Export Rally In Cape Breton

An export rally for both new and experienced exporters will be held, June 15-16, at the Gaelic College of Arts and Crafts in St. Anns, Cape Breton. The rally will help companies identify export opportunities and provide a how-to approach for seizing them.

Sponsored by Economic Development and Tourism, the rally is a new concept introduced a few months ago. It's aimed at advancing the tremendous progress Nova Scotia exporters are making on the trade front.

"Our export rallies and trade missions are helping more Nova Scotia companies than ever before make their way into foreign markets," said Manning MacDonald, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "There are tremendous opportunities out there for Nova Scotians and we want to ensure Cape Breton companies are taking full advantage of them."

The department's export rally program has something for everyone, from companies thinking about exporting to veterans of international trade.

The program will feature information sessions as well as a panel of local exporters who will share their success stories. One group of sessions will focus on basic export-related information for the new exporter, while a second group of sessions will cover more detailed, advanced topics. Participants can choose whichever topic is of greatest interest. Sector experts will be available for one-on-one consultations throughout the entire event, as are opportunities to explore trade information sources and take guided Internet market research tours.

Last year, Economic Development and Tourism either led or participated in 40 trade missions, including 11 to the province's priority market of Boston. These missions resulted in sales of $94 million for Nova Scotia companies and more than 1,300 new jobs for Nova Scotians. The taxpayer's investment in the missions was $579,000. The return was $6 million in direct and indirect provincial taxes.

Registration for the event is $30, which includes taxes, meals, refreshment breaks and participation in all rally events. A networking reception and kitchen party will be held on the evening of June 15.

For more information or to register, please contact Agenda Managers Inc., toll free at 1-877-731-1333, fax 902-422-2535, or e-mail: [email protected] . Further information on the export rally is also available on the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/ecor/pubs/comm/export_rally/index.html .