The Southern Economic Development Council, North America’s oldest and largest regional economic development association, has announced the formalization of a committee dedicated to the promotion of the American South as the world’s top business destination and the advancement of foreign direct investment (FDI) therein. Created by an act of the SEDC Board of Directors in May 2023, the SEDC FDI Committee will serve as the Council’s international marketing and business development authority. Furthermore, the Committee will represent SEDC members collectively as the voice of the American South.

“The American South is the world’s leading and most promising international business location. With the launch of the SEDC FDI Committee, we offer members a new membership service. More importantly, this Committee creates a forum through which a regional FDI strategy will emerge,” stated SEDC Board Chairman Scott Poag. “We fully expect this Committee to be active in an increasingly competitive global market. We also expect, as we identify a strategic game plan and refine services, to leverage the American South advantage meaningfully for our members and region. This Committee was created for direct impact.”

The SEDC FDI Committee will be governed by the Council’s 17-state Board of Directors and staffed by Council President Matt Tackett. Duke Energy’s Courtland Robinson has been appointed as the inaugural Committee Chair. Robinson provides power-intensive location advisory services for SEDC Investor, Duke Energy. “I am honored to serve as the first Chair of the SEDC FDI Committee, and thank Chairman Poag for this opportunity. With colleagues throughout our 17 SEDC states, we plan to build an inclusive platform to accelerate investment in the American South. The economic power of the SEDC region is equaled by the intellectual capital of our members,” stated Robinson. “Our members are responsible for the American South’s ascension as the world’s third largest and the best-poised economy. Imagine what we can do together when we combine our capacities to form a collective FDI strategy and service portfolio. This Committee will focus on a holistic approach to foreign direct investment attraction, including international business networks, emerging supply chains and industry alignment, member education, and marketing and communication. We look forward to working with members and welcoming new enterprises to the American South.”

SEDC members interested in serving on the FDI Committee are encouraged to contact Council President Matt Tackett at mtackett@sedc.org to communicate their desire to serve. The FDI Committee will host a kick-off meeting on June 21, 2023.