflower seeds. The end product is a cocoa butter alternative for use by chocolate makers. The plant is being built adjacent to Fuji's existing facility, which makes cooking oils and specialty fats for candy, cakes, cookies, snacks and ice cream. Customers include Nestle, Hershey, Mars, Cadbury, Frito-Lay, Tom's Foods and Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soups. FVO is the North and South American marketing and manufacturing subsidiary of Japan-based Fuji Oil Co. Ltd. Several officials from the parent company traveled from Osaka to attend the February groundbreaking ceremony. Pictured at the event are, from left, Nick Baker, plant manager (standing); Billy Hair, Chatham Co. Commission chair; Jeff Yoshida, Fuji Oil Co. Ltd. general manager; David Schaller, Georgia Ports Authority deputy director; Hideaki Inada, director of Shimizu Corp. Japan, contractor for the new plant; Bob Mori, Fuji Oil Co. Ltd. managing director; and George Nakamura, FVO president. LaGrange Mayor Jeff Lukken cuts the ribbon with Patty Miller, senior VP of business operations. 5 State Celebration Governor pays tribute to manufacturers at special event Celebrating the ninth annual Manufacturing Appreciation Week, some 1,300 business leaders and economic developers gathered April 17 in Atlanta to honor three winning companies for contributing to the vitality of their communities. Gov. Sonny Perdue delivered the keynote address at the Governor's Awards Luncheon, thanking manufacturers for their hard work and significant economic contributions. "Manufacturing is a critical component of Georgia's economy," he said. "You provide over half a million jobs and add $61 billion to our economy each year." Perdue then presented awards to the three Manufacturers of the Year. The winner in the large-manufacturer category (more than 750 employees) was Kubota Manufacturing of America. Producing lawn mowers and tractor implements in Hall County for 14 years, Kubota provides jobs for more than 1,200 Georgians at its 616,000-sq.-ft. facility. It helped create an additional 100 This year's sponsors: 6 QUICK START SPRING 2003 jobs by attracting four other companies to the area. Kubota has worked closely with Quick Start and Lanier Technical College for over 10 years on manufacturing and management skills training, as well as training to promote American/Japanese crosscultural understanding. Rockwell Automation won in the medium-manufacturer category (151750 employees). The company makes printed circuit board assemblies for programmable logic controllers, with an annual output of more than 3 million automation devices at its Dublin facility. Employing 365 people, Rockwell Automation has utilized the resources of Heart of Georgia Technical College and Quick Start, which developed an online training system that is a model for the industry. Taking the top spot in the smallmanufacturer category (150 or fewer employees) was Lee Container Corp., Large-Employer Category Hank Kawasaki (left), VP of administration; John Shiraishi, president; Mike Vincent, VP of manufacturing; and Ike Korogi (right), VP of new products, pose with the governor. Gov. Sonny Perdue (far right) addresses the audience at the annual event to celebrate manufacturing in Georgia. Joining in his praise of manufacturers are, from left, DTAE Commissioner Ken Breeden, GDITT Commissioner Glenn Cornell and event emcee Wes Sarginson. Gov. Perdue congratulates art contest winners (from left) Klive Bertrand, the winning high school student for his T-shirt design; Misty Michelle Floyd, taking top honors among elementary students for her placemat design; and Haley King, whose poster design won in the middle school category. which makes plastic containers used in such industries as beverage and agriculture. Located in Homerville, the company provides 150 jobs in its southeast Georgia area and works closely with Okefenokee Technical College. The three companies are renowned corporate citizens in their communities, playing an active role in their local chambers of commerce and a variety of civic organizations and charitable causes. Organized by DTAE and the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism, this annual event also aims to educate students about manufacturing. An art competition awards $500 scholarships to first-place winners in three agegrouped categories. This year, nearly 3,000 students from around the state submitted entries featuring Georgia manufacturers and their products for the T-shirt, poster and placemat designs. The lineup of luncheon speakers included DTAE Commissioner Ken Breeden; GDITT Commissioner Glenn Cornell; Rick Duke, director of Georgia Tech's Economic Development Institute; Jim Reese, CEO of Randstad North America; Phil Jacobs, president of BellSouth, Georgia Operations; and David Radcliffe, president of Georgia Power. Jerry Silvio, of Pattillo Construction, and Aaron Estis, of BearingPoint, presented awards to the design contest winners. Channel 11's Wes Sarginson served as emcee. Medium-Employer Category Robert Murphy (left), director of operations at Rockwell's Dublin facility, and Steve Eisenbrown (right), senior VP of the Automation Control and Information Group, pose with the governor. Small-Employer Category Roy Rhodes (left), quality systems manager, and Don Lee, company president, pose with the governor. 7 Cover Story Global gaffes International travelers have long recognized the embarrassment that can result from committing a faux pas in another country. Increased global business dealings have only highlighted the need to know how not to make a cultural mistake. Here are a few common ones to avoid: In Asian cultures: Offering a gift wrapped in white, a color that signifies death Showing the sole of your shoe In many Asian and South American cultures: Jumping into business too rapidly, without first engaging in small talk, inquiring about family and developing a relationship In France: Making an "OK" sign by forming a circle with thumb and index finger, which means "zero" or "useless" In Germany: Arriving late to an appointment, making a last-minute appointment, or casually changing the time or place of an appointment In Brazil: Referring to the United States as "America," since Brazilians also consider themselves American Continued from page 1 issues interfering with a smooth startup," she said. Economic impact From the beginning, Quick Start has continued to enhance and expand its base of cross-cultural training programs. Today it provides highly sophisticated training to assist Georgia workers in understanding the Japanese, German, Korean, French and Hispanic cultures. Additionally, each program has its counterpart to acclimate expatriates to our culture. The importance of working proficiently with international firms is evidenced by their economic impact. The U.S. Commerce Department reports that last year international companies contributed $29.7 billion of investment to Georgia. And according to the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism, as of September 2002 there were nearly 125,000 employees working in international facilities in Georgia. Given these statistics, it's clear that cross-cultural workforce training must be developed using authoritative, knowledgeable sources of information. To keep training programs current and relevant, Quick Start has drawn upon the expertise of international consulate personnel; the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism; independent cultural training consultants; and professionals in a variety of cultural organizations such as the Goethe Institute of Atlanta and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce. Quick Start's cross-cultural training ensures good communication and understanding between Georgia workers and their international employers from the outset. Even before the company ramps up, employees assisting with the startup -- both locals and expatriates -- receive cross-cultural training here in Georgia. After startup, new workers are trained as they are hired. Comparing and contrasting U.S. culture with that of the other country, the training addresses communication styles, traditional business interactions, realities about stereotypes, and cultural values and customs. Quick Start clients quickly grasp the benefit of multicultural insight. For example, when polyester-film manufacturer SKC was looking in the 1990s to open a plant in the Southeast, the Korea-based firm whittled its choices to sites in Georgia and South Carolina. What tipped the scales in Georgia's favor was in part the cross-cultural training. South Carolina offered grant monies to pay for such training, but the incentive package didn't include Employees assisting with the startup -- both locals and expatriates -- receive cross-cultural training here in Georgia. an implementation plan. Quick Start, however, was able to develop specific training modules for just this purpose, and today, Covington, Ga., still boasts SKC as one of its large manufacturers. Capturing the process Ensuring good cross-cultural understanding is just the beginning. Quick Start also helps attract international companies to Georgia by offering proven training solutions for every critical aspect of the operation. As with all Quick Start ventures, international projects begin with a comprehensive study of the company's tasks. For an international firm, the project study often takes place overseas at a plant that mirrors the proposed site in Georgia, one with a similar operation so that job details can be assessed. 8 QUICK START SPRING 2003 "We perform a project study at the appropriate location," said Jeff Lynn, Quick Start director of northern operations, who has overseen numerous projects with international firms. "During the project study, we map out the entire manufacturing process, from receiving raw materials and manufacturing operations to the shipping of the completed product." "A task analysis is also performed to review technical and core skills needed for trainees to become efficient and safe," he continued. "The task analysis assists us in developing the training materials required for classes. Each course is customized for the company." After capturing the process, Quick Start designs a curriculum and teaches the program to the company's workers. "We couldn't have trained our people without Quick Start," said Mathieu Heintz, president of Aircraft Manufacturing and Development, when the airplane manufacturer launched operations in Eastman. "Quick Start went to Canada, discussed the details with our people there, and created a fabulous training Jan Nunnery, now VP of economic development at DeKalb Technical College, helped Quick Start develop cross-cultural training for Georgia companies. manual along with computer-based training to use at this facility." `Good places to work' In addition to Quick Start's training expertise, international companies are attracted to Georgia as a way to gain a foothold into the U.S. marketplace, sharply reduce shipping costs, and minimize the actual cost of manufacturing because of a business-friendly environment. "Another big draw for Georgia," said Mike Grundmann, Quick Start director of marketing, "is nonstop international flights to and from the Atlanta airport, which saves executives a lot of time. They would have to fly through here anyway." For their part, local communities warmly welcome international firms, as the investment means a higher tax base and new jobs for citizens. "People realize that international companies are good places to work," Grundmann said. While Quick Start clients represent more than two dozen different countries, the training programs particularly appeal to Japanese firms. Part of the reason is that several Japanese automakers have set up operations in close proximity to Georgia locales. Thus, the automakers' suppliers are eager to locate near their customers. For example, the city of Rome and surrounding Floyd County have a cluster of Japanese companies. "Several Japanese auto parts firms supply the Honda plant in Alabama," Lynn said, citing F&P, JSC and Neaton Rome as three examples. "These companies are exemplary in their contributions to the local community," he said. "They're a fine testament to economic development in Georgia." All over the map Here are several countries represented by Quick Start's international projects, along with a sample company, its Georgia locale and business type. BRAZIL Gerdau (parent of AmeriSteel), Cartersville, steel mill CANADA Quebecor, Augusta, printing SWITZERLAND Universal Alloy, Canton, aluminum alloy extrusion ITALY Pirelli Tire, Rome, tire manufacturer AUSTRALIA Southcorp Packaging, Toccoa, plastic products JAPAN TDK, Peachtree City, videocassette assembly GREAT BRITAIN JCB, Pooler, construction and materialshandling equipment INDIA Mahindra Tractors, Calhoun, agricultural tractors SOUTH KOREA Kia Motors, Lawrenceville, automaker 9 Service Industry STI Sets Up `Knowledge Center' Americus looks for other Quick Start was "a great jump- high-tech firms to follow start with training on real-world applications," said Cliff Oxford, Help-desk technology firm STI Knowledge broke ground on company founder and CEO. "I have been very impressed with a 26,000-sq.-ft. facility in Americus, the responsiveness of Quick Start," bringing 200 jobs to rural Georgia. said Arelean Hurlimann, chief admin- The facility is slated for comple- istrative officer of STI Knowledge. tion in late 2003. But thanks to a "They will bring value to us, and partnership between STI Knowledge, as a company, that's what we look Quick Start and South Georgia for -- value." Technical College, the Founded in 1995, company was able to hire Atlanta-based STI a small workforce and Knowledge is a fast- start operations from growing company with Americus long before branches across the U.S. construction began. and international opera- STI Knowledge offers tions in Hong Kong, an innovative blend of Cliff Oxford, founder and CEO India, South Africa and best practices, certifica- of STI Knowledge Europe. It boasts an tion and technology, with impressive list of a strict focus on customer service. Fortune 500 clients, and the Metro It provides help-desk outsourcing, Atlanta Chamber of Commerce education and "knowledge centers" named Oxford "Entrepreneur of the -- a concept that provides a single Year" in 2000. Adding further to its entry point for customers, employees, success, the company recently secured vendors and shareholders to gain $14 million in equity capital. specific knowledge on demand. Strong core values are a key part Last year, the firm wanted to start of this success. "Our whole mission an outsourcing center in Americus for is to exceed expectations," Oxford a healthcare client. So Quick Start said. "We want to be a part of provided customer-service training Americus and exceed the expecta- for six employees and a supervisor, tions of this community." and South Georgia Tech provided Americus faced stiff competition office space in the school's technology for the new facility from suitors as center. By December, company far away as Ireland. But Americus employees were taking calls from won out, in part due to the strong inside South Georgia Tech. partnership with Quick Start and STI executives, local officials and invited guests break ground on STI's new facility. Jon E. Johnson, South Georgia Tech president, and Arelean Hurlimann, STI chief administrative officer South Georgia Tech. OneGeorgia Authority also provided a technology switch for the rural area. "We are very pleased to have a role in the success of STI Knowledge by supplying them with a world-class workforce," said Sparky Reeves, VP of economic development at South Georgia Tech. The value of Quick Start's partnership is "immeasurable," said Jon E. Johnson, president of the college. "It's so important that they have a trained workforce on Day One -- particularly in the technology field." Quick Start will offer a comprehensive training plan for the 200 new STI Knowledge employees, including interview training for the management team, technical training on computer networks and remote service tools, and a full array of customer contact skills. The new facility will be in close proximity to South Georgia Tech, which will supply a continuous pool of employees from its information technology programs. "They will bring in higher-thanaverage wages," Johnson said, noting that the presence of STI Knowledge might lure more technology-oriented firms to rural Georgia. 10 Partner's Perspective Staying Competitive in a Global Market By Tim Evans With rapid advances in technology so the key to our success is how we and the continuing development respond. We must show potential of globally interdependent markets, investing companies why Georgia is the world is getting smaller. We the best place for their businesses to have access to each other and to thrive and remind existing companies business systems wherever we are. why Georgia continues to be the Companies can spread their facilities right choice for them. and personnel around the globe, One way we do this is through using location, resources and busi- our team of international represen- ness climate to their advantage. tatives. Based in Europe, Asia and In response to such an environ- other places around the world, our ment, states and communities must representatives know the ins and vie for available international capital outs of global business. And, some- by recruiting and times even more retaining interna- We must show importantly, they live tional companies. Every opportunity potential investing and work in these areas, speak the brings the potential for jobs and investment, which makes companies why Georgia is the best languages and know the contacts. This helps bridge commu- competition sometimes fierce. Georgia has had place for their nication and cultural barriers, which businesses to thrive. increases companies' much success in the comfort level and international marketplace. There allows us to understand thoroughly are more than 1,600 internationally what they need and want. owned facilities representing 39 We also benefit from using a team countries located in the state, and approach to work with companies. we have 59 international consular International representatives, project and trade offices. managers and regional managers To remain competitive, we must work with communities and other continue to focus on what interna- statewide developers to respond to tional businesses expect, what our the needs of existing and expanding competitors have to offer and how international companies. This we can differentiate Georgia from approach often involves Georgia's the field. The Georgia Department extensive network of international of Industry, Trade and Tourism does accounts, attorneys and other service just that, working with international providers, which makes it even easier companies already in Georgia as for companies to work with us. well as with businesses that want These working partnerships provide to establish a presence in the North a seamless, consistent approach to American marketplace. recruiting and retaining businesses. Some of the challenges we face Quick Start is another resource include language barriers, cultural that gives Georgia an advantage over issues, "Old South" perceptions and our competitors. Having worked time zone differences. Our competi- with more than 4,000 companies, tors deal with the same difficulties, Quick Start has the experience Tim Evans International Trade Division Georgia Dept. of Industry, Trade and Tourism businesses want and provides the expertise they need -- workforce training that is second to none. Previous experience with international companies, the capability to customize training programs for different business cultures, providing training services at little or no cost to the company -- these features set Quick Start far above our competitors' training programs. Every company wants to be wanted. Georgia's team of international experts works to show companies from around the world why we want them here, and why Georgia can serve them best. Together we can remain competitive and continue to build on Georgia's success in the global marketplace. Tim Evans is assistant deputy commissioner of GDITT's International Trade Division. He assists in the management of international business recruitment, manages Georgia's international representatives, and provides export assistance and support for international business delegations. 11 DELIVERY SYSTEM 34 Technical Colleges 18 Satellite Campuses 4 Technical Divisions Kenneth H. Breeden, Commissioner Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education www.georgiaquickstart.org Quick Start Project Announcements ... Serving communities throughout Georgia Americus: Industrial Machining Services is creating 30 jobs at a new plant to manufacture truck lifts. Augusta: Kendall Healthcare is receiving Quick Start training for some of its employees. The company makes surgical dressings and other healthcare-related products. Covington: PACTIV Corp. is expanding its operation that makes polystyrene foam products, creating 15 jobs. Cordele: U.S. Timber is locating here, creating 65 jobs at a facility to produce finished lumber. Eastman: Pace American is adding 150 jobs in an expansion of its plant that manufactures cargo and enclosed trailers. Ellaville: New Heights, which makes hydraulic hunting stands and mobile security units, is expanding operations and adding 20 jobs. Emerson: Enforcer Products is adding 50 jobs in an expansion of its plant, which manufactures insecticides, pesticides and plumbing chemicals. Fairburn: Adesa Corp. is expanding and hiring 100 people for its automotive refurbishment and remarketing operation. Hawkinsville: Hollingsworth & Vose is expanding, adding 20 jobs at a plant that makes paper for air and oil filters. Hazlehurst: BP Fabrics and Fibers, which makes carpet backing, is receiving Quick Start training for some of its employees. LaGrange: American Home Shield, a founder in the home warranty and repair industry, is opening a customer service center that will employ up to 400 people within one to two years. Oakwood: Zua Autoparts, a Germany-based auto parts manufacturer, is adding 46 jobs. Scottdale: Ceradyne is receiving Quick Start training for the manufacturing process of fused silica ceramics, which are supplied to industrial, electronics, aerospace and defense markets. Stockbridge: William Carter Co. is opening a new distribution center for children's clothes, creating 40 jobs. Warrenton: Wheland Foundry is locating here, hiring 50 people at a plant that produces automotive casings. Georgia Quick Start 1800 Century Place Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30345 404.679.2915 12