Governor Gilmore Announces Virginia to Host 2000 Southeast U.S.-Japan Economic Conference

Governor Names Norfolk Southern's David Goode Conference Chair

Richmond - Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that the Commonwealth of Virginia will host the 25th Annual Joint Meeting of the Southeast United States-Japan Association (SEUS) and the Japan-United States Southeast Association, in Norfolk, September 30 through October 3, 2000. The Governor also named David R. Goode, Chairman, President and CEO of Norfolk Southern Corporation, chair for the 2000 conference. 

"I am pleased to announce that Virginia will host this impressive conference of business and government leaders from Japan and the Southeast region," said Governor Gilmore. "Hosting the silver anniversary SEUS/Japan Joint Meeting underscores the significance of Virginia's trading relationship with Japan and the growing investment of Japanese companies in our state." 

The SEUS-Japan Association, organized in 1976, was created to foster the development of industry and trade and promote friendly relations between the Southeastern United States and Japan in the areas of international trade, culture, industry, technology and commerce. The seven member states include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The association, since its inception, meets in even-numbered years in the U.S. and in Japan during the odd- numbered years. In October 1998, the conference was held in Mobile, Alabama. Virginia first hosted the conference in 1986 at The Homestead in Bath County. 

Conference Chair David Goode joined a Norfolk Southern predecessor Norfolk and Western Railway Company in 1965, and became Chairman of Norfolk Southern Corporation in 1992. He holds an AB degree in accounting from Duke University, a juris doctorate degree from Harvard Law School, and is a graduate of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program. A native of Vinton, Virginia, Mr. Goode currently serves on many boards of directors including Caterpillar Inc., Delta Air Lines, Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Texas Instruments and the United States Chamber of Commerce. He serves on the boards of trustees for the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial Foundation, Hollins University and the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges. 

Festivities for the Joint Meeting will begin with an industrial tour for the Japanese delegates showcasing the Port of Virginia in Hampton Roads. Tours of Hampton Roads attractions, a conference golf tournament and special events at area venues will be held. The opening ceremony, plenary sessions, two sets of concurrent breakout sessions and a gala dinner event will occur during the conference. Previous SEUS/Japan conferences have attracted more than 700 delegates including Japanese ambassadors and the governors from participating states.

"This conference serves as an excellent opportunity to showcase Virginia's unique assets to the leaders of Japan's business community," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. "Japan is Virginia's second largest export market and over 85 Japanese companies call Virginia home." 

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and numerous regional and local economic development organizations will plan and administer the 2000 SEUS/Japan conference. 

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