In an attempt to attract more foreign investment to Atlanta, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce is currently leading a 13-person delegation to Europe on its second major trade mission of the year.

The chamber’s first mission in April traveled to Asia to solidify relationships in Korea, Japan and Taiwan, John Woodward, director of foreign investment for the chamber, told GlobalAtlanta.

This trip—which will take delegates to Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom—will follow a similar format, as delegates from the chamber, Atlanta law firms, the area’s banking industry and others call on companies with a investment presence or an expressed interest in Atlanta.

“We have a few prospective companies that are considering here, and we want to take advantage of this opportunity to speak with them,” said Mr. Woodward. 

The delegation left Monday, Nov. 4, and will return on Wednesday, Nov. 14.  After spending the first three days in Belgium, the second half of this week will be spent in the Netherlands.  During the weekend, Mr. Woodward said they would “jump” to the U.K., spending most of their time in London and Manchester, England.

The list of delegates not employed by the chamber, as provided by Mr. Woodward, includes: Gary Peacock, president and CEO, SunTrust Banks; Jeff McCoy, senior vice president, international corporate banking, BB&T; Kevin Fletcher, vice president for community and economic development, Georgia Power; Arnaldo Ruiz, assistant general manager, commercial, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Charles Whatley, director, commerce and entrepreneurship, Atlanta Development Authority; Anton Mertens, partner, Smith Gambrell & Russell LLP; Tycho Stahl, partner, Arnall Golden Gregory LLP; Bernard Vanderlande, senior managing consultant, Harvard Group International and Eric de Groot, director, Holland America Chamber.

Chamber officials include: Mr. Woodward, Hans Gant, senior vice president, economic development; Jorge Fernandez, vice president, global commerce and Karen Holladay, project manager.