Minister Leads Trade Delegation to New York

Economic Development Minister Cecil Clarke is leading a delegation of 10 Nova Scotia businesses to New York on Nov. 4. The companies span a variety of sectors and locations across the province and are being supported through the Office of Economic Development and Nova Scotia Business Inc.

The Nova Scotia delegation is part of the second New York trade mission Team Canada Atlantic has made in six months. The first mission in May by another group of firms has resulted in anticipated export sales to date of more than $40 million for the region and $3.2 million for Nova Scotia's participants.

"Return trips are the key to success in building partnerships between Atlantic Canadian companies and the New York business market -- the international business and financial centre of the United States and a critical market for Atlantic Canada's exporting industries," said Mr. Clarke. "Partnerships lead to increased investment, trade and exports, all of which are central to the provincial growth strategy."

IT Interactive Services Inc. of Halifax was on the first mission to New York as well as this one. Its president, Barbara Miller- Manning, welcomes the government's partnership.

"Having the active support of Mr. Clarke as we try to forge corporate partnerships in such a dynamic marketplace will help tremendously in generating business opportunities," she said. "It's very important to us that the province is there with us."

Mr. Clarke will be attending about a dozen meetings with U.S. businesses, site selectors and consular staff on behalf of Nova Scotia companies.

"As lead for the Nova Scotia mission, I am delighted to be able to help open doors and present Nova Scotia as a trade and investment partner to key businesspeople in New York," he said. "I look forward to reporting on the outcomes of our trade efforts."

The other firms participating are:

• Vintage Mouldings Manufacturing Ltd., Truro;
• Forest Insight 2000 Ltd., Sandfield, Cape Breton Regional
  Municipality;
• Greater Halifax Partnership, Halifax;
• No Records and Distribution Ltd., Halifax;
• Scotia Slate Products Ltd., Rawdon, Hants Co.;
• Trail Blazer, Dartmouth;
• ABC Entertainment Inc., Bedford;
• D.J. Manufacturing Inc., Digby; and
• Morel Promotions Inc., Dartmouth.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The following is the minister's itinerary.

Itinerary, Team Canada Atlantic Trade Mission to New York City, Nov. 4-7.

Monday, Nov. 4 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. -- Delegate Briefing and Reception

Tuesday, Nov. 5 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. -- Atlantic Trade Ministers' Meeting 10 a.m - 11 a.m. -- Private business meeting in support of Nova
Scotia company noon - 2 p.m. -- Lunch with US Site Selectors 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. -- Atlantic Trade Ministers' Meeting with ACOA
Minister
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. -- A Taste of Atlantic Canada Reception

Wednesday, Nov. 6
8 a.m. - 10 a.m. -- New York New Media Association Breakfast 10:30 a.m. - noon -- Atlantic Canada Branding Meeting 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. -- Private business meeting in support of Nova
Scotia company 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. -- Private business meeting in support of
Nova Scotia company 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. -- Nova Scotia Delegation Dinner

Thursday, Nov. 7 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. -- Private business meeting in support of
Nova Scotia company 9:15 a.m. - 10 a.m. -- Meeting with Canadian Consul General
Pamela Wallin
10:30 a.m. - noon -- Meeting with site-selector publication,
Area Development Magazine
1 p.m. - 2 p.m. -- Private business meeting in support of Nova
Scotia company 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. -- Private business meeting in support of Nova
Scotia company
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. -- Private business meeting in support of
Nova Scotia company