Memphis Community Leaders Travel to Panama to Source Program Elements and Economic Opportunities
Memphis, TN (PRWEB) December 18, 2013 -- A group of leaders from the Memphis in May International Festival including James L. Holt, President & CEO, Ron Coleman, 2014 Chairman of the Board of Directors, Randy Blevins, Vice President of Programming, and Ernest Strickland, Greater Memphis Chamber’s Director of Economic Development, are traveling this week to Panama, the 2014 honored country for the 38th annual Memphis in May International Festival. In addition to economic development and diplomatic duties, the group will explore the country’s cultural amenities and source program elements for the 2014 salute to Panama.
The Panama trip will center in Panama City, the country’s business and administrative center of government, with brief visits to David and Bocas del Toro. Scheduled appointments in the itinerary for the Memphis in May International Festival delegation include meetings with Ambassador Jonathan D. Farrar, and officials from the Embassy of the United States - Panama, The Panama Canal Authority (ACP), Panama Chamber of Commerce, Museo del Canal, and AMCHAM Panama.
“Memphis in May International Festival works closely with the Greater Memphis Chamber, and serves as a catalyst to develop international trade and educational opportunities for the Mid-South,” said Holt. “Our job is to open the door for establishing relationships using our Festival’s unique program elements, which helps to positively promote Memphis to the world and brings the world to Memphis.”
"I'm pleased to be taking part in this trip and look forward to learning more about Panama’s rich culture and people, as well as its rapidly expanding international trade environment,” said the organization’s Chairman, Ron Coleman. “Continuing Memphis’ global outreach is imperative to our region's continued success and growth and the annual Memphis in May International Festival is an excellent opportunity to extend a hand of friendship to different cultures and expand many opportunities," he said. Coleman is also President and CEO of Competition Cams.
With an average annual growth rate of 8.5 percent, Panama’s per capita GDP has more than doubled over the past decade, according to the International Monetary Fund. This impressive growth performance has been driven by a steady rise in public and private investment in a stable economic environment buttressed by prudent policies. The Memphis group will explore areas for potential trade and investment.
The Memphis in May International Festival will return to Panama in early March when Coleman will lead a group of 45 Memphis civic leaders, cultural enthusiasts and representatives from the Greater Memphis Chamber on an international tour designed to further relationships with the 2014 honored country. The March 8 – 14, 2014 Memphis in May International Tour of Panama has reached group capacity and is sold out.
Tonya Dyson, Memphis in May, http://www.memphisinmay.org/, +1 901-525-4611 Ext: 127, [email protected]
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