SALT LAKE CITY -- Gov. Gary R. Herbert's trade mission to Canada, currently underway in Alberta province, is designed to help Utah companies of all kinds gain easier access to the Canadian market.
"Helping Utah companies create jobs is one of my most important duties as governor," said Herbert. "Having a partner like the U.S. Department of Commerce who can help smooth the way for the companies taking part on my Canadian trade mission is invaluable. My hope is that each of these great Utah employers will come back with new prospects for the future."
Five companies traveling with the Governor are getting hands-on assistance thanks to their participation in the U.S. Department of Commerce's Gold Key Matching Service. Gold Key is a program the Department of Commerce provides to American companies interested in breaking into and expanding sales in international markets.
The Governor's delegation will work with the Department of Commerce to set up one-on-one meetings between Canadian organizations and five Utah companies participating in the Governor's trade mission and the Gold Key service: Concrete Coatings, Infinia, PTLX Global and Williamsen Manufacturing. The goal is to help these Utah companies open export channels into a thriving Canadian market.
"We specifically chose to organize our company in Utah because of their support of small business and aggressive stance towards export related trade activities," said Erron Boes, CEO of PTLX Global. "Canada is a natural opportunity for our business objectives and the intersection between Utah's commitment to our success and the value Canada places to welcoming collaborative technologies means it's a potentially ideal business connection."
Utah companies are able to take advantage of geographical and cultural similarities with Canada when working to penetrate the northern market.
Concrete Coatings is a Midvale-based company with products that are well-suited to both Utah and Canada. "Our products were designed for Utah's harsh climate, including our freeze-thaw cycles, a phenomenon that Canada also experiences, which makes our products a natural fit for Canada," said Cory Christensen, business development manager. "The trade mission to Canada is a great business opportunity for us in many ways. Their strong economy, coupled with the strength of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar, makes for a great business environment."
Comments