Editor’s note: This article and video were created through SelectCobb‘s partnership with Global Atlanta.
With its supportive chamber of commerce and increasingly diverse global business environment, Cobb County offers international companies an ideal location to weather volatility and plan for growth.
Based in Cobb for more than a half-century, HLB Gross Collins PC is both a beneficiary of and a contributor to the county’s emergence as a gateway for foreign investors and hub for U.S. exporters, says Laura Madajewski, a principal leading the firm’s manufacturing, distribution and supply chain practice from its offices in Atlanta and Kennesaw.
Part of the HLB International network of independent professional services firms, the Cobb accounting firm provides comprehensive assurance, tax and advisory services to clients with global ambitions, ranging from foreign ownership to international expansion strategies.
Whether navigating complex tax regulations or collaborating with HLB affiliates in by other countries, HLB Gross Collins serves as a trusted partner for clients in local and global markets.
An astute global advisor
“International business is not just a title for us; it’s embedded in our culture,” says Ms. Madajewski, noting that the London-based HLB International Limited global network of independent advisory and accounting firms includes more than 50,000 professionals across 155 countries.
HLB has a presence in almost every country, but it has a special concentration in Europe, working extensively with companies from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom. It also has clients in South America and East Asia.
In today’s unpredictable global trade environment, where tariffs and regulatory policies are in constant flux, Ms. Madajewski emphasizes the importance of companies being proactive and using financial modeling and scenario planning to mitigate risks.
“Arm yourselves now with information,” she says. “You don’t want to be in a position where all of a sudden something is implemented, and you have no idea how it’s going to impact your business. Start gathering data now, understand where your vulnerabilities might be and develop a plan, whether it’s adjusting supply chains, exploring alternative markets or optimizing financial strategies.”
HLB works with clients to evaluate different scenarios, ensuring they have contingency plans in place.
“International business is not just a title for us; it’s embedded in our culture.”
Laura madajewski
A diverse and international environment
With a Georgia-based team fluent in more than 17 languages, HLB Gross Collins operates seamlessly across borders and draws from Cobb County’s increasingly international talent pool.
The county is home to over 117,000 foreign-born residents and more than 200 international businesses representing 30 countries and employing more than 17,000.
“The diversity in Cobb County has helped our firm substantially. Our workforce has grown exponentially. That investment has afforded an opportunity for those who are coming here to work with companies that are just as equally diverse. So, for us, it’s just been a huge boon to the continued growth of our team,” Ms. Madajewski says.
Cobb’s business-friendly climate also provides strategic advantages for foreign companies looking to establish regional headquarters, including Vanderlande Industries from the Netherlands, TK Elevator from Germany, UCB Inc. from Belgium and Novelis from India.
“Cobb County provides a dynamic environment for businesses like ours. The county’s accessibility, economic development initiatives and pro-business climate make it an ideal place for companies to thrive,” Ms. Madajewski says.
A supportive business community
HLB Gross Collins has seen its own business grow significantly in Cobb County. With a long-standing presence in the region, the firm emphasizes the importance of being located in an area that fosters a supportive and dynamic environment for international companies.
Cobb’s position as a hub for international business has been bolstered by the efforts of the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce and SelectCobb, its economic development arm.
“SelectCobb has been instrumental in fostering connections and providing resources that help businesses succeed. Their commitment to economic development aligns with our goal of supporting clients in making strategic financial decisions,” Ms. Madajewski notes.
“The business community here is incredibly supportive. Cobb County is a place where businesses can truly connect and grow,” she adds.
Ms. Madajewski herself serves on several SelectCobb committees, where she helps shape strategies that attract and retain businesses in Cobb County.
Companies that partner with HLB Gross Collins have seen significant growth, with some clients doubling their workforce and tripling revenues by leveraging international opportunities, Ms. Madajewski attests.
“At the end of the day, if we can help [businesses] keep money in their pocket and continue to invest in the growth of their business, that’s what we’re here for, that’s what we do all day long,” Ms. Madajewski says.
Visit https://hlbgrosscollins.com/ for more information about HLB Gross Collins’ global advisory and accounting services.
Learn about SelectCobb’s international services at https://selectcobb.com/international/.
