Global South Metro Exchange Draws 250 to the Upstate

Transportation, Free Trade Agreements and the value of collaboration emerged as core themes during the Global South Metro Exchange on July 21, a first-of-its-kind event coordinated by the Upstate Alliance for leaders from Upstate, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Charleston to discuss global competitiveness.

International trade and investment is a common interest for partner regions and the 250 business and community leaders who attended. The event originated during conversations among regions participating in the Global Cities Initiative, a four-year learning and action network to help metropolitan leaders develop and implement regional strategies to boost global trade and investment.

The event’s presenting sponsor was JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Metro Atlanta Chamber, Charlotte Regional Collaborative for a Global Economy, and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance partnered in planning. 

In a series of blogs, we’ll recap event highlights such as: 

• Globalization: A Mayoral Take, with insights from Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg and Greenville Mayor Knox White

• Free Trade Agreements: Vital for American Businesses, featuring takeaways from representatives of small and large businesses

• Southeastern High Speed Rail Would Foster Connectivity, a presentation from the Georgia Department of Transportation

• We’re in the 7th Inning: A “Realist” Take on America’s Economy, with economic insights from Jim Glassman, Managing Director and Head Economist with JPMorgan Chase & Co.