Economic Development

International Business

The Chamber’s international business division works to connect Mobile to the world. We believe there is no better time for companies to expand and diversify their markets globally.

 

Along with export assistance, the division has implemented a foreign direct investment attraction strategy to enhance Mobile’s global competitiveness and advance the creation of quality jobs and economic growth through international engagement.

 

The division works to:

  • connect local companies to resources for export growth;
  • help identify new international market opportunities;
  • build global networks through trade education and first-class trade missions;
  • promote Mobile as a top venue for global commerce; and
  • strengthen Mobile’s international ecosystem.

 

The Chamber’s international business division is the winner of the “Going International Award” by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, a recipient of the President’s “E” Award for Export Service and the Governor’s Trade Excellence Award. The Mobile Chamber is also the recipient of the President’s “E” Star Award for Export Service, presented to firms and organizations for continued performance in increasing and promoting exports.

 

Division Contact Information

 

International Business

Christopher Mayfield, Director of Existing Industry | 251-431-8654

Export Alabama Alliance

Doing business overseas can be a challenge. The Export Alabama Alliance’s experienced advisers provide just the help your Alabama company needs to be successful overseas. As a founding member, our international trade division works with this seamless network of international trade agencies with the fundamental objectives of helping Alabama companies grow their business internationally. The Alliance offers access to services that will put the world at your fingertips, including: overseas marketing assistance, customized research, export finance education, trade missions and shows, and information on trade regulations and documentation. Most services are free of charge, with some programs at a nominal fee.

 

Export Alabama Alliance Members

Alabama Department of Commerce, International Trade Division

Alabama Department of Agriculture

Alabama International Trade Center (AITC)

Alabama State Port Authority

Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA)

Business Council of Alabama

Madison County Commission

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

North Alabama International Trade Association (NAITA)

Port of Huntsville

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Small Business Administration

 

Export Alabama Alliance Strategy

The Export Alabama Alliance Strategy is developed annually with the input of the Export Alabama Alliance. This comprehensive strategic plan provides numerous opportunities for Alabama companies to build sustainable relationships throughout the world as well as opportunities to educate local leaders on the impact of trade.

Trade Missions

The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and the Alabama Department of Commerce, in collaboration with its Export Alabama Alliance partners, lead first-class trade missions to targeted markets every year. The delegation, comprised of mostly small and medium sized companies, government officials, trade organizations, and educators, meet with pre-screened foreign companies interested in buying Alabama-made goods and services. Our official missions provide participants unique access to high quality information, people and officials that you would not normally find on your own.

 

We are currently recruiting for the 2020 multi-industry trade mission to Vietnam and Hong Kong as part of Trade Winds 2020 and fall 2020 multi-industry trade mission to Israel. Contact Kayley Shepard at 251-431-8629 for information.

International Documentation Services (Certificates of Origin)

The trade division strives to connect our community to the world and facilitate international business in the region. We offer Certificate of Origin processing through eCertify for members and non-members. Learn more here.