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GEORGIA’S INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES CONNECTING GEORGIA TO KEY GLOBAL MARKETS AWARD - WINNING TRADE SERVICES 20
GEORGIA’S INTERNATIONALREPRESENTATIVESCONNECTING GEORGIA TO KEY GLOBAL MARKETS
AWARD-WINNINGTRADESERVICES
20
Georgia’s leadership in the global marketplace is solidified by
international representatives in 11 strategic world markets. Our
international team provides a variety of free trade services
for small to medium-sized Georgia businesses, attracts new
investment to communities across the state and inspires citizens
in their markets to visit Georgia. They also continue to tout
Georgia as the No. 1 state in the U.S. to do business and the ideal
place to live, work and play.
The state has representatives in these markets because of
the substantial opportunities and Georgia ties. To continue to
develop business and to support the international representatives efforts, the Georgia
Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) staff and state officials traveled to
each of the 11 markets in 2015. Governor Deal made significant job announcements
on economic development missions in Brazil and Germany. Ninety-six percent of
international investment in the state comes from countries where GDEcD has a presence.
The number of international tourists visiting Georgia continues to grow, while
the average overseas visitor spends significantly more than the domestic visitor.
Undoubtedly tourists are inspired to visit Georgia to see where their favorite film or
television show was filmed. 2015’s popular premieres Ant-Man, The Divergent Series:
Insurgent, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 and The Walking Dead were all filmed
in Georgia.
Last year, Georgia products and services reached more than 217 countries and
territories. Nearly 950 Georgia companies received free, customized export services
from GDEcD’s award-winning international trade division, with 71 percent of export
transactions supported by Georgia’s international representatives. The state continues to
recognize Georgia companies that enter new international markets with the third annual
GLOBE (Georgia Launching Opportunities By Exporting) Award.
I encourage you to take advantage of the numerous opportunities and resources the
Georgia Department of Economic Development offers and get to know the state’s
international representatives. Together, we can further Georgia’s economic prosperity
and potential.
Thanks for keeping Georgia on your mind,
Chris Carr
Commissioner, Georgia Department of Economic Development
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMISSIONER
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMISSIONER GLOBE AWARD
Georgia’s third annual GLOBE (Georgia Launching
Opportunities By Exporting) Award recognizes 26
companies who entered into a new international market in
2015. The 2016 winners from 15 different Georgia counties
collectively expanded into 102 new markets. Among the
winners, a few of the most popular new markets included
China, Italy and Malaysia. 80 percent of 2016 winners are
small businesses with 100 employees or less.
Geo
rg
ia L
aunch
ing Opportun
ities
by exporting awa
rdG.L.O.B.E.
2016 GLOBE Award Winners
Aventure Aviation
Bell Plantation, Inc.
MMJ Labs/Buzzy Pain Solutions
Daniel Defense, Inc.
Digital Element
Discover Destinations
Dustex LLC
GF Health Products, Inc.
Hydro Dynamics, Inc.
Interactive Communications International Inc.
KontrolFreek
Master Wall Inc.
MetalTech-USA
Millenium Mat Company
One-World, Inc.
Poriferous LLC
Pyrotechnic Specialties Inc.
Red Brick Brewing Company
Richland Rum
SASCO Chemical Group, Inc.
Savannah Bee Company
ServiceCentral Technologies, Inc.
Signature Pet Products
Sustainable Corporate Network
Synensys, LLC
ZCorum
CANADA
Gail Morris serves as Georgia’s Managing Director and primary representative in Canada. She promotes economic development within Georgia by attracting new Canadian corporate investment to the state, supporting existing Canadian investors with their Georgia expansion plans and overseeing trade and tourism initiatives between Georgia and Canada. She is fluent in English and French.
With more than 20 years of public and private sector experience in North America and other international markets, Gail’s expertise includes trade facilitation and promotion within the NAFTA countries, Canada and U.S. Customs, logistics and business development.
Gail has a qualification certificate with the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers, and is an active member of several
organizations, including the Toronto Chapter of the Organization of Women in International Trade.
The state of Georgia has had continuous representation in Canada since 1981 helping hundreds of Georgia companies with export requests and numerous Canadian companies with foreign direct investment requests. Gail has represented Georgia in this market since 2010.
Georgia is a founding member of the Southeastern United States-Canadian Provinces (SEUS-CP) Alliance, which is designed to increase trade relations and commercial exchange between six southeastern States and seven Canadian Provinces. Georgia and the province of Québec are also members of the Regional Leaders Summit (RLS), a strategic alliance of seven international regions from four continents fostering the exchange of best practices on topics of mutual interest. Georgia hosted the 2014 Regional Leaders Summit.
The Consulate General of Canada and the Québec Trade Office are both located in Atlanta. Governor Nathan Deal led an economic development mission to Canada in 2012.
GAIL MORRISManaging Director
State of Georgia - Canada
PO Box 48561 Long Branch | Toronto, Ontario M8W 4Y6 – CANADA
Phone: (+1) 416.255.1170
CANADA
234 CANADIAN-OWNED CANADA
IN GEORGIA
IS GEORGIA’SLARGEST EXPORT MARKET
GEORGIA
CANADA IS THE
$1.1
9
2015
BILLIONGEORGIA
TOTAL CANADIANINVESTMENT IN
FACILITIES
18,000+EMPLOY
NIGHTSIN GEORGIA
STRONGEST FILM OUTSIDE THE U.S.
CANADIAN TOURISTSSTAY AN AVERAGE
PRODUCTION COMPETITORLED THE U.S. IN CARPET AND TEXTILEFLOOR COVERING TO CANADA IN
17 TIMES
CIRQUECANADA’S 14 DIFFERENT SHOWSVISITED ATLANTADU SOLEIL SINCE 1991WI
TH
BRAZIL
José Madeira serves as Georgia’s Managing Director and primary representative in Brazil, seeking trade opportunities between Georgia and Brazilian companies, and advancing the state as a destination for tourism and international investment. José is fluent in Portuguese and English and is conversational in Spanish.
He has nearly 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. A managing director of BusinessBrazil, José is also a graduate professor of international marketing, international business management and international negotiation at Mackenzie Presbyterian University in São Paulo.
José holds dual citizenship in Brazil and the U.S. He graduated from Ouro Preto Federal University in Brazil and holds an MBA in banking and finance from Dowling College in New York.
The state of Georgia has had continuous representation in Brazil since 1995. José has helped hundreds of Georgia companies with export requests and represented Georgia in this market since 2010.
Georgia and the state of São Paulo are members of the Regional Leaders Summit (RLS), a strategic alliance of seven international regions from four continents fostering the exchange of best practices on topics of mutual interest. Georgia Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle led a high-level delegation to the 2012 RLS in São Paulo, and Georgia hosted the 2014 Regional Leaders Summit.
The Consulate General of Brazil and the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce of the Southeast are located in Atlanta. Georgia has one sister city agreement with Brazil: Atlanta – Rio de Janeiro. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed led a trade mission to Brazil in 2014 and Governor Nathan Deal led an economic development mission to Brazil in 2015.
Carolina Nascimento, Trade Development Manager, also supports State of Georgia – Brazil.
JOSÉ MADEIRAManaging Director
State of Georgia - Brazil
Al. Lorena 800, Suite 1803 | Jardins, São Paulo, SP 01424-001 – BRAZIL
Phone: +55 (11) 3051.7208
[email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]
Patricia Bartels helps Brazilian companies identify Georgia suppliers of quality products and services and actively promotes the attraction, retention and expansion of business investment from Brazil to Georgia. She is fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish.
Patricia’s prior experience includes the U.S. Commercial Service office in São Paulo as well as many years fostering international business opportunities in Brazil, the U.S. and Chile. Patricia holds a journalism degree from University Cruzeiro do Sul in São Paulo. She previously lived in the U.S. for five years and in Chile for two years. Patricia joined the state’s Brazil team in 2014.
PATRICIA BARTELSTrade and FDI
Specialist
BRAZIL BRAZIL
RAFAEL PEREIRASÃO PAULO NATIVEAND GSU ALUM IN THE LAST 8 YEARS
RECORDED 70+ ALBUMS
6,800 GEORGIAEMPLOYEES INJBS IS THE LARGESTBRAZILIAN INVESTOR
RIO DE JANEIRO IN 2016SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMESWILL HOST THE
WIT
H
BRAZILIANSLIVING IN GEORGIA
SINCE 2000DOUBLED
SPENTBRAZILIANS
IN 2014IN GEORGIA$82.5
MILLION
52,000BRAZILIANS
WITH AN AVERAGE STAY
OF 13 NIGHTS
SINCE 201041%GEORGIA EXPORTSTO BRAZIL UP
TRAVELED TO GEORGIA IN 2014
CHILE
Brian Wilson is Georgia’s Managing Director and primary representative in Chile. He is responsible for identifying business opportunities for Georgia companies in Chile and providing them with export assistance. Brian is fluent in Spanish and English, and has a working knowledge of German.
Throughout his 40+ year career, Brian has acquired extensive experience in business management, finance, international trade and business consulting services. He served as CEO of an IT services provider and as CFO of several multinational companies, including Sodexo, Chiquita Brands International and Frupac International Corporation. He worked in The Netherlands, U.S. and Chile.
A Chilean native, Brian holds a civil engineering degree from the Catholic University of Chile and an MBA from Adolfo Ibañez University in Santiago.
The state of Georgia has had continuous representation in Chile since 2005, and helped hundreds of Georgia companies with export requests. Brian has been Georgia’s Chile representative since the position was established.
Atlanta is home to the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Chile, as well as the Chilean American Chamber of Commerce of the South (CACs).
Fiory Alcayaga, Trade Assistant, also supports State of Georgia – Chile.
Monseñor Sótero Sanz 55 | Piso 6, Oficina 600 | Providencia, Santiago – CHILE
T: + 56 (2) 2335.2910
[email protected] | [email protected]
BRIAN WILSONManaging Director
State of Georgia - Chile
CHILE
7TH
249,000WORLD’SLARGEST
LARGEST
CHILE IS THE EXPORTER OF WINETO GEORGIA AND THE U.S.
CHILEANS VISITED THE U.S. IN 2014
THE COCA-COLA COMPANY’SLARGEST BILLBOARD IS IN CHILEMADE OF 70,000 BOTTLES
GEORGIA LED THE NATION IN THE EXPORT OF CHEMICAL WOOD PULP, KRAFT PAPER, CHICKEN CUTS, POULTRY CUTS, CARPETS AND OTHER FLOOR COVERINGS
TO CHILE IN 2015
ARAUCO WOOD PRODUCTSIS THE LARGEST CHILEAN INVESTORIN GEORGIA BASED ON TOTAL EMPLOYMENT
CHILE IS THE
OF COPPERPRODUCER
DAILY DIRECT
BETWEEN ATLANTAAND SANTIAGO
AIR SERVICE
COLOMBIA
Juan Carlos López Gutiérrez serves as Georgia’s Managing Director for both Colombia and Mexico and is responsible for assisting small-and medium-sized Georgia companies in increasing their exports to both countries. Juan Carlos is fluent in Spanish and English.
As the CEO of Entrepreneurs International, a global consulting firm based in Bogotá, Juan Carlos is a business manager with a strong background in project development, research and execution. His private sector experience includes a variety of industries and countries with both micro enterprises and Fortune 500 companies. He has a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering.
The state of Georgia has had representation in Colombia since 2013, Georgia is the only U.S. state to have full time international representation in the Colombian market.
The Consulate General of Colombia is located in Atlanta, as is Proexport Colombia, the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
(GHCC) and the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia (LACC). The Colombian Ambassador to the U.S., Luis Carlos Villegas, visited Governor Nathan Deal in February 2015.
Jasmin Torres Tarquino serves as Trade Representative for Colombia. A native Colombian, Jasmin is fluent in Spanish and English.
Her previous experience includes market research, fundraising, global team planning and management. Jasmin has international experience with companies in Africa, Colombia and Mexico. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international business and languages. As an entrepreneur herself, she founded a financial development organization that focuses on students.
CRA. 18 # 78-40 Oficina 704 | Bogota D.C. – COLOMBIA
Phone: (+1) 404.462.9757
[email protected] | [email protected]
JUAN CARLOS LÓPEZ GUTIÉRREZ
JASMIN TORRES TARQUINO
Managing Director
State of Georgia - Colombia and
Mexico
Trade Representative
COLOMBIA COLOMBIA
$309
435
3
IN 2006
17,000
AGREEMENT
GEORGIA LED THE U.S. IN THE EXPORTOF CARPETS AND OTHER TEXTILE FLOOR COVERINGSAND CHEMICAL WOOD PULP TO COLOMBIA IN 2015
LEADING COLOMBIAN INVESTORCEMENTOS ARGOS S.A.HAS RAIL TERMINALS
IN GEORGIA
COLOMBIANS VISITED GEORGIA IN 2014
1,500ATTEND THE GEORGIALATINO FILM FESTIVAL
NICHOLAS BARREROCOLOMBIAN MUSICIAN
RECEIVED A 2013GEORGIA MUSIC AWARDFOR BEST LATIN MUSICIAN
COLOMBIAN MARLON MORENOWON BEST ACTORAT THE 2014 GEORGIALATINO FILM FESTIVAL
GEORGIA’S5 COLOMBIAN-OWNEDFACILITIES EMPLOY
GEORGIA EXPORTS
MILLIONIN 2015
TO COLOMBIA TOTALEDCOLOMBIA AND THE U.S.SIGNED A FREE TRADE
MEXICO
Walter Alejandro Heredia Davila serves as Georgia’s Trade Representative in Mexico. He connects companies with distributors and customers in the Mexican market and provides guidance on conducting business in Mexico. A Mexican native, Walter is fluent in Spanish and English with a strong knowledge of Italian and French.
Walter previously worked with business entities from The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Brazil, India, Canada and the U.S. entering the Mexican market. He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial and administration systems engineering from Juarez City University in Mexico.
The state of Georgia has had continuous representation in Mexico since 1993, primarily focusing on export promotion. Walter has been Georgia’s representative in Mexico since 2013.
The Consulate General of Mexico is located in Atlanta as well as the Mexican Trade Commission, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) and the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia (LACC).
Felipe Calderón is a results-driven international business professional with more than three years of international experience across Latin America and the U.S. His industry expertise is in customer and business development for digital industries and services. Felipe is fluent in Spanish and English and conversational in German and French.
Felipe has consulting experience in partner search, market demand-side analysis, acquisition target search, supplier search, business development, and organization of government and business delegations. He joined the State of Georgia – Mexico team in fall 2015.
Mariano Escobedo 373 Oficina 50 | Chapultepec Morales C.P. 11590,
Miguel Hidalgo | Distrito Federal - MEXICO | Phone: (+1) 404.462.9771
[email protected] | [email protected]
WALTER ALEJANDRO HEREDIA DAVILA
FELIPE CALDERÓN
Trade Representative
State of Georgia - Mexico
Trade Assistant
MEXICO
GEORGIA EXPORTS TO MEXICO TOTALED
IN 2015$3.5 BILLION
$5 MILLION
EMPLOY 2,800 IN GEORGIA75 MEXICAN-OWNEDCOMPANIES
GEORGIA TO MEXICOPEANUT EXPORTSLEADS U.S.
AGUAPLASTICMANUFACTURER
INVESTED
IN GEORGIA IN 2015
EXPORT MARKET IN 2015
MEXICO WAS GEORGIA’S2ND LARGEST
54,000TRAVELERS
FLEW TO GEORGIAFROM MEXICO IN 2014
PETER BUCKFORMER GEORGIANAND R.E.M. GUITARIST TODOS SANTOS MUSIC FESTIVAL
FOUNDED THE ANNUAL
68,212ATTENDEES
FOR THE MEXICO NATIONAL ATLANTAIN 2014SOCCER TEAM
EUROPE
Antje Abshoff is the Managing Director of Georgia’s Europe office, located in Munich, Germany. Her responsibilities are to promote economic development by attracting new European corporate investment to the state and to support existing European investors with their Georgia expansion plans. A native of Hamm, Germany, Antje is fluent in German, English and French.
Antje served in Georgia’s Brussels office and, in 2001, opened Georgia’s second European office in Munich. She was instrumental in the transition of Georgia’s European headquarters from Brussels to Munich in 2005. Antje obtained degrees in hotel and restaurant management in Germany before attending Cornell University in New York and the University of Georgia, from which she graduated with a BBA in international business.
The state of Georgia has had continuous representation in Europe since 1973. Since that time, the office has assisted hundreds of European firms locate in Georgia and Georgia companies export to Europe. Antje joined the Europe office in 2000.
Upper Austria, Bavaria (Germany) and the state of Georgia are members of the Regional Leaders Summit (RLS), a strategic alliance of seven international regions from four continents fostering the exchange of best practices on topics of mutual interest. Georgia hosted the 2014 Regional Leaders Summit. Bavaria will host the 2016 RLS.
The annual France-Atlanta series of events brings French delegations to Georgia each year. In 2015, Jean-Yves le Déaut, Member of the French National Assembly, and Gérard Araud, Ambassador of France to the U.S. both attended. Governor Nathan Deal has traveled to Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom on economic development missions, and Mayor Kasim Reed traveled to Paris in 2015.
Tal 26 | 80331 Munich – GERMANY | Phone: +49 (0) 89.517.027.40
[email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]
[email protected] | [email protected]
ANTJE ABSHOFFManaging Director -
Investment
State of Georgia - Europe
EUROPE
Nils Gerber serves as Business Development Manager for Switzerland, Austria and Italy, helping European companies enter or expand in Georgia. Nils is fluent in German and English and proficient in French and Norwegian.
As former Deputy Director of the West Virginia European Office, he gained experience in economic development, transatlantic trade and foreign direct investment. Prior to that position, Nils served as PR consultant in the energy sector and press officer for the World Exposition EXPO 2000 in his hometown of Hannover, Germany.
He holds a master’s degree in European Law from the University of Hannover. As an intern, he worked for the permanent Mission of Germany to the United Nations in New York. Nils also lived as an exchange student in Norway’s
capital, Oslo. He joined the state of Georgia Europe office in 2005.
Ulrike Schauerte, Business Development Manager, also supports Georgia’s Europe office.
Carola Kolmann, Tourism Marketing Manager, and Anja Höbler, Tourism PR & Social Media Manager, support tourism initiatives in Germay, Austria and Switzerland.
NILS GERBERBusiness
Development Manager
• Alcon
• BASF
• Husqvarna
• Mercedes-Benz
• Porsche
• Siemens
• ThyssenKrupp
• Voya Financial
• ZF Industries
Leading European companies in Georgia:
EUROPE
Countries covered by GDEcD’s European representatives include:
Austria** | Belgium* | Croatia | Czech Republic** | Denmark** | Estonia** Finland** | France* | Germany* | Greece* | Iceland** | Ireland* | Italy** | Latvia
| Liechtenstein** | Lithuania** | Luxembourg** | Norway | Poland** Portugal Slovenia | Spain** | Sweden** | Switzerland* | The Netherlands** | Turkey**
The United Kingdom*
*Career Consulate in Georgia**Honorary Consulate in Georgia
40,000IN HELEN, GEORGIA
IN 2015
ATTENDED OCTOBERFEST
21% OF GEORGIA EXPORTSWENT TO EUROPE IN 2015
WORLDREGION
LARGEST INBOUND
TO GEORGIA100,000+ EMPLOY
EUROPEAN-OWNEDFACILITIES IN GEORGIA
INCREASED
47%EUROPEAN VISITORSTO GEORGIA
GERMANY,THE UK AND SWITZERLAND
ARE THE LEADINGEUROPEAN INVESTOR NATIONS
ISRAEL
• Governor Nathan Deal led a high-level delegation to Israel in 2014• GDEcD and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed led a cyber security-themed mission to Israel in 2015• Atlanta is home to the Consulate General of Israel and Conexx: America Israel Business Connector• Georgia has 1 sister city agreement with Israel: Atlanta – Ra’anana• Georgia is home to the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust• The Israel and the American South Initiative is a series of forums and dialogue programs to strengthen ties between Israel and seven Southern U.S. states
TOMER ZVULUNISRAELI CITIZEN
FOR THE ATLANTA OPERAIS THE GENERAL AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
1,18444 ISRAELI FACILITIES OPERATEIN GEORGIA EMPLOYING
GEORGIA
1LED THE NATION
GEORGIAEXPORTED IN 2015
TO ISRAEL$182MILLION
IN GOODSAND SERVICES
THE MARCUS JEWISH
TO ISRAELIN 2015
COMMUNITY CENTER OF ATLANTAIMPACTS 55,000+
PEOPLE ANNUALLY
ATLANTA JEWISHFILM FESTIVAL (AJFF)
IN THE WORLD
U.S. FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
PAPER, PAPERBOARD AND WOOD PULP
ST
WAS WITH ISRAEL IN 1985
IN THE EXPORT OF
JEWISH FILM FESTIVALLARGEST
The Barn, Puckshipton House | Beechingstoke, Wiltshire, SN9 6HG – ENGLAND
Phone: +44 (0) 1672.851.619
[email protected] | [email protected]
MIke Harling serves as the Managing Director - Trade for Georgia’s Europe office. In addition to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Mike supports the following European countries with trade services: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and The Netherlands. He is fluent in English, French and German.
Mike has 30 years of international business experience, and his background includes investment promotion experience and international sales, marketing and trade promotion roles within the automotive, aerospace and plastics sectors.
He studied at the Paris-Sorbonne University and the University of Tours in western France. He holds a degree from the University of Salford in England.
The state of Georgia has had continuous representation in the United Kingdom and Ireland since 2002. Mike has led the state’s economic development efforts in this market since the position was established.
Governor Nathan Deal traveled to the United Kingdom in 2011 and 2015, and GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr traveled to the United Kingdom in 2014 and 2015. His Excellency Enda Kenny, Ireland’s Taoiseach (Prime Minister) visited Atlanta in March 2015 in advance of St. Patrick’s Day.
The Consulate General of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Consulate General of Ireland are both located in Atlanta. Atlanta is also home to the Irish Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta, IDA (Industrial Development Agency) of Ireland, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the British American Business Group. Georgia has two sister-city agreements with the United Kingdom: LaGrange – Craigavon and Atlanta – Newcastle upon Tyne.
Peter Hannaford, Tourism International Representative, supports tourism initiatives in the UK and Ireland.
MIKE HARLINGManaging Director -
Trade
State of Georgia - Europe
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
$1.8 MILLION
SAVANNAH IS HOME TO ONE OF THE LARGESTSPECTATORS IN 2015ST. PATRICKS DAY PARADES
344,445SQUARE FOOT
UPS IS BUILDING A $184 MILLION
750,000
FACILITY IN ENGLAND
40,000WILL WATCH GEORGIA TECHTAKE ON BOSTON COLLEGE
2016 AER LINGUSIN THE
2MORE THAN
IN 2015IN DUBLIN
GEORGIA EXPORTSTO THE UK TOTALED
365 BRITISH AND IRISH IN GEORGIAFACILITIES EMPLOY 27,329
LARGEST OVERSEAS MARKETTO GEORGIA WITH 99,000 VISITORS
IN 2014
ND
MILLIONMORE THAN 6 NIGHTS STAY
UK VISITORS AVERAGE DIRECT TRAVELWITH $38.7 SPENDING
COLLEGE FOOTBALL CLASSIC
CHINA
Paul Swenson serves as Georgia’s Managing Director – Trade in China. He is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and English.
In fall 2003, Paul formed China Hand Consulting Co., Ltd. to assist U.S. states with their trade and investment initiatives and to support Chinese investors with investing in the U.S. He previously worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce Foreign Commercial Service, attached to the U.S. Consulate in Shanghai.
In 2005, Paul co-founded the Council of American States in China, a non-profit association that represents the interests of more than 40 state, city, port authority and tourism offices in China. He served as the President of the Council from 2008-2010 and again since 2012. Paul holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and Asian studies from St. Olaf College, a degree in Chinese language from East China Normal University in Shanghai and a master’s degree in
hospitality management from Cornell University.
The state of Georgia has had continuous representation in China since 2007. Paul has led Georgia’s international trade efforts in China since 2013.
Georgia and Shandong Province are both members of the Regional Leaders Summit (RLS), a strategic alliance of seven international regions fostering the exchange of best practices on topics of mutual interest. Georgia hosted the 2014 Regional Leaders Summit.
Governor Nathan Deal traveled to China in 2011 and 2013, and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed led a trade mission to China in 2012. In 2014 and 2015, In 2017, Atlanta hosts the U.S. China Tourism Leadership Summit.
Jane Zheng, Trade Representative, supports the state’s Chinese trade team.
PAUL SWENSONManaging Director -
Trade
State of Georgia - China
HI Office Tower, Suite 1003 | 899 Dong Fang Road | Shanghai 200122 - CHINA
Phone: +86 (21) 6867.6006 | [email protected] | [email protected]
[email protected] | [email protected]
John Ling joined the Georgia Department of Economic Development in August 2015 to lead the state’s investment efforts in China. A Chinese native and a naturalized U.S. citizen, John is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and English.
John earned his MBA from Charleston Southern University in Charleston, South Carolina. After graduating, he served as managing director for a U.S./China joint venture, Metallic Building Systems (Asia) Inc. In 1999, he worked with home appliance maker, Haier, to set up the first Chinese-owned green-field manufacturing operation in the U.S. He moved to Shanghai in 2005 to open the first U.S. state office in China on behalf of South Carolina.
John serves as president of Council of American States in China and was one of the founding members of Shanghai Investment Forum.
Daniel Shen, Georgia Tourism Representative, supports tourism initiatives in China.
JOHN LINGManaging Director –
Investment
CHINA
• Hisense
• SANY America
• TravelSky
• ZTE
Leading Chinese companies in Georgia:
$104 MILLIONIN 2014
CHINESE TOURISTS SPENT
GEORGIAEXPORTED IN 2015
IN 2015
TO CHINA$2.64BILLION
IN GOODS
44,000CHINESE VISITORS
3RD
CHINA IS GEORGIA’S
EXPORTMARKET
IN FIVE YEARS150%CHINESE PROJECTS
IN GEORGIA INCREASED
38CHINESE OWNEDFACILITIESLOCATED IN GEORGIA
4TH LARGESTOVERSEAS MARKET
HOSTED
TO GEORGIA
JAPAN
Yumiko Nakazono serves as Managing Director of Georgia’s office in Japan. Her responsibilities include promoting economic development within Georgia by attracting new Japanese corporate investment to the state, supporting existing Japanese investors with their Georgia expansion plans and overseeing trade and tourism initiatives between Georgia and Japan. She is fluent in Japanese and English.
Yumiko joined the Georgia Department of Economic Development as a project manager in the Tokyo office in 1989 responsible for investment recruitment and public relations. She was named Managing Director in 1994.
Prior to joining GDEcD, Yumiko was an assistant to the managing director of Fuji Xerox Company’s document system division. She graduated from Kagoshima University with a bachelor’s degree in
English and American literature and linguistics.
The state of Georgia has had an office in Japan since 1973. In the last 40+ years, the office has assisted hundreds of Japanese firms with locating to Georgia.
Georgia is a charter member of the Southeastern United States (SEUS)-Japan Alliance, established in 1976, which brings together business leaders and government officials from both regions annually. Ten Georgia cities have sister city agreements with Japan, including Elberton – Takamatsu; Atlanta – Fukuoka and Macon – Kurobe. Fukuoka City celebrated the 10th anniversary of its sister city relationship with Atlanta in 2015. Georgia is also a sister state to Kagoshima Prefecture.
The Consulate General of Japan has been located in Atlanta for more than 40 years. Atlanta is also home to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Japan-American Society of Georgia. Governor Deal traveled to Japan in 2012 and 2013. GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr led an economic development mission to Japan in 2015.
YUMIKO NAKAZONOManaging Director
State of Georgia - Japan
#205 Executive Tower Toranomon | 2-7-16 Toranomon
Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001 – JAPAN
Phone: +81 (3) 3539.1676 | [email protected]
JAPAN
• Kubota Manufacturing
of America Corporation
• Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems
• ToyoTire
• Yamaha Motor Manufacturing
Corporation of America International
• YKK
Leading Japanese companies in Georgia:
$1.4
400
GEORGIA LED THE NATION IN THE EXPORT OFAIRCRAFT ENGINES, KAOLIN, CHEMICAL WOOD PULP, PAPER AND PAPERBOARD,AND CARPETS AND OTHER TEXTILE FLOOR COVERINGS TO JAPAN IN 2015
SERVES AS MUSIC DIRECTOR OFSYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AUGUSTA
TOKYO-BORN SHIZUO Z. KUWAHARA
GEORGIA EXPORTED MORE THANBILLION IN GOODSTO JAPAN IN 2015
MORE THAN
IN GEORGIA
JAPANESE FACILITIESEMPLOY 25,000
NO. 1JAPAN IS THE
REPRESENTINGINVESTOR IN GEORGIA,
34% OF TOTAL INVESTMENT
JAPANESE VISITORS TRAVELEDTO GEORGIA IN 2014
21,000
KOREA
Hyochang-Dong 5-23, Yongsan-Ku | Seoul 140-896 – KOREA
Phone: +82 (2) 702.6093
[email protected] | [email protected]
Peter Underwood serves as Georgia’s Managing Director in Korea. He is focused on attracting Korean investment into Georgia as well as promoting Georgia exports to Korea. Peter is fluent in English and Korean.
A life-long resident of Korea, Peter is a senior partner in IRC Limited, a business development consultancy that specializes in supporting Western companies in Korea. Peter often assists international audiences with understanding Korean business practices. He also serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations.
Peter holds a BA in international affairs and history from Lewis & Clark College and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. The state of Georgia has had continuous representation in Korea since 1985.
The Consulate General of Korea; the Korean Southeast US Chamber of Commerce; Atlanta and Korean-American Chamber of Commerce are located in Atlanta. The Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association and the Korean American Coalition are also located in Atlanta. Three Georgia communities have sister city agreements with South Korea: Atlanta – Daegu, Cobb County - Seongdong-Gu and Gwinnett County - Gangnam-Gu. Governor Nathan Deal traveled to Korea in 2011 and 2013.
Hee-jung Shin serves as Georgia’s Director in Korea. She is primarily focused on promoting Korean investment within the state, but also assists Georgia companies with export requests. She is fluent in Korean and English.
Hee-jung works closely with the Korea International Trade Association, the Association of American State Offices in Korea and the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Prior to this role, Hee-jung served as Deputy General Manager for Overseas Sales at Top Jewelry, a firm trading fine jewelry in the Middle East, Europe and the U.S.
She has a degree from Williams Business College in Australia and currently attends the Korean National Open University
where she is pursuing a degree in business administration. Hee-jung has been affiliated with the state’s economic development efforts in Korea since 2006.
PETER UNDERWOODManaging Director
State of Georgia - Korea
HEE-JUNG SHINDirector
KOREA
• Daehan Solution
• Dongwon Autopart
Technology Georgia, LLC
• Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia Inc.
• SEWON America
• SKC
Leading Korean companies in Georgia: $1.5 MILLION
1
SOUTH KOREANS VISITED THE U.S. IN 2014
KOREAN AMERICA CO-PRODUCTION
FILMED INATLANTA, GA
ST
GEORGIAEXPORTED IN 2015TO KOREA
$855MILLION
IN GOODS
GEORGIA
8,00014,000 IS HOME TO 69 EMPLOYING NEARLYKOREAN FACILITIESSOUTH KOREAN
GEORGIA IN 2014VISITORS TRAVELED TO
GEORGIA LED THE NATION TO KOREAIN 2015CHEMICAL WOOD PULP, SEED AND FRUIT IN THE EXPORT OF
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISIONS AND RESOURCES
Centers of Innovation The Georgia Centers of Innovation provide Georgia companies with technical industry expertise, collaborative research and partnerships to help the state’s strategic industries connect, compete and grow globally. The six Centers of Innovation are focused on aerospace, agribusiness, energy technology, information technology, logistics and manufacturing.
GeorgiaInnovation.org
FilmThe Film division identifies and leverages existing statewide resources, assets and strengths to assist in the retention, expansion, development and growth of Georgia’s film, television and recorded music industries and related entertainment businesses. In fiscal year 2014, the film industry generated a $5.1 billion economic impact in the state.
ComeTourGeorgia.org
Georgia Council for the ArtsGeorgia Council for the Arts empowers the arts industry in Georgia and artists around the state to cultivate healthy, vibrant communities that are rich in civic participation, cultural experiences and economic prosperity. As a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Council for the Arts provides grant funding, programs and services statewide that support this vital industry, preserve cultural heritage and create increased access to high quality arts experiences. Georgia’s creative industries represent more than 12,000 businesses employing nearly 200,000 people and generating almost $29 billion in annual revenue.
GAArts.org
Global Commerce and International InvestmentThe Global Commerce division assists businesses with an interest in relocating to or expanding in the state by planning, managing and mobilizing state resources as well as coordinating a variety of services such as site location, workforce development and cost environment analysis.
Georgia.org
For a list of international companies located in Georgia, visit Insite.Georgia.org.
International RelationsThe state of Georgia has a dedicated international relations and protocol team handling matters of foreign affairs on behalf of the Governor and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. The office oversees communication and activities with foreign governments and is the state’s liaison to members of the Georgia Consular Corps. The division also manages Governor’s economic development missions, welcomes international dignitaries and delegations, and coordinates international efforts among various state departments and agencies.
For a complete list of Georgia’s Consular Corps and Bi-National Chambers of Commerce in Georgia visit: Georgia.org/Trade.
International TradeGeorgia’s award-winning International Trade division works to bolster exports and brand the state as a competitive source of quality products and services. With the support of international representatives located in 11 strategic global markets, the Georgia-based team provides exporters with the customized assistance needed to succeed in global markets. Available resources include Global Insight (services designed to provide ‘how to’ export knowledge, market intelligence and other country and industry-specific data), and Global Connections (services designed to match Georgia suppliers with qualified international buyers).
Georgia.org/Trade
For a list of Georgia exporters, visit GeorgiaExportDirectory.com.
Tourism The Tourism division, which includes regional and international representatives and 12 visitor information centers, assists the state’s communities and attractions in drawing potential travelers to their areas and individual visitors or groups discover all Georgia has to offer. Fiscal year 2014 was a record-breaking year with the tourism industry generating an economic impact of $57.1 billion and sustaining more than 426,000 jobs in the state. Georgia provides limitless tourism opportunities throughout the state, including mountains, beaches, canyons, waterfalls, parks, vineyards, metropolitan cities, professional sports teams, music heritage, southern cuisine and much more.
ExploreGeorgia.org
WorkforceThe Workforce division administers the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) under the leadership of the State Workforce Development Board with the ultimate goal of improving the quality and marketability of Georgia’s workforce to meet the needs of business.
Workforce.Georgia.org
Georgia Department of Economic Development
Technology Square | 75 Fifth Street NW, Suite 1200 | Atlanta, Georgia 30308 – USA | Georgia.org
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