Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Contact:
Joselyn Baker
404/223-2275
50th Anniversary of Economic Development Event
Hosts Guests from Throughout the World
One of the state's premier economic development traditions celebrates its 50th anniversary April 8th through 11th with events at some of Atlanta's newest venues and a trip to the Masters Tournament in Augusta.
The Red Carpet Tour, hosted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, will entertain 23 prospects from the United States, South Africa, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom who represent industries including logistics, building materials, solar products, aircraft maintenance, and paper and wood products.
"The Tour provides a terrific opportunity each year to highlight a different part of our state and introduce business prospects to both corporate and government leaders," said Georgia Chamber President & CEO George Israel. "It is no surprise that this event has stood the test of time and become such a successful economic development tool."
The Red Carpet Tour, started in 1959 by then-Chamber President John Dent, has generated more than $3 billion in new investments and led to the creation of more than 30,000 jobs throughout the state. Each year, it visits different cities, highlighting what each one has to offer the companies who call it home.
This year's tour includes events in Atlanta and Augusta. Guests are staying at one of the city's newest boutique hotels, The Mansion on Peachtree, attending a dinner at the Governor's Mansion hosted by Governor Sonny Perdue, and visiting Atlanta landmarks including the Georgia Aquarium and Georgia Public Broadcasting. Guests will attend the time-honored Masters Tournament in Augusta on both Thursday and Saturday.
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce works closely with the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Allies, a public-private partnership created to focus on economic development, on the Red Carpet Tour each year.
The 2009 Red Carpet Tour is being chaired by Daryl Ingram, Managing Director, Economic Development with MEAG Power. Jeff McCoy, Senior Vice President, International Corporate Banking with BB&T, is serving as the Atlanta Region Co-Chair for the event.
