SAVANNAH, Ga., Sept. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As the premiere cleantech conference of the South, the Savannah International Clean Energy Conference (SICEC), November 11 -13, is set to bring international exposure to Georgia and highlight the regions clean technology strengths. Georgia VIP participants include Governor Nathan Deal, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, and Savannah Mayor Edna Branch Jackson.  Among the event's over 50 speakers, Georgia's John W. Somerhalder II of AGL Resources and Duke Energy Renewables' Greg Wolf will discuss how clean energy companies can most effectively engage with utilities. Early bird rates are available through September 15. 

"This event promises exciting interactions and meaningful collaboration between Georgia and the world," said Craig Lesser, Managing Partner of Pendleton Consulting Group, and co-organizer of the event. "Our legacy of shipping and manufacturing makes Georgia a prime location for international clean energy job creation and we are showing the world that Savannah is a great location for cleantech business."

"Like the Olympics, this is a gathering of the very best of cleantech from all over the world," said Shawn Lesser Co-Founder of Atlanta's Watershed Capital Group and the Global Cleantech Cluster Association (GCCA). "We have a great debate moderated by Dallas Kachan, covering the pros and cons of government cleantech incentives. Plus, 30 global cleantech companies as semi-finalists competing in the GCCA Later Stage Awards."

The SICEC great debate features VADM Dennis V. McGinn, Retired Vice Admiral and President of ACORE and Kenneth Green of the American Enterprise Institute among others, debating whether cleantech subsidies and incentives are effective or a waste of taxpayer resources. Other session topics include cleantech challenges, sustainable urban development, corporate and venture capital partnerships and more.

The Global Cleantech Cluster Association will hold its 2012 Later Stage Award Gala on November 12th at the conference. The annual ceremony highlights the organization's top picks for cleantech companies in 10 categories, as judged by venture capitalists who have invested over $3.5 billion in cleantech.

"Out of 200 outstanding later-stage companies, we're announcing our Best in Class winners in Savannah," said Ben Taube, Executive Chairman of the GCCA. "These companies are finding significant success in their sectors and supporting the green economies of their regions."

Top-level sponsors of the conference include Southern Company, AGL Resources, Mitsubishi Power Systems, the City of Savannah and the Savannah Economic Development Authority. The conference is also co-organized by Cleantech Connections and Stephen Green, incoming chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

To register or more information please visit http://savannahcleanenergy.com/

About the Global Cleantech Cluster Association
The Global Cleantech Cluster Association (GCCA) provides a gateway for established and emerging cleantech companies to gain exposure to potential investors, new markets, influential networks, innovative technologies and best practices. GCCA was founded by the Finnish Cleantech Cluster, Skipso, swisscleantech, Technica Communications and Watershed Capital Group. For more information about the GCCA, please visit www.globalcleantech.org.

About the Savannah International Clean Energy Conference
The Savannah International Clean Energy Conference brings together top influencers and leaders to discuss and debate the most pressing issues and provide timely information on a variety of sectors and best practices. From clean energy to cleantech and global security to sustainable cities, and more, the SICEC is three days of dynamic interaction among the world's top investors, innovators, corporations, and government agencies. To register or more information please visit http://savannahcleanenergy.com/

MEDIA CONTACT
Lisa Ann Pinkerton
Technica Communications
408-806-9626
lisaann@technicacommunications.com

SOURCE Savannah International Clean Energy Conference