Springfield Business & Development Corporation: 4_SBDC and GOITA host Consul General of Canada

June 2013

Continuing on the theme of international business development opportunities, the SBDC and the Greater Ozarks International Trade Association hosted The Honorable Georges Rioux, Consul General of Canada, April 24 and 25 in Springfield.

Mr. Rioux represents Canadian business in the states of Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin and assists Midwest companies to gain a better position in the Canadian market.

Mark Wine, international trade manager for the Missouri Department of Economic Development advised, "Canada and the United States are important trade partners. Our growing economic interdependence benefits both countries. Canada is Missouri's largest trading partner accounting for almost 32 percent of Missouri's exports.

GOITA President Bill Owen (UMB Bank) said, "Our region has a lot to offer and we're delighted we can provide this opportunity for the regional business community."

The Springfield Business & Development Corporation is the economic development subsidiary of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and its mission is to provide a continued revenue source for the Chamber's economic development program, assisting business and industry, and attracting new business and industry to the Springfield area.