The InterBattery Convention is the world’s premier battery event. On March 3 - 9, 2024, a delegation of SEDC members will travel to Seoul, South Korea to ramp up Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the American South. SEDC will have an exhibit booth at the show and is set to share the south's business advantages and opportunities. “Our people-and-project-ready member states charge the future of the battery and EV industry,” said Matt Tackett, president of SEDC. “The Council is a great gateway to the world's premier investment location. We plan to leverage our position to the fullest as we invite the world to the American South."

While in Korea, a 13-person SEDC delegation will also meet with trade representatives at the U.S. Embassy and the American Chamber of Commerce. Direct meetings with EV and battery companies will give the delegation access to industry-specific decision-makers and innovators. Prior to departing for Korea, the delegation also met with Korean Embassy representatives in the United States in February. 

American South Delegation to Korea/InterBattery

Chuck Whipple, Director of Business Development for ECS Southeast, is a member of the delegation. “It is paramount to provide our states with opportunities to get in front of investors,” Whipple said. “For the past 24 to 36 months, SEDC has had a laser focus on EV and batteries. There is a big reason we’re going to Seoul. Everything we do is based on relationships first, and business second. Without establishing trusted relationships, trying to talk business is a nonstarter.”

SEDC is the “landing pad,” said Brian Gwin of Norfolk Southern and Chair of SEDC’s Board. “Batteries are a hot topic, and our work in Seoul will help investors see that the American South is the right place to do business,” he said. SEDC's presence at the convention in Seoul will be a major step forward for the Council. “It feels like a good fit for what’s needed by our members,” Gwin said. “This is just the beginning.”

For more information on SEDC FDI or other initiatives, contact Council Director of Membership Engagement, Clay Snowden, at clay@sedc.org.