Dial Speaks about A-KEEP: Building Cultural Bridges

By Senator Gerald Dial

International Economic Development is a crucial component of Alabamas recovery.  We have to constantly reaffirm our commitments to current and potential investors globally.   Our workforce, the best in the nation, speaks for itself; their production numbers, their quality and dedication attractions a lot of attention.  Our leaders work hard every day to recruit industry for our State, this means jobs for our families and growth for our communities and existing businesses.  

I had the honor of attending the A-KEEP fundraiser latest weekend.   The Alabama Korea Educational Exchange Program was sponsored by BBVA Compass featured PGA Golfer K J Choi.  This event raises funds for students from Korea to visit Alabama and vice versa.  This allows a firsthand immersive educational and cultural exchange.  With the recent investments from Korea into our great State, I feel that this wonderful program.  We will sponsor 20 students this summer. If you would like to help, please contact me as I serve on the board of Directors along with Dr. Bice of the State Dept. of Education and fellow Senator Tom Whatley.

This event was even more important as the economic development world watches our flawed immigration plan.  The perception that Alabama is not welcoming to foreign nationals is very detrimental to decades of relationship building and prospective industries.  We have to show the rest of the world that Alabama is open for business, ethnically diverse and excited to develop long standing strategic partnerships with other countries and cultures.