The Alexander City Outlook

280 could be draw for Kia supplier

Dadeville officials learned the city is in a unique position to receive jobs during a special meeting Tuesday due to the upcoming construction of the Kia automobile plant in Georgia. But much work still must be done.

Dadeville city officials, along with members of the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce, gathered in the First Baptist Church Tuesday to hear a presentation on how to conduct business with South Koreans.

Kia Motor Corporation is based out of South Korea and plans to build an assembly plant in West Point, Ga., which is near the east Alabama border. Being so close to the border means several towns in Alabama, including Dadeville, are possible sites for smaller suppliers for the larger plant.

Unlike other cities in Alabama, Dadeville has several advantages that would make it an ideal spot for some supplier companies, said Gary Faulkner, project manager for the Alabama Development Office. “You’ve got a four-lane road that goes right to the site,” Faulkner told the Dadeville officials. “That is a huge advantage.” Dadeville also already has an industrial park, which could be used as a site for a supplier business. Dadeville is also relatively close to the plant site.

“You’re ready to go,” Faulkner said.

But just because Dadeville has several advantages does not mean the Koreans will pick the city. “You really have a challenge in front of you,” said Doni Ingram, acting director for the Alabama Department for Economic and Community Affairs. “You can offend them so terribly easy and not mean to,” she told the Dadeville officials. “They are a very proud people.”

Ingram, who has had several business dealings with South Koreans in the past, said the most important thing to remember is that they do not trust anyone but themselves. “I can’t emphasize that enough,” she said. “But don’t let them hurt your feelings about it.” She said they’re trust issues have to do with their county’s history, and how it is surrounded by countries like North Korea and China.

Ingram said when the Koreans come to Dadeville; they will ask an almost endless amount of questions, many of which will be about the city’s community. “When they come to your community, they will be very interested in what you do in art and music,” she said. “They are very cultural.”

The Koreans are also extremely proud about their country. “They love for you to know about their country,” Ingram said. She suggested that, when the Koreans arrive, it would be good to have someone who has visited Korea or was stationed in Korea by the military come and meet them.

Although Dadeville has much to offer, any little thing could ruin the deal. “Competition for suppliers is intense,” Faulkner said. “They’ve (Koreans) got to make the best decision.”