Otis Johnson, Mayor of Savannah
The 2009 Entrepreneurial Days conference and matchmaking expo took place in Savannah, Georgia in April. Currents asked Otis S. Johnson, Mayor of Savannah to reflect on the event. Here are our questions and the mayor’s answers:
Mayor Johnson is a Savannah native who was elected mayor in November 2003, and reelected in November 2007. He has focused on developing the city economically as well as socially by neighborhood improvement and fighting crime. He endorsed Barack Obama for president in the 2008 presidential election campaign.
Q) What was your overall impression of Edays Savannah?
A) I thought the Edays in Savannah was a huge success. It allowed networking and an exchange of information that I think will be helpful to all participants.
Q) Do you think the broader business community in Savannah took notice of the event?
A) It was extremely happy to have the event in Savannah and participated in all the events that were open to them.
Q) What did you think of the Swedish companies who attended Edays?
A) They showed intense interest in doing business in the United States and we worked hard to convince them that Georgia and Savannah would be a nice launch pad for their entry into the United States.
Q) Do you think it will lead to new business cooperation between Savannah and Sweden?
A) Our recent trip to Sweden convinces me that we will have a bright, cooperative, mutually beneficial experience with companies in Sweden.
Q) Can you mention any fields where you are extra hopeful for business cooperation between Sweden and Savannah and Georgia?
A) We see potentials in the area of developing 1) biofuels, 2) sustainable building practices and materials, 3) energy and conservation, and 4) solar technology.
Q) Was your recent trip to Sweden related to Edays Savannah?
A) Yes, we were following through on our relationship with the city of Växjö. We also visited Borås to review what they are doing and how they may also help us with our sustainability agenda.
Q) What do you think the long-term result of the Savannah-Sweden cooperation will be?
A) One. We will receive technical assistance and develop business opportunities when we restore our visitor’s center and when we develop the new 500 unit housing initiative called Savannah Gardens. Two. There will be opportunities for cultural exchanges as well as opportunities for businesses to use Savannah as a gateway to the United States market.
Hans Sandberg
