NLIS 4
November 13, 2002
(Industry, Trade and Rural Development)

 

Team Canada Atlantic successful in New York

Team Canada Atlantic�s return trade mission to New York ended on a high note after more than 200 meetings with representatives from corporate America for business delegates representing 42 companies from across the Atlantic Provinces

A delegation of 10 companies from Newfoundland and Labrador was part of the larger contingent from Atlantic Canada led by Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and George Sweeney, Parliamentary Secretary to Kelvin Parsons, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development for Newfoundland and Labrador, along with other representatives of Atlantic Canadian ministries of trade and investment.

"This return mission to New York City was a tremendous opportunity for our companies to efficiently access a huge market," said Minister Byrne," and while the full results will continue to materialize over the next several months, initial indications are that this trip has been a great success. New strategic contacts were made, agents were secured and deals were signed. I look forward to seeing these exciting new business opportunities unfold."

Although such missions do not always generate immediate results, some of the Newfoundland and Labrador companies actually cemented business deals during the mission while many others are expecting tangible economic benefits in the weeks and months to come.

A prime example was the success achieved by thedog8it Inc., a St. John�s-based manufacturer of premium cookies for dogs. The company signed contracts and established relationships with New York companies that specialize in providing quality products for dog owners. "To have the opportunity to present your product in a face-to-face meeting is what often enables you to make the deal," said thedog8it Inc., president and CEO Deborah Sheppard.

Infotech Canada Inc., also from St. John�s, a company specializing in the development of Internet commerce solutions may see the value of their existing export trade with the U.S. increase substantially as a result of the trade mission. "We were very happy with the logistical support provided by the federal and provincial governments in organizing this trade mission and the events that surrounded it," added Infotech�s chief financial officer Jesse Devilla.

Other Newfoundland and Labrador companies taking part in the mission included: Canadian Iceberg Vodka Corp. (St. John�s), Consilient Technologies Corp. (St. John�s), Deep Atlantic Sea Products Inc. (St. Mary�s), Fortrex Manufacturing Ltd. (Corner Brook), Murray Enterprises Inc. (St. John�s), Red Ochre Productions Limited (St. John�s), Rodrigues Winery (Markland), and NETWORK Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We are very proud of the success our Newfoundland and Labrador companies have already achieved from their mission here to New York," said Mr. Sweeney. "They have worked tremendously hard on the right approach to marketing their products and services in this very large market and we believe that they are excellent examples of the innovation and entrepreneurship alive and well in Newfoundland and Labrador today."

The New York mission had three goals: to prepare the foundation for sales of Atlantic Canadian goods and services; to explore joint venture and other partnership opportunities; and to introduce Atlantic Canada�s business capabilities and resources to potential U.S. investors.

One of the main events of the mission was the Taste of Atlantic Canada Reception, a sumptuous spread of the finest food products that the region has to offer. More than 200 food and beverage buyers from the New York grocery and food service industry sampled products from 16 Atlantic Canadian companies prepared by chefs from the Culinary Institute of Canada. Five of these companies were from Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The event was targeted at the key business people who put products on shelves and in restaurants," added Minister Byrne.

"This showcase event was a key opportunity for our companies to demonstrate that their products can make it in one of the premiere markets of the world," added Mr. Sweeney.

A highlight of the investment attraction agenda was a meeting between federal and provincial ministers and New York site selectors responsible for recommending locations to companies seeking to expand their operations internationally.

"What they told us is that we are definitely on the right track and that initiatives like the Team Canada Atlantic Trade Mission, where all of the Atlantic Provinces are represented collectively works," noted Minister Byrne.

"We must continue to build on the momentum we have established," added Mr. Sweeney. "By continuously and aggressively marketing Newfoundland and Labrador to the site selectors, we will ensure that the region becomes top-of-mind as a potential investment location for their clients."

With a population of 21 million, metropolitan New York is the largest urban centre in the United States. It is also one of the business and financial capitals of the world with 97 of the Fortune 500 corporations headquartered there.

The Team Canada Atlantic Trade Mission to New York City was organized by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, the departments of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Industry Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.

Additional information and recent photos on Team Canada Atlantic's Trade Mission to New York City can be found at

Media contact:

Rachel Sullivan
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(613) 941-7241

Tracy Kenney
Communications
Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development
Newfoundland and Labrador
(709) 729-2257

Gilles Allain
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA Head Office
(506) 851-2509
gallain@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

2002 11 13                                        3:30 p.m. 


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