CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – May 26, 2014 – Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. along with top officials from the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority participated in the USVI Economic Development Summit in Atlanta this past week.

The two-day summit hosted by the USVI Alliance brought together Virgin Islanders from academic, industry and government sectors to collaborate on economic development strategies.

While in Atlanta, the VIEDA capitalized on the opportunity to meet face-to-face with site selection consultants based in the area. Additionally, the VIEDA hosted a tax benefits seminar and reception for 20-plus targeted tax and personal wealth management advisors.

“Atlanta is a prime market for the U.S. Virgin Islands to deliver its message of a place of promise, opportunity and prosperity,” de Jongh said. “Many executives within the tax community have heard of the USVI’s unique tax incentive programs, but this seminar gave them the chance to learn in more depth how the USVI can help the businesses they advise.”

Led by a presentation from the Governor, the tax benefits seminar was delivered to a standing-room-only crowd. The seminar also included remarks by Jennifer Nugent-Hill, Assistant CEO and Chief Operating Officer of the VIEDA; insight from the Governor’s legal counsel Nagesh Tammara; a compelling company testimonial from Timothy Hayes, Executive Vice President of Ocwen Mortgage Servicing, Inc.; and a call-to-action by Commissioner Albert Bryan, Chairman of the VIEDA Governing Board.

During the summit, the VIEDA delegation also participated in the “Building an Economic Ecosystem” panel, which educated summit attendees on the Economic Development Commission (EDC) tax incentive program. De Jongh delivered the summit’s keynote address, noting how the USVI’s diversification of industries will lead to economic success in years to come.

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