Governors From Nation's Largest Region to Discuss Jobs, Investment and Trade in the American South

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - Aug 7, 2012) - While the nation's economy continues its slow recovery, governors in the American South are stepping up their economic development efforts to increase trade, attract business and investments, improve infrastructure and support increased activity in advanced manufacturing.

State chief executives from the world's fifth largest economy* will join Puerto Rico Governor Luis Fortuño for the 2012 annual meeting of the Southern Governors' Association (SGA) in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, from August 10 - 12, for discussions focused on creating jobs through expanded trade with Latin America and growing the advanced manufacturing sector.

A variety of renowned business leaders and subject matter experts will join Southern governors during the weekend's meeting. Francisco J. Sanchez, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration; Brian P. Kelly, Chief Product Supply Officer, Coca-Cola Refreshments and Eric Farnsworth, Vice President, Council of the Americas and Americas Society will discuss strengthening the region's ties to Latin America.

Following that discussion, governors will talk about maximizing the American South's logistical advantage with Alberto Aleman Zubieta, Administrator Chief Executive Officer, Panama Canal Authority; Myron Gray, President for U.S. Operations, UPS and Jerry A. Bridges, Executive Director, Virginia Port Authority and Chairman, American Association of Port Authorities.

Governors will hear from David C. Chavern, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Robbi Jones, President, Kipling Jones & Co. and David Alvarez Castaneda, Executive Director, Puerto Rico Public-Private Partnership Authority on ways to meet infrastructure challenges through innovative financing.

Noted business consultant Harold (Hal) Sirkin of the Boston Consulting Group and Southern governors will explore what needs to be done to support the continued return and resurgence of advanced manufacturing throughout the region. Sirkin often writes about trends in innovation and global business competition.

Governors will conclude the meeting with a discussion on energy in the American South -- focusing on trends, predictions and policy considerations -- with John W. Somerhalder II, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, AGL Resources; W. Paul Bowers, President and Chief Executive Officer, Georgia Power and Dr. Tony Haymet, Director, Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Vice Chancellor-Marine Sciences, UC San Diego.

Kentucky Governor Steven L. Beshear will assume SGA chairmanship at the conclusion of the meeting.

Who: Governors of the American South's 16 states and 2 territories, administration and legislative officials, representatives from foreign countries, business and academic leaders with a vested interest in the American South, members of the media

What: Southern Governors' Association (SGA) 2012 Annual Meeting

When: August 10 - 12, 2012

Where: Rio Mar Beach Resort, 6000 Rio Mar Boulevard, Rio Grande, PR 00745

MEDIA REGISTRATION: Media may register on site, and may experience delays in clearing security and obtaining credentials. All media must pick up their individual credentials in person at the Rio Mar Beach Resort. Two forms of ID are required to pick up SGA credentials. These must include a government-issued photo identification (such as a driver's license or passport) and a current press credential or business card.

PARKING: Members of the media who wish to park a satellite truck during the annual meeting must contact SGA's Communications Office prior to the meeting to make arrangements.

Founded in 1934, Southern Governors' Association (SGA) is the oldest and historically the largest of the regional governors' associations. SGA uses the power of connection, collaboration and communications in a bipartisan manner to solve regional problems, improve quality of life and secure an economically vibrant and prosperous American South.

* International Rankings: Gross Domestic Product 2010, World Bank, July 1, 2011.