Broward interests eye International Business Center

Broward interests eye International Business Center A mix of government and private sector interests in Broward County may be coming close to creating a long-discussed International Business Center.
   Officials from Broward County and economic development organizations like the Broward Alliance say the proposed IBC could be formed shortly after a formal report is submitted to the Broward County Commissioners in February.
   The commissioners last April authorized the creation of an ad hoc committee to study the prospects for the International Business Center, which has been described as a one-stop shop for information on conducting international business in Broward County. The center would provide businesses assistance in growing international business locally by offering direction, education, research, and training services.
   The exact make-up of the organization has not been determined, including the role of public sector and private sector supervision and funding.
   The county has taken the lead in formulating the concept, and has offered some assistance through its Office of Economic Development. Staff in that office has conducted research on the feasibility of the project, looking at similar entities around the country and providing some general cost analysis information.
   The ad hoc committee includes four representatives from the local business community, one representative each from the field of education, banking, law, real estate, and tourism, plus standing committee members from the Office of Economic Development, Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Broward Alliance, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
   Sources close to the project say it would most likely start out as a 'virtual office' providing information and assistance on international trade. It would most likely be housed initially at the Office of Economic Development.
   But longer term plans call for the creation of a physical office with its own staff. The ad hoc committee has reportedly come up with a list of possible sites for the IBC. That will be contained in the report, which is still in the process of being written.