International business fuels economic growth, prosperity throughout the Chattanooga region
This morning I woke up and looked at my iPhone, made in China, to catch up on the world. After my coffee, sourced from Africa, I dressed in clothes that were made in Indonesia. Then I drove to work in my reliable Toyota. I love what you do for me, Japan.
Like many, I think, I’m often lulled into believing we’re living in a domestic economy. But the reality is that the global supply chain plays a critical role in shaping our daily lives.
This month in Edge, we explore international business in Chattanooga.
UTC professor Takeo Suzuki is on our cover. From surviving a major earthquake as a college student in Kobe, Japan, to becoming the executive director of the university’s Center for Global Education, his journey has been one of resilience, learning and adventure. His story begins on page 33.
Did you know that, within the last five years, seven of Chattanooga’s top 10 new business investments have been through foreign-based companies? Dave Flessner has that article, beginning on page 38.
And we have a story on a genius international startup called Shappi. Growing up in Ecuador, the founders were constantly frustrated with international shipping woes.
Instead of accepting the problem, the women decided to find a solution. Read that story, Special Delivery, beginning on page 42.
We are lucky to live in such a culturally diverse city. But beyond the cultural exchange, international commerce plays a major part in driving our economic growth and prosperity.
Companies with global reach create jobs and help position Chattanooga for success on the world stage. Fresh ideas and talent make us stronger and more adaptable. The more our local economy is connected, the better we set ourselves up to thrive and prosper.
To borrow a quote from UTC’s Suzuki: “We need to shine brighter on the global map, and local companies can help us. … Maintaining that in-depth relationship with countries and companies is a global investment, and it has to happen continuously.”