Business leaders invited to one-on-one trade meetings

Two of Missouri’s Mexico trade representatives will be in Springfield May 9 to meet individually with local business leaders interested in trade opportunities.

The event, sponsored by Greater Ozarks International Trade Association, Southwest Area Manufacturers Association and Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, will begin with lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the Tower Club restaurant, followed by 16 30-minute individual meetings with the representatives at the chamber, 202 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway.

Several meeting slots remain open for interested business leaders, said GOITA President Bill Owen, though interest in the event has been high.

Todd C. Nelson, director of the Missouri Trade and Investment Office in Mexico, and Patricia Meza, international trade specialist for Missouri in Mexico City, will offer trade advice specific to each participating company.

Missouri export figures show that in 2004, Mexico purchased $946 million in Missouri exports, second only to Canada, which purchased $4 billion. Between 1999 and 2004, exports to Mexico increased by 38 percent, or $260 million, according to the state’s Department of Economic Development.

“Mexico and Canada are our two largest trading partners,” Owen said. “The barriers have been dropped to where it’s easier to go into those countries – to have people on the ground representing us could hopefully be very helpful in assisting local businesses.”

Tickets to the luncheon are $15 per person in advance and $20 at the door. To register for the lunch or an individual meeting, contact Owen at (417) 887-5855 or bill.owen@umb.com.[[In-content Ad]]