The Prince Edward Island delegation of Team Atlantic have rated the New England Trade Mission last month a big success.
In the legislature today, Premier Binns released the results of a survey completed by the participants upon their return from the trip. The 10 companies were asked to provide feedback on their impressions of the mission — everything from the success of the matchmaking sessions to logistics and organization.
Asked to rate the overall success of the mission on a scale of one to five, 80 per cent graded it four or higher. Of the 10 participating companies, eight expected immediate sales, 90 per cent got ideas as a result of the mission, and 100 per cent generated leads for future business opportunities. According to the survey, Island companies expect immediate sales of over $750,000 and sales over the next two years is expected to reach approximately $2 million as a result of the mission. The companies projected job creation numbers to reach 12 position, including full-time and seasonal.
The results of the survey are of particular interest to Premier Binns. The original concept of conducting an Atlantic Canadian mission to New England was tabled by him. In addition, the Government of Prince Edward Island, in cooperation with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, was the lead province in organizing the Team Atlantic mission on behalf of the Conference of Atlantic Premiers.
"The results of this survey show the strength of the trading potential between Island companies and New England," stated Premier Binns. "The relationships that were fostered during this mission will have long term effects on how we conduct business with our neighbours to the south."
The purpose of the Team Atlantic trade mission was to establish new business partnerships, increase trade and investment, and build strategic alliances between businesses in Atlantic Canada and companies located in the New England region.
In each state, meetings were arranged between the 39 Atlantic Canadian companies and potential trading partners doing business in the New England area. Island companies had a total of 94 meetings with potential clients/partners during the mission.
The Prince Edward Island delegation consisted of representatives from Atlantic Canada Home, Atlantic Store Decor Inc., DeltaWare Systems Inc., Fine Food Investments Ltd., Island Control Ltd., Island Quality Vegetables Inc., J. Perry Inc., Money's Mushrooms Limited, Royalty Hardwoods Ltd., and Seaman's Beverages Ltd.
Team Atlantic was an initiative of the Conference of Atlantic Premiers and was funded by the Canada/Atlantic Provinces COOPERATION Agreement on International Business Development, a pan-Atlantic trade agreement between the federal government — represented by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and Industry Canada — and the four provincial governments. The four-day mission began in Boston, Massachusetts on April 12 and moved to Burlington, Vermont and Manchester, New Hampshire, before wrapping up in Portland, Maine on April 15.