Lientenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp to Officially Lead Florida Delegation to Annual SEUS/Japan Joint Meeting

Miami, FL, September 20, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Florida Delegation, Southeast U.S./Japan Association, Inc. (“SEUS/Japan”) is pleased to announce that Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp has confirmed that he will lead Florida’s Official Delegation to the 31st Annual Joint Meeting of Japan-U.S. Southeast and Southeast U.S./Japan Associations that will be held in Tokyo this coming October. Florida is this year completing its two-year term as official host state of this prestigious event under the continued Chairmanship of Thomas F. Petway, III of Jacksonville. The U.S. Ambassador to Japan and other SEUS member state governors, delegation leaders, delegates will participate along with senior government and business leaders of Japan for a total of some 500+ delegates. Japan remains Florida’s second largest trading partner and fifth largest foreign direct investor in the state, and is by far the world’s second largest economy.

SEUS/Japan is now processing regular registrations for official Florida delegates to attend the annual Joint Meeting now through the end of this month. This year’s conference marks the 31st Annual Joint Meeting of the two Associations, and will be held in Tokyo this coming October 14-16 at the Imperial Hotel (the Joint Meeting site is alternated each year between Japan and one of the eight southeastern member states – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.) Florida began its two-year hosting last year, and continues as co-host and lead state this year in Tokyo.

The Joint Meeting offers delegates an opportunity to meet with top government and business leaders from Japan and the other Southeast U.S. member states, and includes sessions on the current economic outlook in Japan, trade, investment, training, education and alternative fuels and energy. There will also be an invitational golf tournament, tours, receptions and special entertainment with excellent networking opportunities. A total of some 500+ delegates are expected to attend the conference. Last year, Florida and the then Governor, Jeb Bush, officially hosted the event in Orlando, where some 600 delegates participated. “This year, our Florida Delegation and leader will enjoy rare, special privileges as co-host state. All of our participating Florida delegates should benefit greatly from this special opportunity afforded to them and we are delighted that Lt. Governor Kottkamp will lead our delegation to Japan,” said joint meeting co-chair and the eight-state Association chairman, Thomas F. Petway, III of Jacksonville.

The mission of Florida Delegation of Southeast U.S./Japan Association, Inc. is to promote business, educational, tourism, cultural and broad friendship ties between Japan and the seven other SEUS member states. The Association has individual, NPO and corporate membership programs open to all individuals, organizations and businesses interested in furthering relations between Florida, Japan and the region in these areas.

Anyone interested in attending should immediately contact the Association’s Executive Office at the numbers or email address below to register now as regular registration will close September 26, 2007, and each state is only allowed to bring a limited number of delegates. More information is also available at Florida Delegation’s website: www.fl-seusjapan.org or upon request by phone or email.

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