Governor Sonny Perdue to Host SEUS/Japan

Event Promotes Business, Economic, Goodwill Ties between Southeast U.S. and Japan

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue will welcome delegations from Japan and seven southeastern states to the 28th annual Southeast U.S./Japan Joint Meeting (SEUS/Japan) in Atlanta on Sunday, October 10, 2004.  This annual meeting is designed to foster international trade, industry, technology, culture, and commerce.  The theme for this year is “Milestones: Past, Present and Future.”   The meeting will continue through Tuesday, October 12. 

“The relationship between the southeast U.S. and Japan is stronger than ever before,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “This achievement is a credit to the Southeast's attractive business environment and our ability to easily adapt to changes in the global marketplace.”

This year's program includes more than 600 of the top business and political leadership representing the most significant aspects of the economic relationship between Japan and the southeast U.S.  Business leaders representing financial services, technology, tourism and automotive companies will discuss best practices and partnerships.  The meeting, which will be held at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta, will also feature important networking opportunities among the delegations.

“SEUS/Japan gives companies in our region an unparalleled opportunity to interact with business and government leaders from Japan,” said Craig Lesser, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD).  “One of our major goals during this event is to ensure that the delegations from Japan learn about the tremendous business potential available here in Georgia and throughout our region.”

The SEUS/Japan Association, organized in 1975 in part by the late Georgia Governor George Busbee, was created to build business ties and promote friendly relations between the southern states and Japan.  The seven member states are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.  The association meets in the U.S. during even-numbered years and in Japan during the odd-numbered years.

Glenn Cornell, chairman of SEUS/Japan, will co-chair the conference with Taizo Nishimuro, chairman of the board of Toshiba Corporation and chairman of the Japan-U.S. Southeast Association (Japan USSE).