GDITT and the Andrew Young School Seek Student Input For Georgia's Global Trade Efforts
at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies

Contact: Robert Morris
Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism
Phone: 404-651-8578
Pager: 404-382-2589

ATLANTA, February 15 -- With a little bit of research and writing, college students throughout Georgia have a unique opportunity to shape the state's economic outreach efforts.

The Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism (GDITT) and the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies are seeking briefing papers regarding the current state of various industry segments around the world. These papers, which can be submitted by undergraduate or graduate students from both public and private colleges and universities in Georgia, should discuss the issues that prompt global companies to select Georgia as a place in which to locate facilities and conduct projects.

"As we continue the state's progressive activities in expanding international trade, we think that our students in higher education are an important resource for research, ideas and recommendations," said R.K. Sehgal, GDITT's Commissioner. "This competition will engage students in Georgia's economic development efforts, which is a very exciting prospect for our department as well as Georgia's colleges and universities."

Julia Melkers, associate professor of Public Administration and Urban Studies at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, said that students participating in the competition might see some of their work brought to life. "To be successful in appealing to other countries as a trading partner, it is critical to thoroughly assess strengths, weaknesses and opportunities in those countries," said Dr. Melkers. "We want to encourage students to take part in this competition. They have a chance to make a real impact on Georgia's business development prospects."

Each paper will examine conditions in one industry within one country. Important questions to address include: (1) Is the industry and / or country currently growing, and if so, what are the reasons? (2) Are firms in that industry exporting goods and services to the United States… to the Southeast… to Georgia? (3) Would companies in that industry be more profitable if they moved production facilities or other operations to Georgia?

The winning entries will be awarded cash prizes ranging from $50 to $300. Additionally, the Commissioner's Choice Recognition Award will go to the best paper of each country / industry segment. The deadline to submit papers is April 15, 2002 at 5 p.m. All papers must be submitted via email to Laura Malone, Student Competition Coordinator, at lgmalone@gsu.edu.

The Georgia Department of Industry, Trade & Tourism is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, promoting the state as a location for film and video projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. For more information, visit www.georgia.org or call 404-656-3545.