North American Companies Get Down to Business in Nova Scotia

More than 115 companies from the United States and Canada are coming together in Nova Scotia to grow their businesses by creating new partnerships, building relationships, and exploring new markets.

The Southeastern United States-Canadian Provinces Alliance Conference takes place July 15 and 16 in Halifax.

The alliance is a strategic partnership that promotes trade and investment. More than 30 Nova Scotia businesses will be among the innovative companies, researchers, and organizations seeking new business partners, sales, collaboration, and investment partnerships.

"This conference is an important opportunity for Alliance members to share knowledge and connect with business leaders in key sectors," said Graham Steele, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia Business Inc. "Here in Nova Scotia, the multi-billion-dollar shipbuilding contract, major energy projects, and more than a billion dollars in new investment in our offshore make it a great time to do business in our province."

Canada's ambassador to the United States Gary Doer will deliver the conference keynote address. Prior to assuming his current position in Washington, he served as premier of Manitoba for ten years. During that time, he worked extensively with governors to enhance Canada-U.S. co-operation on trade, agriculture, water protection, climate change and renewable energy.

Discussion panels featuring Nova Scotia business leaders will focus on growth sectors and innovative companies that are driving economic development and partnerships in Nova Scotia, Canada and the southeastern United States. Topics include marine defence and security technologies, global gateways, ocean technologies, energy and life sciences. Companies will also have opportunities to meet with major companies to build supply chain partnerships, including Lockheed Martin, Irving Shipyard, and Nalcor.

Former United States ambassador to Canada David Wilkins will serve as panel moderator. Mr. Wilkins is a partner at Nelson Mullins Riley and Scarborough LLP and chairs the Public Policy and International Law practice group, which focuses primarily on representing businesses on both sides of the border. Alliance members include Nova Scotia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

For conference details visit www.seuscp.org.