Gov. Zell Miller is expected to leave the decision of whether or not to appoint two members to the Southern International Trade Council (SITC) to his successor, a spokesperson for the governor told GlobalFax last week. Mr. Miller’s term expires at the end of the year.
The Research Triangle Park, N.C.-based Southern Growth Policies Board is developing the SITC based on the model of its successful Southern Technology Council, which is comprised of representatives of 15 member states and private and non-profit organizations.
Governors of SITC member states are expected to make two appointments, and they determine the length of terms their appointees serve. Private and non-profit memberships also will be encouraged. The cost to the states and private corporations is $10,000 and $5,000 for non-profits.
The SITC’s mission is to create a globally competitive South through partnerships for research, education, sharing of best practices and the development of long-range strategies and pilot initiatives to strengthen the region’s environment for international business.
The first meeting of the SITC is to be held in conjunction with the Southern Governor’s Association (SGA) Aug.30-Sept.1 at the Hyatt Regency Cerromar Beach in Dorado, Puerto Rico. The SGA meeting is to be preceded by a trade forum on Aug. 28-29.
For more information about the SITC, call Paul Essex or Carol Conway at (919) 941-5145 or send an e-mail message to cconway@southern.org