FORT KENT - Planning is underway for a unique two-day conference on exporting, which organizers hope will break down some barriers to trade between the U.S., Canada and even Europe.
The Economic component of the Congrès mondial acadien 2014, along with its economic partners in Maine, like Aroostook Partnership for Progress (APP) and Northern Maine Development Commssion (NMDC), will host a conference on the basics of exporting, trade agreements and expansion of trade and commercial relations between entrepreneurs of Maine, New Brunswick and Quebec.
This conference, scheduled for Aug. 19 and 20 at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, is for any entrepreneur doing business in the Acadia of the Lands and Forests.
"Any manufacturer or producer in our region interested in potentially seeing potential markets close by, or that might be interested in collaborating with like businesses, should attend," said APP President Bob Dorsey.
The agenda for Export Conference: Exploring the Opportunities will feature a reception late afternoon Aug. 19 and the next day features B2B2GO business connections, a keynote speech on fostering US/Canada trade relations, an exploration of business opportunities in Maine, New Brunswick and Quebec and panel discussions on customs, regulations and brokerage houses.
Dorsey added that although not formally part of the agenda, a contingent of business people from France, who will be attending the World Acadian Congress, will be participating in the conference.
Katahdin Trust Company, an investor in APP, is underwriting the conference luncheon and is providing more than $1,000 in advertising to promote the event.
Alain Ouellette, planning and development division director at NMDC, serves on the organizing committee for the conference.
"Our region is proof positive that for any economic development initiative to flourish, we must find ways to expand opportunities by creating a more open and collaborative environment with our neighbors in New Brunswick and Quebec," he said.
"We want to have a legacy as a result of the Congress that will promote cross-border trade, business to business events, conferences on mutually important topics/issues, build continuing relations with businesses and organizations in New Brunswick, Maine and Quebec, joint transportation planning projects and educational opportunities," said Bob Clark, executive director NMDC.
During the August event several economic seminars, conferences and summits will be held to help grow the economy of the three regions of the Acadia of the Lands and Forests, northern Maine, northwestern New Brunswick and the Temiscouata, Quebec. Topics include a forestry seminar, business plan competition, agriculture and agri-food conference and a final economic summit, which wraps up the entire economic component of the congress.
The World Acadian Congress is a major celebration of Acadian culture and history held every five years since 1994. In 2014 from Aug. 8-24, more than 300 activities, including more than 100 family reunions, should attract up to 50,000 visitors to the region. The estimated economic impact is $55-million, but organizers want to make sure the ripple effects last for many years after the congress closes.
For more on the conference or registration information, contact Jon Gulliver at jgulliver@nmdc.org.
Editor's note: The previous article is not intended for reprinting or redistribution. The organizing committee of the World Acadian Congress will be issuing a press release in the near future.
