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Senator Baucus Joins Great Falls Development Authority, Canadian Consulate to Annouce Trade Mission

Great Falls Development Authority http://www.gfdevelopment.org/ to Lead Businesses Across the State to Calgary to Explore New Trading Partnerships

Montana’s senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus joined the Great Falls Development Authority (GFDA) and Canadian Consul General Dale Eisler at the APEC summit in Big Sky today to announce a trade mission to Calgary August 10-12. GFDA is inviting businesses from across Montana to participate in the August trip and has extended an invitation for Canadian companies to follow up with a visit to Montana.

"APEC is all about making connections and building opportunities, and I am so proud of the Great Falls Development Authority for leading Montana businesses in furthering opportunities and connections with our important trading partners to the north," Baucus said. "Running a successful business is as much about building trust as it is about building our bottom line, and the best way to do that is by meeting folks face to face, looking them in the eyes and shaking their hand. I’ve seen first-hand how these kinds of trade missions really work for Montana businesses and Montana jobs. I can’t wait to see what exciting opportunities come out of the Calgary trade mission."

"The opportunities that exist for the businesses of the Great Falls region and all of Montana in Canada are immense. Our research indicates strengths in our state and region particular to energy and Agri-processing. We look forward to supporting business of all size in capturing those opportunities and to begin building long term mutually beneficial relationships," said Rebecca Engum, Small Business Development Center Director for the Great Falls Development Authority.

"I applaud Senator Baucus and Rebecca Engum of the Great Falls Small Business Development Center for this initiative. We are working together to expand the close and mutually-beneficial economic relationship between Montana and Alberta that is helping to create jobs and opportunities in both our countries," said Dale Eisler, Consul General for Canada in Denver.

More than 8 million jobs in the U.S., and more than 28,000 jobs in Montana depend on trade with Canada. GDFA is inviting businesses and labor representatives from across Montana to travel to Calgary to meet with energy industry leaders to explore opportunities for Montana workers involving fabrication, assembly, supply, professional services and transportation August 10-12. GDFA has also invited Canadian businesses to visit the Great Falls region to learn about the capabilities of Montana businesses and skilled workers. Baucus and the Canadian Consulate General in Denver are working to help facilitate the trip.

Montana, and the Great Falls region in particular, already has strong business ties with Alberta companies that present tremendous opportunities for expansion. The Calgary trade mission grew out of a Great Falls Trade Area Diversification project which identified market-driven opportunities in agri-processing, energy, transportation and entrepreneurship.

The August trip will be paid for by participating Montana companies. Interested Montana businesses should contact: GFDA at 1-406-771-9020 or visit http://www.GFDevelopment.org.

Background on GFDA:

The Great Falls Development Authority is a public/private economic development partnership serving the 13 county Great Falls trade area. Their mission is to grow and diversify the regional economy and support the creation of high wage jobs.

Background on the Canadian Consulate General:

The Canadian Consulate General in Denver covers a four state region that includes Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana. Canada and the United States enjoy an excellent and unparalleled bilateral relationship forged by shared geography, common values and interests, vibrant social connections and multi-layered economic ties. The Consulate General’s objective is to deepen and expand this relationship.

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