The City of Roswell returned to the Czech Republic following the success of its 2024 international trade mission, which resulted in the recruitment of PBS Aerospace to Roswell, one of the city’s most significant economic development wins in recent history.
Led by City Councilmember Christine Hall, the 2024 Roswell trade delegation included former Government and Community Affairs Manager Katrina Singletary, Economic Development Consultant and Seer CEO Peter Sorckoff, and Roswell Inc. Board Member and Downtown Development Authority Legal Counsel Alex Kaufman. During that mission, the team met with Czech government officials and multiple companies seeking to establish a U.S. presence.
Just months later, PBS Aerospace, an advanced manufacturing and technology firm serving the aerospace and defense industries, announced its decision to establish its U.S. headquarters in Roswell. The company initially committed to a $20 million investment, but rapid growth has since expanded that figure to $90 million, creating more than 150 high-paying jobs in the community.
Mayor Kurt Wilson said, “PBS Aerospace’s decision to put down roots in Roswell represents exactly the kind of strategic growth we envisioned in our Economic Development Strategy: smart, sustainable investment that brings high-value jobs, international visibility, and new opportunity for our residents. This partnership underscores how Roswell can compete on a global stage while maintaining our community’s unique character and quality of life.”
Roswell’s 2025 Trade Mission
Building on that momentum, Roswell’s 2025 trade mission expanded both in size and geographic reach. Led again by Councilmember Hall, along with Sorckoff, Kaufman, and City Press Secretary Cara Cramer, this year’s delegation also included Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robb Pitts, Commissioner Bridget Thorne, and Honorary Consuls John Parkerson (Hungary) and John Woodward (Slovakia).
Chairman Pitts said, “Thanks to Mayor Wilson’s forward-thinking approach, PBS is not only a reality in Roswell and Fulton County, but also a growing opportunity. By building strong relationships abroad, we are opening doors for investment, innovation, and job creation.”
The trade mission is financially supported by Select Fulton, CID True North 400, Roswell Inc., and the Roswell Development Authority and Downtown Development Authority.
In addition to meetings with Czech government leaders and business executives, the team expanded its outreach into Slovakia and Hungary, engaging with government agencies, established industry leaders, and multiple innovation accelerators supporting technology firms interested in U.S. market entry and partnership opportunities.
Commissioner Bridget Thorne said, “This trade mission exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in driving tangible outcomes, and Fulton County is excited to partner with Roswell in championing initiatives that spark global investment, advance cutting-edge industries, expand our tax base, and unlock lasting prosperity for our communities.”
In Braitslava, the City of Roswell signed a letter of intent (LOI) to develop an accelerator facility with Slovakian coworking giant The Spot, outlining a shared interest in supporting the growth of innovative business and the mutual exchange of ideas.
The Spot, the largest coworking space in Slovakia, provides serviced offices, shared workspaces for modern freelancing, and contemporary event space to its 1500+ members. The Spot represents the greatest business and startup community in Slovakia. Target industry sectors in partnership with Roswell include healthcare, technology, defense, cybersecurity, and education.
Councilmember Christine Hall said, “Our work doesn’t stop with one success story. We’re building long-term relationships that align with Roswell’s economic development priorities, attracting high-quality employers, growing our manufacturing and technology sectors, and creating a sustainable foundation for future prosperity.”