The Foreign Service Journal, January 2003

F O C U S J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 3 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 25 companies attended. The market was quite good. Canada is planning on spending billions on security equipment.” Security threats can really increase customer interest in “e-ser- vices, what we call overcoming the distance barrier,” says Erin Butler, an international trade specialist. “Those services had increased relevance in the months after Sept. 11, especially in regions where people aren’t comfortable traveling.” Butler, who was stationed in Jordan last summer, says many American companies were interested in videocon- ferencing with Jordanians. “I’m sure in time that will fade,” says Butler. “But there will always be regions of the world that might be good potential markets but are not places that people are eager to go.” The stricter security atmosphere is also making it harder for would-be business visitors to come to the United States, because of tighter visa and entry requirements. FSO Don Businger recalled a recent case in which a major U.S. multinational aerospace company pleaded with him to help get a key Chinese employee to an important meeting in Chicago. Businger tried his best, “but the Chinese person was rejected; they [the U.S. consulate] wouldn’t let him go,” Businger says. Sometimes, CS employees can help get business visi- tors into the United States. “When we’re overseas, we’re about 25 feet away from the consular section,” Businger says. “There’s no official program— it’s mainly informal, personal relationships. I can walk over to the NIV [non- immigrant visa] chief and say, ’Can you cut us some slack on this one?’” Sometimes that kind of appeal works, Businger says, but often it does not. It is undeniable that sometimes the Commercial Service opens offices for political rather than export-related reasons. We offer spacious beautifully appointed suites which are ideal for business or pleasure. Our Rosslyn and Arlington locations have shuttle service to and from NFATC. All loca- tions offer scheduled shuttle to and from area Metro Stations. Washington is minutes across the Potomac River. An abundance of activities close by… for the History Buffs : quaint & historic Old Town, Alexandria and museums… for our Outdoor Enthusiasts : walk- ing/ biking to Mt. Vernon via the bike trail; boating/sail surfing on the Potomac. Sliding per diems accepted at our Rosslyn location. (First & second rates accepted. Second rates in a studio with weekly maid service.) Our One Bedroom Suites offer: full kitchens, stovetops, refrigerators, dishwashers and dinette area, living rooms with sleep sofas, master bedroom and full bath. To name a few amenities: free continental breakfast, free weekly evening buffet and daily socials, maid service and health clubs. Seasonal outdoor swimming pools at two locations - Arlington and Alexandria, and jacuzzis at Rosslyn and Arlington locations. Central Reservations: 703-739-2582 extension 1405 www.execlubdc.com or jerome@dcexeclub.com 108 S. Courthouse Road 610 Bashford Lane 1730 Arlington Boulevard Arlington, VA 22204 Alexandria, VA 22314 Rosslyn, VA 22209 703-522-2582 703-739-2582 703-525-2582 arlingtonsales@dcexeclub.com Alexandriasales@dcexeclub.com Rosslynsales@dcexeclub.com Three Convenient Locations: Experience the Appealing Charm …