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In Fairfax County, one doesn't have to go far to experience the global economy.
Canadian-owned Teleglobe, Israeliowned ECI Telecom and Gilat Satellite Networks, NEC America of Japan and Uriel Systems of Korea announced expansions or new offices in the county.
Ard that was all just in January.
The tech boom that has fueled Northern Virginia's growth has not just been about home-grown U.S. companies. Foreign firms are quietly making a substantial investment in Fairfax County more so than any other locality in Greater Washington.
"It's the melting pot for the new economy," said Gerald Gordon, director of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, which reports monthly on new businesses and expansions.
About 150 foreign-owned firms have American headquarters in Fairfax County. And the county leads the region in workers for foreign firms with 20,000, according to a 1997 study, the last time the issue was examined. Last year alone, 2,000 new jobs were created in the county by foreign firms.
Because these companies don't have household names, they are not always recognized as major players in the local economy.