Kelowna: The Kelowna Chamber is set to welcome Sara Wilshaw, the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade, and Chief Trade Commissioner of Canada to Kelowna on Tuesday November 10. Ms Wilshaw headlines a morning session on how Okanagan area businesses can diversify their international trade activities beyond the U.S.
Kelowna is not usually on the itinerary for senior federal officials. Kelowna is a long way from Ottawa, so, when the Chief Trade Commissioner of Canada agrees to come to the Okanagan, it’s a big deal.
It also fits what Kelowna has become. Most businesses here are small and medium-sized enterprises: growers, manufacturers, technology companies, service providers and family-run firms. Many have spent years building a strong local and national customer base.
A small business that wants to reach a new market faces real obstacles: regulation, reliable partners, logistics, currency and cost. Few have a trade department. Most have an owner, a few staff, and not enough hours in the day.
The morning is built with that business owner in mind. After Ms Wilshaw speaks, attendees will hear overviews of two major markets, the Indo-Pacific and the European Union, followed by a look at how to put Canada’s free trade agreements to work.
Then the Business Development Bank of Canada, Export Development Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will explain the federal supports available. Two exporters and Kelowna Chamber members from Kelowna, Tony Weller (AEM) and Jill White (Waterplay), will tell the audience what it looks like from the inside.
Ester Pike, CEO of the Kelowna Chamber will introduce the morning agenda starting at 9am in the Innovation Centre on Doyle Ave. The event includes networking and refreshments and concludes at 11:30am.
Registration: www.kelownachamber/events
Sara Wilshaw is the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade, and Chief Trade Commissioner of Canada, at Global Affairs Canada. She has more than thirty years in the public service. She leads a global team that helps Canadian businesses secure and explore international markets, find customers and partners, solve problems and grow through exports. Her work also covers export finance, inbound foreign investment, inclusive trade and responsible business conduct.