Counties, cities form global trade resource service

Naco and the National League of Cities (NLC) have agreed to work together on the Global Connections Partnership (GLOBECON).

This service program is a resource and information sharing network designed for local economic decision makers in the public, private and community-based sectors.

GLOBECON aims to assist city and county officials position their communities to engage more effectively in the highly competitive global economy.

"Cities and counties all across the country are exploring how they connect to the newly globalized economy," said NACo President Randy Johnson, commissioner, Hennipen County, Minn.

"This collaboration between NLC and NACo will help local economic regions identify the most effective roles in the international arena, and bring together the diverse set of resources that are critical to building a globally competitive economy."

"If your mission is to achieve a world class local economy," said NLC President Mark Schwartz, council member, Oklahoma City, "You will be able to achieve this goal faster, and with greater success, by networking with your peers through GLOBECON."

This practical information resource from NLC and NACo is backed by more than 135 years of combined experience working with and for local governments. Both large and small communities are gaining experience and achieving success on the international stage. Local elected officials, city or county managers and economic development specialists are seeking ways to improve community assets that attract foreign investment, foster new business creation and tourism, and support the worldwide export of local products.

Members of GLOBECON are part of a network of individuals in communities across the country who share similar responsibilities and have similar questions about how to achieve global economic competitiveness for their hometowns.

Through this initiative, NLC and NACo are offering simple and practical information that will be of interest to public officials and private business leaders - including chamber executives, administrators of foreign trade zones, sister city coordinators and community development executives.

(For more information about the benefits of GLOBECON, contact James Brooks in NLC's international programs office at 202/626-3163.)