JP Morgan Chase Helps Start Global Cities Initiative in Atlanta

March 21,2013

Metro Atlanta leaders will seek to grow the region’s global business opportunities through a new initiative kicked off Wednesday by CAP Member, JP Morgan Chase and the Brookings Institution.

The Global Cities Initiative, which is part of a five-year, $10 million, multi-city effort ultimately will forge new city-to-city partnerships to create trade and economic relationships to prosper from the growing urbanization of the world’s population.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said the initiative takes advantage of growing businesses through exporting and by recognizing that the “Made in USA” brand is becoming increasingly valuable in the world.

The two-day conference, held at the Academy of Medicine on the Georgia Tech campus, will lead to a new Metropolitan Export Plan for Atlanta.

Invest Atlanta, the city’s economic development arm, and the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs, will lead the effort, assess marketing and business opportunities and begin to implement improvements. It will work with other core partners in the region, including the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center.

“The Metro Atlanta Chamber has always promoted exports as part of our global commerce strategy,” said Hans Gant, senior vice president of economic development at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “... We welcome the support of the Brookings Institution and appreciate the expertise they bring to this effort. Their involvement will enhance the collaboration among the partners in developing an export strategy for the region.”

-Courtesy, Atlanta Business Chronicle