PUERTO RICO - Many think of Puerto Rico as our 51st state. Not yet! It is technically a commonwealth, and Puerto Ricans have been US citizens since 1917. (They cannot vote in presidential elections.) More Puerto Ricans live in New York City than in San Juan!

You may know Puerto Rico as a tourist - enjoying its beaches, golf courses, resorts, and history. Are you aware of its business connections? More than half of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies have operations on the island, and 11 of the top 20 prescription medications sold in the US are manufactured in Puerto Rico. 13 out of the top 16 medical device companies have a presence in Puerto Rico. A major reason for this manufacturing presence is the activity of the government in providing incentives. The government agency involved in this activity is the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company - PRIDCO.

I have had an active role in the training and development of the PRIDCO staff. These persons make direct connections and presentations to senior executives of major companies inviting them to locate parts of their businesses in Puerto Rico. Such "high-level" presentations are key elements in convincing companies to come to Puerto Rico.

Many companies come to Puerto Rico for meetings. I have done keynote speeches and workshops in such meetings. If you come, be sure to visit Old San Juan, and take a trip around the island. You'll love it!

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