Georgia Companies Seek Trade During Canada Conference

ATLANTA, July 15, 2013— A number of Georgia companies seeking business opportunities in Canada are in Halifax, Nova Scotia July 14-16 for the Southeastern United States-Canadian Provinces (SEUS-CP) Alliance's 2013 conference, anticipated to draw more than 300 Canadian and U.S. business and government leaders. 'Past experience has shown us that SEUS-CP is an outstanding place for Georgia companies to meet key contacts, leverage trade opportunities and learn about Georgia's largest export market,' said Kathe Falls, division director of International Trade for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, which organized the state's participation. Brian Kemp, Georgia Secretary of State, lead the delegation from Georgia to this year's conference. The SEUS-CP conference provides an opportunity for businesses in both regions to build strategic partnerships and establish mutually beneficial relationships. Among the target sectors are aerospace and defense, biosciences, logistics, and clean tech industries. Industry members will uncover new buyers, research collaborators and investors for businesses through meetings, networking and discussion forums. The conference also provides matchmaking services to those participating in business meetings. Georgia participants in SEUS-CP are: American Panel Corporation, Alpharetta; Carroll Tomorrow; the Consulate General of Canada; Georgia Ports Authority; HT Global Industries, Lithonia; Innovanet Group, Marietta; Market Access International, Atlanta; Metro Atlanta Chamber; Nor-Ral, Inc., Canton; Par Marine/ Jered LLC,  Brunswick; the Québec Government delegation; and the Savannah Economic Development Authority. The SEUS-CP Alliance continues to strengthen the connection between Georgia and Canada. Canada is the state's top trade partner as well as a leading investor nation in Georgia, with $10.2 billion in two-way trade during 2012 and more than 230 Canadian facilities located throughout the state. Georgia is home to the Southeast's Canadian Consulate General and the Quebec Trade and Investment Office. The state of Georgia has had continuous representation in the Canadian market since 1981. Ms. Gail Morris serves as managing director. About SEUS-CP SEUS-CP is an alliance of six Southeastern U.S. states (Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama) and seven Canadian provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba). Since 2007, it has provides an opportunity for businesses to enhance commercial ties, promote two-way investment, and encourage technological and scientific exchanges between and among the states and provinces. Visit www.seuscp.com for more information on the conference and alliance. About GDEcD The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) plans, manages and mobilizes state resources to attract new business investment to Georgia, drive the expansion of existing industry and small business, locate new markets for Georgia products, inspire tourists to visit Georgia, and promote the state as a top destination for arts events and film, music and digital entertainment projects. Visit www.georgia.org.