SAVANNAH, GA, USA – For the fourth year in a row, World Trade Center Savannah welcomed international delegates from the Consular Corps, Bi-National Chambers and trade offices in Atlanta, Ga. to Savannah for a three-day familiarization tour of the region. This is also the second year in a row in which WTC Savannah has collaborated with Georgia Power in order to make the event possible. The event, which occurred March 25-27, served as a chance to build international relationships and to introduce the delegates to existing assets and opportunities for international growth that exist within the southeast Georgia region. Countries represented in the delegation included Canada, Germany, Italy, Nigeria, the United Kingdom and Brazil.

The event began with a trip to Georgia Southern University (GSU) where delegates toured the campus and received an overview of the manufacturing and engineering lab. The tour concluded with a reptile show at the university’s Center for Wildlife Education and the Lamar Q Ball, Jr. Raptor Center. Following the tour of GSU, guests enjoyed an evening waterfront reception and dinner.

On the second day, the delegates traveled further down the coast of Georgia and toured the Georgia Ports Authority’s Port of Brunswick, the number one port in the country for new auto imports. The delegates received a tour and overview for the site of the German car manufacturer, Mercedes. Guests then made their way to the Jekyll Island Club Hotel and ended with a tour of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. The day concluded with dinner and a performance at the 26th Annual Savannah Music Festival. “Kodo One Earth Tour,” a group of dancers and drummers from Japan gave the delegates a taste of Japanese folk art while connecting with regional Economic Development Authority (EDA) leadership.

On the last day, the delegates were paired with EDA leadership for a customized tour of three different counties in southeast Georgia. Delegates received a taste of culture and quality of life by exploring the historic Ebenezer Salzburger settlement, participating in clay shooting at Dorchester Hunting Preserve and enjoying a tour of Ford Plantation and a scenic boat ride on a coastal waterway. These activities were mixed with introductions to area industries, which included a tour of British-headquartered manufacturer, International Greetings USA; French-headquartered, SNF Holding Company; German-headquartered manufacturer, Orafol and the power transformer company, EFACEC.

Following the familiarization tours of Savannah’s neighboring counties, the guests received a private tour of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) museum and enjoyed another Savannah Music Festival concert performed by Irish folk bank Lúnasa.