FTZs Increasingly Vital to Nation’s Trade Policy

Foreign trade zones are a multi-faceted concept, extending beyond tax break advantages.
By Rachel Duran

In 2016, the greatest challenges to foreign trade zones (FTZs) will be compliance related, exacerbated by the expected increase of activity within these zones. In 2014, a record-high $99.2 billion in merchandise…

Manufacturing Combats Workforce Uncertainties

Stakeholders throughout the country are unrolling exceptional training programs.
By Rachel Duran

Photo Courtesy AmSkills

The numbers tell the story. Manufacturing supports an estimated 17.6 million jobs in the United States—about one in six private-sector jobs. The National Association of Manufacturers says 12 million Americans are directly…

Innovation and Connections Energize Washington State

By Rachel Duran

Washington state’s economy continues to be driven by a culture of innovation, where small companies continue to grow into global powerhouses. We know about historically successful companies such as The Boeing Co., Starbucks Corp., Nordstrom’s, REI, PACCAR, Costco, Amazon and Microsoft. They are joined by…

Governor Funds the Rebuilding of Rhode Island

By Rachel Duran

The results of the 2015 Rhode Island legislative session reinforced Gov. Gina Raimondo’s priority on economic development initiatives. The major components of her package of programs and investments were passed and funded. “The economic development tools are aimed at promoting and supporting job growth including new…

Michigan: Reinvented

By Rachel Duran

Companies considering expansion and/or relocation to Michigan will find an economy that is experiencing significant and promising growth in all of its industry sectors. In fact, two-thirds of Michigan’s businesses describe the state as having a positive business climate.
Highlights of Michigan’s economic…