You may have heard the phrase: Companies don’t go global, people do.
And the people who go global to take their companies with them want to be as successful abroad as possible. Who is responsible for their success? There are many factors: The expatriates themselves have to do what’s in their power to get the skills, tools, and support they need overseas. The organizations for which these expats work need to assist and back their teams with the proper resources. And the location which is inviting the foreign professionals has to be prepared for the requirements of hosting new neighbors.
On July 28, the business community in Chattanooga, TN (USA) will discuss how their metro region is meeting the needs of international business families. This highlights the fact that international economic development means more than offering a tax abatement and incentives to foreign investors. The International Business Council at the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce will address this topic at their annual meeting with an expert panel, moderated by The Culture Mastery founder Christian Höferle.
Titled “Beyond the Job,” this panel will discuss what happens after economic developers, company leaders, and politicians have signed the contracts for a new international venture. This group of experts – consisting of Megan Hanewald (Volkswagen Chattanooga), Frank Yin (MLILY), and Helge Nestler (Wacker Polysilicon North America) – will share their perspectives on whether Chattanooga is meeting the needs of international business families.
What works and what doesn’t work when the rubber meets the road and foreign workers and their families arrive? For many expats, an assignment to the United States means uprooting a spouse and children. These family members face many challenges, from housing to employment to education.
Their experiences shape whether a foreign location is seen as a good destination, or one to avoid. The IBC panelists will discuss what Chattanooga is doing well to support these families, and what can be done better. In fact, these are questions any community with foreign businesses might be asking themselves. So if you work and live in the Chattanooga area or in any other region with a diverse business community, we are interested in hearing your thoughts and ideas around this topic. What would you like to see addressed on a panel like this?
And if you are in the area, please make sure to register and attend the event.
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Comments 2
They need emotional support and a feeling of “home” for emotional well being
As a repeat expat, we need someone we can trust to answer basic questions. 🙂