Governor Perdue to Co-host Second Annual Southeastern United States, Canadian Provinces Alliance Conference

ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue will co-host the second annual Southeastern United States–Canadian Provinces Alliance (SEUS//CP) conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador from July 26 through July 28. Last year, Governor Perdue hosted the inaugural conference in Savannah, which drew hundreds of delegates from six southeastern states and seven Canadian provinces.

“Canada is Georgia’s top trading partner and it is critically important to continue to form business connections and collaborations that will only improve the trade and investment relationship that we have developed over the years,” said Governor Perdue. “In these economic times, reaching across borders to find commonalities in business and research is the way to help bolster the economies in our states and provinces.”

Approximately 200 delegates from across the Southeast and Canada are expected to attend the second annual conference. The itinerary includes a town hall session on public sector leadership in today’s economy, business sessions regarding energy, green economic development and ocean technology and many opportunities for participating businesses and organizations to network and form lasting partnerships.

“Last year’s conference was an outstanding start to what we believe will be a long, productive alliance among the six southeastern states and seven Canadian provinces,” said Heidi Green, deputy commissioner for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Georgia businesses will have the opportunity to network with Canadian businesses and delve further into our strategic industries.”

The SEUS-Canadian Provinces Alliance (SEUS//CP), which is modeled after the successful 33-year SEUS-Japan association, is designed to present opportunities for businesses to enhance commercial exchanges, promote two-way investment, and encourage technological and scientific exchanges between and among six southeastern States and seven Canadian Provinces. Member states include Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama and member provinces include Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba.

In addition to representatives from southern states, three Canadian premiers will attend the conference: Danny Williams, Newfoundland and Labrador; Shawn Graham, New Brunswick; and Darrell Dexter, Nova Scotia.

“On behalf of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, I extend a warm welcome to delegates of the second annual SEUS//CP conference,” said Premier Williams. “Over the course of this conference, businesses from all jurisdictions will have the opportunity to enjoy an itinerary that focuses on key areas of growth. The opportunity to meet with individuals from across the SEUS//CP region will hopefully result in new partnerships being forged and the valuable exchange of ideas.”

SEUS//CP was initially spearheaded by the State of Georgia and the Province of Quebec with support from the U.S. Embassy in Canada and the Canadian Consulate General for the Southeastern U.S. in Atlanta. The program is led this year by the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Next year, the state of Mississippi will chair the alliance.

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