Chicago means business, which suits Team Canada Atlantic just fine. Participants concluded their second day of successful business meetings yesterday, in the city recently named by Moody’s Investor Services as the most economically diverse metropolitan area in the U.S.
During this second day, representatives from 45 Atlantic Canadian companies and business organizations attended meetings with potential agents, brokers, distributors, and strategic partners in Chicago. The trade mission wraps up on Thursday, April 14, 2005.
“The Atlantic Canadian delegation is building business relationships with local companies and organizations,” said the Honourable Joe McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “This mission is allowing us to showcase the quality products and services Atlantic Canada has to offer, while promoting the region as a good place to do business.”
Senator Marilyn Trenholme Counsell is taking part in the mission on behalf of Minister McGuire.
“Exporting plays a key role in PEI’s economic future,” said Premier Pat Binns. “Many Island companies who have participated in previous missions continue to experience impressive results today. As more PEI businesses are awarded contracts from US companies, more money is invested into the provincial economy and additional jobs are created.”
In addition to business meetings, the day’s events included a discussion with industry leaders on border and transportation issues, a meeting with Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and a networking luncheon hosted by the World Trade Centre Chicago.
Team Canada Atlantic is a partnership of ACOA, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Industry Canada, Foreign Affairs Canada, International Trade Canada and the four Atlantic provinces. Team Canada Atlantic is committed to strengthening the trade and investment relationship between Atlantic Canada and the United States.
Trade missions have been at the core of the Team Canada Atlantic approach since 1999. Nine trade missions to the New England states, Atlanta, New York, and Washington have helped more than 300 Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs to meet with nearly 2,500 buyers, agents and business owners from across the United States, resulting in export sales in excess of $35 million.