Mission heads to explore largest U.S. trading partner.

• Author: Wareing, Andrew
• Position: Special Report: Exporting - Michigan - Brief Article

The June 8 toll trade mission by Team Northern Ontario is more than just a meet-and-greet in Detroit for Northern Ontario businesses.

The key, says North Bay Chamber of Commerce export development officer Jay Aspin, is in the education of the businesses going to Detroit to better prepare them to take advantage of the marketing opportunities they encounter while there.

The mission is being headed by FedNor and Rural Development secretary of state MP Andy Mitchell. He, along with chamber of commerce representatives and 20 companies from across Northern Ontario, will be travelling to Detroit in an effort to gain more export opportunities.

To be part of the trade mission, the companies involved had to meet several criteria, including being incorporated, in business for a minimum of two years and a gross annual sales of $250,000-plus although preference will be given to companies with $500,000-plus and in exporting.

Aspin says the array of businesses represents a multi-sectoral crosscut of business...