It is a privilege and an honor to serve as Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Association for the 2009-2010 year. It’s been 75 years since this organization was founded and the American South has changed dramatically. What was once a mostly rural, agricultural society has been transformed into an industrial and technological powerhouse that – when combined – makes up the third largest economy in the world.

The automotive, aerospace, bio-tech, and energy sectors are booming in the South and our competitive position in the global economy has never been stronger.

This is a critical time for our Southern states. It’s time for us to work together. It’s time to use our collective influence to benefit the region. It’s time to combine our economic development efforts to create a better future for our children and our grandchildren.

That’s why our initiative this year will be Securing Southern Economic Success.

In the coming months we will explore our individual economic goals and find ways in which we can collaborate on promoting the South overseas. We will have candid discussions about federal issues and how certain policies could affect our states. We won’t agree on every part of every issue, but we should always agree that our Southern perspective must be part of the discussion.

Over the years, we’ve proven time and again that we can accomplish more together than we can alone. This year, we’ll show the world what the American South has to offer. And we’ll do it together.