Authors and contributors:
  • Benjy Thompson
  • Brian Gwin
  • Chuck Whipple
  • Colleen Walton
  • Courtland Robinson


  • Jack Thomas
  • James Chavez
  • Joe Hines
  • Justyn Dixon
  • Mackenzie Mosey
  • Marketing Alliance
  • Matt Tackett
  • Matthew Harrison
  • Scott Poag
  • W. Ford Graham



Winter 2024 Newsletter
2024
SEDC FDI Initiatives
The Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) has a renewed focus on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2024 for its 17 member states.
SEDC FDI Committee Chair Courtland Robinson said a target for 2024 is batteries for electric vehicles. While bilateral trade is still in play, Robinson said that identifying companies that want to invest in the region is a priority. “We’re more interested in inbound FDI right now,” he said.

When a delegation of SEDC members visited Hanover, Germany, for a trade show, they came away understanding that overseas companies are often unaware of government structures in the United States. That experience led to discussions of how the SEDC could best engage in FDI.

This issue of the SEDC Newsletter focuses on the value of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Read on.
FDI Insight & Spotlights
Asia, Here We Come
The InterBattery Convention is the
world’s premier battery event. In March 2024, a delegation of SEDC members will travel to Seoul, South Korea to ramp up Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) initiatives in the Southeast.
FDI on a Budget
If you’re looking to attract Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI) on a small budget, it’s essential to focus on strategic and cost-effective approaches. Here are some tips to help you attract FDI with limited resources.
FDI Trends for 2024

Mackenzie Mosey of ResearchFDI
is looking closely at Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) trends that are
expected this year. Here are some of
the shifts to keep an eye on.
FDI Success Stories
Over the past couple of years, North Carolina’s economic landscape has experienced a boom, and foreign direct investment (FDI) has played a pivotal role in the state’s success.

“Secret sauce” & other key
ingredients in successful
economic development
Benjy Thompson, Matthew Harrison, and Justyn Dixon discuss how they put together billions in investment deals.
Economic Development
QuickTips Videos
Understanding the Culture
James Chavez
Lack of Consistency
Colleen Walton
What's Wrong With Your Map
Ford Graham
Site Selection Tips
Joe Hines
Upcoming Major Events
April 30 - May 1, 2024
• #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit - Atlanta, GA
June 23 - 26, 2024
SelectUSA Investment Summit - Washington, DC
July 28 - 30, 2024
• SEDC Annual Conference - Savannah, GA
Oct 29 - 30, 2024
Emerging Leaders #YPCon - Greenville, SC

Newsletter Planning by the
Communication Committee
Members:
Kevin Johnson
Communication Chair
Kajima Building & Design Group Inc.

Ashley Llewellyn
St. Tammany Corporation

Colleen Walton
Brand Acceleration

Elizabeth Lee
St. Tammy Corporation

Gus Fontenot
SWLA Economic Development Alliance

Heath Slapikas
365 Degree Total Marketing

Linda Mosely
365 Degree Total Marketing
Maria Satira
Greenville ENC Alliance

Mark Weilenman
Marketing Alliance

Matthew Darius
Southern Economic Development Council

Matthew Tackett
Southern Economic Development Council

Sarah Macaluso
Red Sage Communications, Inc.

Sherri Washington
Rockdale County GA Commissioner

Stacey Zawacki
Lafayette Economic Development Authority
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