International Business Development
The BBA's goal in international business is to generate job growth and economic development in the Birmingham region by expanding, importing, and exporting from regional companies. All international programs seek to promote economic growth in the Birmingham region by encouraging and assisting local businesses to expand into international markets. The BBA works closely with numerous state and local partners to enhance the Birmingham region's international presence.
Where in the World Do You Want to Go?
Wherever it is, the BBA can help you get there! Whether you are looking to import handicrafts from Morocco, or export ostriches to China, or even follow up on a trade lead in Mexico, the BBA can assist you and your staff in preparing for an exciting international endeavor. This page highlights some of the services provided by the BBA's international services team. Let us assist you with information, seminars, and services as you journey into the global marketplace.
Click the links below for more information on the resources the BBA provides for international business development:
- Alabama Trade Facts
- International Seminars, Services and Publications
- Partners in International Trade
For more information on getting involved in international business programs and events, contact the BBA's Economic Development Coordinator Shelley Shores at (205) 241-8110.
Alabama Trade Facts
In 2007, the metropolitan area of Mobile exported $1.5 billion in merchandise, 12 percent of Alabama's total merchandise exports. Other major metropolitan areas in Alabama that exported in 2007 include Montgomery ($1.2 billion), Huntsville ($1.1 billion), Decatur ($773 million) and Birmingham-Hoover ($674 million). The metropolitan area of Tuscaloosa likely also ranked among the top exporters in 2007. However, an export value total is not available due to federal disclosure regulations
Source: International Trade Administration and Bureau of the Census, Foreign Trade Division: Metropolitan Export Series
International Seminars, Services and Publications
International Seminars
Throughout the year, the BBA presents various seminars for area businesses to assist them with exporting their products. Some of these seminars are country specific while some are industry specific. Other training seminars cover the mechanics of exporting such as financing, locating distributors, methods of payment, export documentation and transportation. To receive notification of seminars related to international trade, contact Shelley Shores.
International Trade Council & Steering Committee
The mission of the International Trade Council is to provide forum for companies within the Birmingham region that are presently or planning to conduct business internationally. The council serves as a coordinating group and clearinghouse for activities and organizations that promote international trade for in the Birmingham region. The council's Steering Committee meets quarterly to discuss upcoming events, trade issues and opportunities. The council is involved with educational programs, seminars, cultural events, research, response to trade inquiries and hosting foreign visitors. Membership in the Steering Committee is open to any Chamber member. Participation in the seminars and educational opportunities are open to any company, organization or individual. To receive notification of seminars related to international trade, contact Victor Brown.
Certificate of Origin Program Every country in the world considers the origin of imported goods when determining what duty will be assessed. Chambers of commerce attest to the origin of goods by embossing their seal on a document called the certificate of origin. The Chamber processes certificates of origin for area manufacturers to export their products. The Chamber's standard procedure is to stamp our seal on a manufacturer's document, upon demand, if the manufacturer brings to the Chamber the original certificate, a copy of the certificate, and an accompanying invoice for the certificate. We document the value of the shipment and assign an internal number to the certificate. We maintain for our records, a copy of the certificate itself plus the invoice. Some of these documents may also need to be notarized. The cost per certificate is $6 for members of the Birmingham Business Alliance and $12 for non-members.
International Library
A reference library is maintained for international trade including country specific information on over 50 countries. Reference copies are also maintained covering the basics of exporting and importing.
Referrals
The BBA can also refer companies to sources of export assistance available to them. Throughout the state, many organizations exist to promote international trade. The BBA serves as a clearinghouse for these organizations.
Legislative Involvement
The BBA alerts its members of legislative issues that affect international trade so that companies can voice their views to their representatives.
International Publications
The BBA distributes a listing of Foreign-Based Manufactures. This listing details the companies with foreign investment within the state of Alabama.
For more information on these or any of The BBA's other international
services please contact Shelley Shores
at 241-8110.
Partners in the State's International Trade Efforts
Alabama Development Office/ International Division
Alabama Development Office
401 Adams Avenue, Suite 690
Montgomery, Alabama 36130-4106
Tel: (334) 242-0442
(USA) 1-800- 0033
Website: www.ado.state.al.us
Alabama Export Council
U.S Department of Commerce
International Trade Administration
The Commercial Service
950 22nd Street North, Suite 707
Birmingham, AL 35203
Tel: 205: (205) 731-1331
Alabama Germany Partnership
500 Beacon Parkway West
Birmingham, AL 35209
Tel: (205) 943- 4772
Website: www.AlabamaGermany.org
Alabama International Trade Center
P.O. Box 870396
Tuscaloosa, AL 35486
Tel: (205) 348-7621
Website: http://www.aitc.ua.edu
Alabama State Docks Department
P.O. Box 1588
Mobile, AL 36633
Tel: (251) 441- 7050
Website: www.asdd.com
Alabama World Trade Association
P.O. Box 6505
Montgomery, AL 36106-0505
Tel: (334) 264-0598
Japan American Society of Alabama
500 Beacon Parkway West
Birmingham, AL 35209
Tel: (205) 943-4781
Email: jasa@mindspring.com
North Alabama International Trade Association
P.O. Box 2457
Huntsville, AL 35804
Tel: (256) 532-3505
Website: www.naita.org
U.S. Customs Service
P.O. Box 320127
Birmingham, AL 35232
Tel: (205) 731-1465
