O Canada! October Trade Mission Dates, Workshop Announced


June 17, 2015



On October 19-22, the Tampa Bay Export Alliance, a collaborative effort of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and Pinellas County Economic Development, will lead a trade mission to Toronto, Canada to promote export opportunities for local companies. Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Chair Sandy Murman, Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners Vice Chair Charlie Justice, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman will lead a delegation of Tampa Bay business leaders.
 
“Canada is one of the most important strategic markets for Tampa Bay,” said EDC President and CEO Rick Homans. “It is the number one export destination for our region’s goods and services and our third largest source of foreign direct investment. The opportunities for local companies to expand their North American footprint and find a receptive marketing for their goods and services have never been better.”
 
The trade mission to Canada will offer participants two package options customized for their needs. The Trade/Gold Key Package, coordinated in collaboration with the U.S. Commercial Service, offers representatives from qualified companies expert counseling on their market entry/expansion strategy and the opportunity to connect with Canadian trade partners during personalized, one-on-one matchmaking sessions. Participation in the Gold Key program will be limited to 15 businesses and determined on a first-come, first-served basis, once the companies are assessed and approved based on the suitability of their product or service for the market. The mission is sponsored in part by a grant from Enterprise Florida and companies may also qualify for individual grants.
 
A Delegate Package, which does not include the matchmaking appointments, will provide business leaders with the opportunity to attend all of the mission activities, including seminars, site visits, networking events and a briefing by U.S. Embassy officials. An unlimited number of spots for the Delegate Package are available.
 
Top export sectors to Canada from Tampa Bay include: power generation, automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, defense products and services, safety and security equipment, renewable energy, information and communications technology, pollution control, wastewater treatment, mining, travel and tourism, film and digital media and agricultural services, products and equipment.
 
Registration for the Canada Trade Mission is now open. For more information, please visit www.tampabayexportalliance.com.
 
Interested in exploring Canadian trade opportunities, but prefer to get a primer before committing to a mission trip?
 
The Tampa Bay Export Alliance is hosting two “Doing Business in Canada” workshops designed to help you learn more about how your business could benefit from entering or expanding into this market and access local grants. Featured speakers Ximena Pauvif-Machado, Trade Commissioner for the Canadian Consulate General in Miami and Anya Yablonska with the U.S. Commercial Services at the U.S. Consulate General in Toronto, will give participants an overview of Canadian market trends and major business opportunities.
 
Workshop 1 will be held on June 30 from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. in Clearwater and Workshop 2 will be held at Port Tampa Bay in Tampa on July 1 from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. A limited number of one-on-one appointments with the trade specialists are available by request.
 
Admission is free but registration is required. To learn more and sign up, click here.
 
If you’d like to learn more about the Tampa Bay Export Alliance or have an interest in sponsoring the Canada Trade Mission, please contact Lorrie Belovich at (813) 518-2654 or lbelovich@tampabayedc.com.

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