ATLANTA (July 12, 2012) – Invest Atlanta, the city of Atlanta’s economic development agency, said today it has joined the U.S. Trade and Development Agency’s (USTDA) “Making Global Local” program. As a program partner, Invest Atlanta will help local companies gain access to USTDA’s export-promoting programs.

“Atlanta is a global city, and its companies conduct business around the world,” said Brian P. McGowan, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “This partnership with USTDA presents a wonderful opportunity for businesses in Atlanta to gain even more access to overseas markets and will be an important tool in our economic development efforts.”

“By building strategic partnerships, USTDA and local business organizations such as Invest Atlanta can support the creation of high-paying jobs through the growth of U.S. exports,” said USTDA Director Leocadia Zak. “I am excited to work with Invest Atlanta and look forward to connecting with more organizations across the country.”

For its partners in the “Making Global Local” program, USTDA selects organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to supporting the creation of jobs in their communities through the growth of U.S. exports. Partner organizations include economic development agencies, World Trade Centers, and state and local government entities.

For more information on the initiative, please visit www.ustda.gov/makinggloballocal.

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About Invest Atlanta

Invest Atlanta is the official economic development authority for the City of Atlanta.  Its purpose is to strengthen Atlanta’s economy and global competitiveness in order to create increased opportunity and prosperity for the people of Atlanta.

Chaired by the Mayor of Atlanta, and governed by a nine-member board of directors, Invest Atlanta’s programs and initiatives focus on developing and fostering public/private partnerships to create jobs, grow the economy, revitalize neighborhoods, attract investment, spur innovation, and encourage entrepreneurship. To achieve these goals, Invest Atlanta leverages the benefits of bond financing, revolving loan funds, housing financing, tax increment financing (TIF), and tax credits.

For more information on how Invest Atlanta can provide solutions for you or your business, contact us at: 404-880-4100, e-mail: wcronin@investatlanta.com or visit us at: www.investatlanta.com. To get the latest updates, follow us on Twitter @InvestAtlanta, and Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/investatlanta.