April 20, 2009

Georgia Chamber of Commerce Hosting International Spring Summit in Valdosta

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is hosting a meeting entitled “Road to Recovery:  Helping Georgia Businesses Identify and Bridge International Markets for Economic Growth” on Thursday, April 23, 2009, at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center beginning at 8:00 a.m.   

This half-day meeting will feature local government officials, local business leaders, academic experts on geopolitics and international business and state leaders working in international affairs.   

Those interested in attending the meeting should contact John Krueger at 404/223-2264 or jkrueger(at)gachamber.com.   

The agenda includes:   

Welcome/Opening Remarks                      
John J. Fretti, Mayor, City of Valdosta  

Greetings/Kickoff from Georgia Chamber
Craig Lesser, Chair, International Committee of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce  

Legislative Perspective
State Representative Ron Stephens, Chair, House Economic Development and Tourism Committee  

“Reaching Beyond Our Borders: Local Best Practices”
Scott James, SmallTown Broadcasting & The Scott James Show, Moderator
· Larry Hanson, Valdosta City Manager
· Ole Vigerstol, Saft
· Jim Worn, South Georgia Pecan
· Dario Orlando, Steeda Autosports
· Dr. F. D. Toth, Valdosta Technical College  

“Pathway to Success: Assessing Risks and Finding Markets”
John Krueger, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Moderator
· Dr. Wayne Plumly, Interim Dean, VSU College of Business Administration
· David Starling, VSU Center for International Programs
· Pedro Carrillo, GSU Institute of International Business  

“Getting a Helping Hand: Understanding Available State Resources”
Craig Lesser, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Moderator
· Chris Young, Chief of Protocol of the State of Georgia, Director of International Affairs
· Brian Oak, Consul General of Canada  

Welcome from Valdosta
Valdosta Chamber President, Myrna Ballard
Lowndes Industrial Authority Executive Director, Brad Lofton

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2009 Annual Report

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