Governor Perdue to Represent Georgia, U.S. at Regional Leaders Conference in China

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue will represent Georgia and the United States next week at a Regional Leaders Conference in Jinan, located in the Shandong province of the People’s Republic of China.

Other countries participating in this alliance include Canada, Germany, Brazil, China, Austria and South Africa. This alliance was formed in 2002 with the goals of developing strong relationships and exchanging best practices in topics of mutual interest. Georgia is the newest member of the alliance. The 2008 conference, which will be held August 5 through August 7, will focus on resource conservation and healthcare.

“Georgia hit the international scene with the 1996 Olympic Games, and we have continued to build on that momentum by developing strategic relationships with countries around the world,” Governor Perdue said. “This conference is yet another opportunity to strengthen relationships, and I look forward to sharing what we are doing here in Georgia on these two critical issues, as well as hearing from the other leaders on initiatives from their countries and regions.”

During the conference, Governor Perdue will discuss his Conserve Georgia initiative (www.ConserveGeorgia.org) introduced earlier this year. Conserve Georgia is meant to create a culture of conservation in the state, including land, water, energy and other natural resources. A part of the initiative, the Governor’s Energy Challenge, is a commitment by Governor Perdue that Georgia’s state government will reduce its energy usage 15 percent by 2020 over 2007 energy use levels. Governor Perdue challenged Georgia’s citizens, businesses, organizations, local governments and school systems to meet the state’s 15 percent reduction goal.

He will also discuss Georgia’s Energy Innovation Center (EIC), created earlier this year to enhance economic development by leading the commercialization of bioenergy with feedstocks grown or available within the state, furthering the generation of alternative energy and promoting energy sector manufacturing. The EIC is located within the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority.

Additionally, the Governor will discuss Georgia’s efforts to encourage preventative care and increase the number of citizens that have access to health insurance. He will also share the state’s efforts to ensure quality healthcare is available in rural areas and encourage further use of innovation and technology such as electronic medical records.

Governor Perdue will also invite delegates from the participating regions to the 2009 BIO International Convention, which will be held in Atlanta. This annual gathering draws life science industry professionals from around the world.

This is Governor Perdue’s 15^th international trip since taking office and his second visit to China this year. In March, he accompanied Delta Air Lines as it inaugurated non-stop service to Shanghai. The delegation also visited Beijing and celebrated the opening of the Georgia economic development office in China’s capital city.

Joining Governor Perdue for the conference will be: Chris Clark, executive director of the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority and State Energy Office; Dr. Rhonda Medows, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health; Kathe Falls, director of international trade for the Georgia Department of Economic Development; Hannah Heck, director of policy for the Governor’s Office; and Kevin Fletcher, vice president of community and economic development for Georgia Power.

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