Schmitz Hopes Dothan Moving Closer To International Business

Ninety businesses from Hong Kong are looking to invest in Alabama and Mayor Mike Schmitz said he hopes those businesses will come to Dothan.

"I think any time we can create an opportunity for our businesses to sell their products, to partner with other business, and create manufacturing jobs here in Dothan we need to do all we can to make that happen" said Schmitz.

To strengthen Dothan's chances, the city is hosting a cultural exchange program Wednesday night with Raymond Cheng, the CEO of the Alabama China Partnership. Schmitz said the goal is to make the group feel welcome in hopes that they come back again.  The mayor hopes, if and when they return, it will to do business in Dothan.

"Cheng wants to break down those barriers and talk to our community about the different cultural and how we're a lot alike so when we do business we will already have an understanding of both cultures."

Schmitz said Dothan's past success with Sony has shown business leaders Dothan is a place for global commerce.The Japanese-based audio and video manufacturer spent 30 or so years in Dothan before closing.

"If he didn't think (Cheng) would bring some of the businesses to our community he wouldn't fly in here Wednesday and spend the money he's spending and bringing all the folks here at the Opera House. We're going to give him a warm welcome and, in the long run, we will create jobs," Schmitz continued.

The cultural exchange program starts at 6PM Wednesday. The event is free and open to the public.