World Trade - September 2008 - (Page 17) Among other features, it has reduced or virtually eliminated various corporate income and sales taxes. Over the years, the NAFTA has certainly helped to spur foreign trade in Nebraska and neighboring states that served as the road and rail links between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The strong infrastructure is an important component not only for moving freight, but for supporting a work force too. “Nebraska offers some unique benefits to companies choosing to do business here, particularly in terms of labor,” Baier says. “We have a strong work force that’s highly qualified. Additionally, the lower cost of living attracts workers and keeps costs down for companies. We also have some of the shortest commute times in the country, which has become a greater consideration for many as gas prices have climbed higher.” The state also boasts a 100 percent public power system—the only one like it in the U.S.—that provides remain two of the leading export destinations for Nebraska, customers and companies with some of the lowest elec- but Japan and China are also important, as are Europe and tricity rates in the nation. South America, particularly Germany and Brazil. A pro-business climate coupled with a strong work In the meantime, Baier is gearing up to help host the force was influential in PayPal’s decision to open an office reverse trade mission scheduled for September 10-13. in Omaha in 1999. The company, a highly successful divi- Over one hundred international guests will be invited sion of eBay, provides customer to see firsthand the benefits of support and related services in doing business in Nebraska, more than a dozen languages from he says. The idea came about its Nebraska location. a trip to China last year, Nebraska’s 100% public duringconversations with busi“They have nearly 30 other when facilities around the world, but ness executives and investors power system offers their one here is consistently revealed a lack of awareness ranked highest when it come to about Nebraska and the business some of the cheapest employee satisfaction,” notes opportunities it offered. “They Baier. A PayPal executive last year electricity in the country. kept on referring to New York stated that although the company City and Los Angeles, and we’re had considered moving its operaneither or those,” he chuckles. tions to other cities, it stayed in Omaha because it offered financial businesses PayPal Finding affordability and accessibility off the beaten path could hire from as well as support from local officials. Meanwhile, Xpanxion, a global software engineer- As for both of those well-known trade gateways, changes ing company, announced last September that they were are underway on the nation’s coasts as well. In recent years, expanding their software quality assurance center in the influx of Asian trade has helped drive industrial and Kearney, Nebraska and relying less on offices in Pune, commercial real estate expansion in the Inland Empire, a region about two hours’ drive east of the Los AngelesIndia for part of the operation. At that time, Paul Eurek, founder and chairman of Long Beach port complex. Now, other areas are beginning Xpanxion, said, “This expansion would not be possible to capture this business along with other opportunities without the considerable help of the College of Business associated with growing second-tier consumer and distriand Technology at the University of Nebraska Kearney. bution markets such as Las Vegas and Phoenix. For example, Global Access in Victorville, California The university turns out excellent business graduates with emphasis in information technology and we depend (www.globalaccessvictorville), located less than 100 miles from the ports of Los Angeles-Long Beach, is finding its upon them as a source of labor for Xpanxion.” Baier acknowledges that while ‘brain drain’ has been niche serving both international and domestic shippers. Dougall Agan, principal of Stirling Enterprises, which a challenge previously, Governor Heineman has worked very closely with the state’s colleges and universities to created a public/private partnership with the City of Victorville to redevelop the former George Air Force Base reverse that trend. “It’s a real priority for us. We talk with employers and into a master planned 8,500-acre multimodal transporif they tell us, ‘I’ve got a shortage in this area,’ or ‘This is tation hub, cites Newell Rubbermaid as an example of a company that was quick to recognize the advantages that where we could use some help,’ we respond to them.” Baier reports that more manufacturers are offering Global Access could offer. The company, with a portfolio of well-known consumer internships for young people and consequently, fewer brands such as Rubbermaid® and Sharpie®, opened a are leaving the state once they graduate. On the international trade front, Canada and Mexico 408,000 square-foot West Coast distribution center at Nebraska is at the crossroads of the nation’s highway system with the NAFTA Trade Corridor running north-south and 483 miles of I-80 stretching east-west through the state. WWW.WORLDTRADEMAG.COM 17 http://www.globalaccessvictorville http://WWW.WORLDTRADEMAG.COM
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