SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Sept. 16, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Gov. Gary R. Herbert led representatives from 15 Utah companies on a trade mission to Toronto this week.
Canada is Utah’s third largest export destination, according to information from the governor’s office. The trip reportedly focused on innovation.
âToronto, like Utah, places a large emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurialism,â said Derek B. Miller, president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah), said in a prepared statement.
âThe trade mission delegation made important connections that we expect will lead to future collaboration between the Canadian tech sector and Utahâs own Silicon Slopes. This will further strengthen our valued trade relationship with Canada.â
Six of the private companies that attended the trade mission participated in Gold Key business matchups facilitated by the U.S. Commercial Service. This connected Utah companies with potential Canadian clients and partners.
âThough the locations for trade missions vary, the purpose remains constant: provide meaningful opportunities for Utah companies,â said Val Hale, executive director of the Governorâs Office of Economic Development (GOED).
âCompanies that have participated in these trade missions continue to make great strides in the global economy.â
A highlight of the trade mission was the delegationâs visit to York Universityâs Lassonde School of Engineering, where benefactor Pierre Lassonde welcomed the group. A Canadian businessman and philanthropist, Lassonde received his graduate degree from the University of Utah and is a strong supporter of the state. Lassonde donated $25 million in 2014 to the U of U for the creation of the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute.
Delegates had the opportunity to learn about the schoolâs research, network with faculty, and find opportunities for collaboration with industry-specific companies brought in by the university.
The trade mission — supported by GOED, WTC Utah, the Canadian Consulate in Denver, Wells Fargo, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Office of Energy Development — was comprised of private and public organizations from various sectors, including energy and technology.
Businesses that participated in the mission were Affiliate Solar, Amplexo LLC, Beddyâs, Black Pine Sports, BlueShift Technologies, ColdSweep, Deseret Media Corporation, EDCUtah, Imagine Learning, Integrated Energy Companies, inWhatLanguage, Specialty Imaging, Spectra Symbol, Wells Fargo and Xtiri.
