Environmental Technology Companies In Georgia Invited To Explore Business, Trade Opportunities In Israel

ATLANTA, September 2, 2011— Georgia technology companies interested in increasing their business in water, renewable energy and the environment are invited to join a State of Georgia trade mission to one of the largest trade shows of its kind, WATEC-Israel 2011. The mission, led by Georgia Department of Economic Development's Commissioner Chris Cummiskey and Georgia Chamber President Chris Clark, will be November 15-17 in Tel Aviv. 'This is an outstanding opportunity for Georgia companies to meet with international companies and decision-makers involved in addressing global challenges in the water, environmental and energy sectors through smart, sustainable, cutting-edge technology solutions,' said Kathe Falls, director of international trade at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Participating companies will be briefed on current issues and introduced to potential partners, distributors and other key contacts arranged by the Georgia Department of Economic Development's Israel office. Companies will also benefit from the visibility of their presence in the Georgia booth. Noted for its water independence, Israel offers an abundance of business opportunities around this natural resource. As a country with virtually no rainfall eight months of the year, it has embraced and pioneered emerging technologies to address its historic fresh water scarcity, with the goal of establishing an independent water supply by 2015.  To this end, Israel is employing water technologies such as desalinization installations, water recycling, and advanced water management systems. Touted as 'the start-up nation,' Israel is a renowned research and development hub, and offers a strategic business gateway to global markets for Georgia companies.  Georgia and Israel have strong connections. Since the U.S. and Israel signed a free trade agreement in 1985, Georgia exports have increased by 77 percent.  Georgia is home to the Consulate General of the State of Israel, the American Israel Chamber of the Southeast, and sixteen Israeli companies. There are several participation levels to choose from, but openings are limited. To take advantage of these opportunities and be a part of Georgia's delegation to Israel, contact Dawn Townsend, International Trade Manager, at 404-962-4059 or [email protected]. Early bird deadline is Sept.7, and final deadline to enroll in the mission is Oct. 3, 2012. The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts events and location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. www.georgia.org.