Representatives Duncan & Pitts in Germany to recruit business and industry:
In an effort to assist the South Carolina Department of Commerce with industry recruitment, Representative Jeff Duncan (R - Laurens/Newberry Cos.) and Representative Mike Pitts (R - Laurens/Greenwood Cos.) made a commitment to travel to Germany on the 2008 Trade Mission.
Monday's agenda includes meeting with Koeber, a German company which recently announced a strong investment in Laurens County. Following that meeting, the group, which includes Dr. Jay West from Greenwood County and Edward B. O'Donnell, former US Ambassador and current Director for International Operations for the American Business Development Group, will meet with prospective German Companies in Berlin.
After two days in Berlin, the Trade Mission will move to Hannover, Germany for the Hannover Trade Fair, the largest trade fair in Europe.
Jeff's Notes: I want to specifically mention the work that SC Commerce has done to put this trip together and the outstanding work that Ian Forbes-Jones, Managing Director of the SC European Office, along with the Asst. Director - John Stilwell, are doing in Europe. In just a short time, it was apparent to the Trade Mission delegates that these two are doing a fantastic job for the state of South Carolina!
With the strength of the EURO against the DOLLAR, now is the time for South Carolina to really be recruiting European industry. I wish more were in attendance with us here in Germany, but aside from that - I look forward to making a positive impact on SC economic development efforts here.
For the Pundits out there: No State dollars were involved in our travels to Europe.
