The Committee for Geelong (CfG) will be hosting a high-level US delegation in Geelong in May of this year.

CfG Chairperson Dan Simmonds announced at the CfG's USA 2016 election event that Maurice Jones, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia, together with his delegation, will visit only three cities during their trade mission to Australia; Sydney, Melbourne and Geelong.

The visit to Geelong is a direct result of the CfG's trade mission to the USA in May 2015.

"The CfG led a trade mission to the USA last year to showcase opportunities for investment in Geelong, together with cultivating a relationship with the Commonwealth of Virginia," CfG CEO Rebecca Casson said.

"We had a very positive meeting with both the Governor of Virginia and Secretary Jones and as a result, just one year on, it will be Geelong's turn to host their delegation."

"The visit will provide an opportunity to explore commerce, trade and tourism links between our city and Virginia.  We look forward to warmly welcoming Secretary Jones and his delegation to our great city."

The CfG plans to work with the Victorian State Government, City of Greater Geelong and Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine to co-ordinate an itinerary of introductions to key Geelong businesses and civic leaders, together with visits to the regions key tourism attractions.

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Secretary Jones' bio:  https://commerce.virginia.gov/about/maurice-jones-biography/

Media Contacts:

Rebecca Casson, CEO, Committee for Geelong

rebecca.casson@committeeforgeelong.com.au

Eleanor Green, Communications Officer, Committee for Geelong

ellie.green@committeeforgeelong.com.au