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NLIS 6 February 6, 2002 (Industry, Trade and Rural Development) Atlantic Canadian companies benefit from team approach Early results from a survey conducted following the regional Team Canada Atlantic trade mission to Atlanta demonstrate the advantages of the team approach. Conducted with participating businesses, the survey results point to expected combined sales of $25 million over the next two years as a result of contacts made during the trade mission. It is estimated that these new sales will create up to 74 jobs in communities throughout Atlantic Canada. The trade mission to the Atlanta area took place from November 13 - 15, 2001 and featured 30 companies for across Atlantic Canada, eight of which were from Newfoundland and Labrador. In total, 67 Atlantic Canadian companies have participated in two missions to the southeast United States since last May. The Team Canada Atlantic approach allows for local businesses to benefit from the profile and access gained in a trade mission setting that include government, trade organizations and individual business. "This is great news for the people of Atlantic Canada," said Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "Through working together, government and businesses in our region have gained increased access to an important market. As we see here, the results are increased revenues, job creation and excellent prospects for the future. I would encourage all businesses throughout the region to participate in future Team Canada Atlantic trade missions." "Our Newfoundland and Labrador delegation of eight companies had a lot of success in Atlanta during the recent Team Canada Atlantic trade mission. They made a lot of great contacts for potential business," said Industry, Trade and Rural Development Minister Beaton Tulk on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. "The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is proud to play a supporting role in the export development of our companies and we have made a commitment to continue to do that." Leroy Flynn, owner of Flynn�s Winery and Distillery in Shoal Harbour, said his company wouldn�t have had as much success had he made the trip to Atlanta on his own. "It would have cost a lot more money, taken a lot more time and we probably wouldn�t get the same results," said Mr. Flynn. "Going with the trade mission lends credibility. You have the Canadian Consulate and the Government of Canada behind you. The companies down there know you�re serious and you�re there to do work." Flynn�s Winery and Distillery, which produces a blueberry and rhubarb wine, as well as butterscotch and maple liqueurs, received sales orders during the mission and anticipate significant sales in the next two years because of the mission. In addition to increased sales and job creation, the Atlantic Canadian companies who participated in this mission were able to establish 39 new agents, distributors and partners in the southeast United States, according to a post-mission survey. In export terms, this represents 39 new points of entry for Atlantic Canadian products. Perhaps the most telling statistic from the mission is that 72 per cent of the Atlantic Canadian participants indicated that they intend to return to Atlanta to pursue that market. Team Canada Atlantic�s trade mission to Atlanta was organized by ACOA, the four Atlantic Provinces, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Industry Canada and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Prince Edward Island Division. Media contact:
2002 02 06 2:30 p.m. |
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