Random Thoughts On Why It’s Not a Good Idea To Rely On A Friend Who Opened A Restaurant To Open A Tech Company

Photo from Mercia.co.uk Introduction I thought of writing this article as we approach SelectUSA, May 3-6, 2026 at the National Harbor, Maryland. Thousands of attendees come to explore the U.S. market from over 100 countries.  Many of the attendees are exploring the U.S. for the first time. Below are some of my thoughts. Expanding into …

How U.S. – Taiwan Investments Can Power Global Innovation and Security

Photo from Reuters.com In an era where innovation moves markets and national security depends as much on microchips as it does on missiles, the relationship between Taiwan and the United States stands as one of the most strategically vital partnerships in the world. For Taiwanese companies looking to expand globally, the U.S. isn’t just a …

Data Centers and ESG Over Dinner

Image from Pexels.com Why Do We Need Data Centers? I was at a dinner and sitting between two opposites regarding the construction of new data centers. Kind of reminded me of being between two people that just felt they had to air their political grievances-even before the main course….. Let me try and take a …

Harnessing Human and Artificial Intelligence for Smarter Economic Development

Image from Pexels.com In the High-Stakes World of Economic Development, Site Selection is Not Enough In today’s fast-evolving economic landscape, the traditional approach to economic development — especially for Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) and companies seeking U.S. expansion — can use some disruption. In speaking with multiple EDO’s, the old playbook is criticized as  too …

Why We Can’t All Get Along: The Missing Middle in America’s Political Divide

Image from Ikon Images / Getty Images Introduction Don’t think of this as a political article. It’s more a reflection on how did we get to this point in political discourse that we simply can’t talk to each other anymore.  With the recent elections, I have been thinking more of bipartisanship.  Is it possible, or …

Why Site Selection Alone Won’t Guarantee Success for Foreign Companies Entering the U.S.

The Allure and the Oversimplification of U.S. Market Entry For many foreign companies, entering the United States represents the pinnacle of international growth. The market’s scale, consumer diversity, and innovation ecosystem are irresistible. I wrote about this in a prior article — amid the reality of tariff hikes, fractured diplomacy, and shifting policies: one message …

How Economic Development Organizations and Companies Are Stuck with Outdated Data—and What the Future Could Look Like

Image from ZeroEyes.com In the high-stakes world of economic development, decision-making depends on one thing above all else: data. Whether it’s about attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), supporting companies expanding overseas, or analyzing workforce trends, reliable and timely data is the lifeblood of strategic action. But here’s the problem: the data being used is often …

How a Foreign Trade Zone Strategy Opens the Door to U.S. Expansion During Tariff-Era Challenges

Photo from Reuters.com We are currently in one of the most disruptive trade eras in recent U.S. history. With the implementation of Section 301 tariffs on goods from China and Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, international brands face sudden cost surges. Importing finished goods has become a strategic liability. This is not an opinion piece …

Why U.S. Companies Should Diversify Overseas Amid Rising Visa Fees & Tariffs

Image Source: as.com Introduction I was at the EDGE Partners board meeting recently, and the conversation was centered around FDI and export strategies—an air of optimism. Right after that meeting, a major increase in H-1B visa fees was announced. The double impact of tariffs and increase in visa fees-Stunning. This article is a reminder that …

The Art of PR – By A Non-PR Person

Image from Prowly.com Have you ever tried to explain PR to your Finance department? The Japanese have a great phrase “Muzukashii desu”. Basically meaning “it’s difficult”. But why? Finance staff are trained to think in terms of hard numbers, predictable ROI, and short-term line items. PR, on the other hand, usually delivers intangible and long-term …