They’re some 2,200 km and half a continent from home, but a delegation of businessmen from Missouri are seeing plenty in Central Alberta that should look familiar.
Representatives of eight Missouri companies gathered in Calgary on Monday, where they took in the Global Petroleum Show. Most have since travelled up Hwy 2 to Red Deer, and are now meeting with local business interests in hopes of forging partnerships and alliances.
Leading the group of approximately 15 people is Mark Wine, an international business manager with Missouri’s Department of Economic Development. He pointed out that his state and Central Alberta have more in common than many might assume.
The second largest beef producing state, behind only Texas, Missouri is a global leader in animal health and nutrition, said Wine. It also has a strong biotechnology industry, and advanced manufacturing that could help serve the needs of Alberta’s petroleum sector.
“We have a very robust interest in involvement in what’s going on here.”
The companies participating in the tour are active in a variety of agricultural, manufacturing and other businesses that could have applications here, he said. They’re meeting with industry leaders and visiting local companies in hopes of forging relationships.
“In the short to medium term, success would be for them to be able to create a strategic alliance with an operating company here — to provide some type of service or provide some type of joint participation project.”
Wine stressed that Missouri and Alberta would both benefit.
“The whole idea is to create business, create jobs and raise the business activity and the prosperity of both entities. International trade cannot be a one-way street.”
For instance, Missouri companies might be able to help address capacity shortages and other needs here.
“We’re not looking to displace anyone that’s already participating.”
Canada is already Missouri’s number 1 trading partner, pointed out Wine.
“Combined cross-border trade exceeds $8 billion annually,” he said.
“It’s a good relationship.”
Wine also sees common characteristics between Missourians and Albertans, including their work ethic.
“I think the people are very similar in their ideals and goals.”
The delegation is expected to return to Calgary on Saturday.
Wine hopes similar trips will occur in the future, including Central Albertans travelling to Missouri.
He praised Central Alberta: Access Prosperity — an economic alliance that promotes the attraction of foreign investment to the region — for its role in putting the exchange together.
“They’ve done an absolutely fantastic job.”
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com