Friday, September 6, 2002

County to entice tech firms at COMDEX

Fulton County's chief marketers will host a pavilion to attract technology firms during the Networld+Interop COMDEX Atlanta 2002 trade show September 10-12 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

The Development Authority of Fulton County and the Economic Development Department will use the customized, space-age exhibit to promote county attributes that appeal to companies looking to relocate, or open offices or production/distribution facilities.

The pavilion will feature two projection screens displaying continuous images of hot selling points such as strategic regional location; skilled workforce; comprehensive transportation, utility and business infrastructure; and amenities in education, culture, professional sports and recreation.

Local business officials can obtain a limited number of free guest passes, valued at $100 apiece, from the Economic Development Department by calling 404-730-8078.

The event is the largest telecommunications and Internet trade show in the southeastern United States. The influx of an estimated 30,000 visitors will be a job-retention boost for the county's hospitality and tourism industry, which employs 130,000 persons.

Seventy percent of the metro area's top lodging and attractions are in Fulton County.

Fulton is the site of technology firms such as Antec, Alltel, BellSouth, E* Trade, Earthlink, Equifax and Turner Broadcasting, which includes CNN. In May, the Economic Development Department co-hosted a conference on biotech firms as a growth sector.

The Development Authority issues taxable and tax-exempt bonds to help businesses and community institutions expand, renovate and relocate here. The Economic Development Department retains and recruits quality retail, residential, commercial and industrial projects in the county.