Parker Poe partners Al Guarnieri, Elizabeth Gibbes, and Sam Moses, along with the firm's managing partner Tom Griffin, were highlighted in a Business North Carolina article about the International Practice Group's 40th anniversary celebration.

Retired partner Michael Almond "was ahead of his time" when he helped start Parker Poe's international practice in 1984, Al told the publication. Parker Poe was the first Carolinas-based law firm with a dedicated international practice group advising global companies on inbound and outbound investments and transactions. Michael saw an opportunity to assist European manufacturers open sales and service operations in the region, Al said.

Mostly family-owned textile and furniture businesses led the first wave of foreign investment in the Carolinas, followed by larger European and Asian auto parts manufacturers, Al said.

Business North Carolina also highlighted the experience of the international practice, including Elizabeth's role of honorary consul of South Carolina and Georgia and a trip that Sam recently took with other members of the firm's Business Expansion + Location Solutions (BELS) Team to Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.

This kind of experience has led to "deep friendships that span the globe," Tom said of the group.

You can read the full article by clicking here: Parker Poe Marks 40 Years of International Focus

Business North Carolina has been dedicated to covering the North Carolina economy since 1981.