Mission Statement

2010 Olympic Opportunities NOW
November 8 - 9, 2006

Mission Description

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Commercial Service in Vancouver is organizing a multiple industry trade event in Vancouver, British Columbia on November 8-9, 2006 . The participating U.S. companies will benefit from briefings by the BC Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretariat regarding the 2010 Olympic procurement process as well as from local experts on the Canadian market, a networking reception and pre-scheduled, pre-screened one-on-one meetings with potential agents/distributors or manufacturers’ representatives in their industry.

Commercial Setting

British Columbia (B.C.), Canada's western province, has a GDP that is larger than many countries - US $168 billion in 2005. The current provincial government has embarked on an aggressive campaign to create a positive business environment. In 2005, British Columbia imported over $11 billion of U.S. products, in addition to large imports of services. The expanding variety and volume of British Columbia imports from the U.S. provide business opportunities for American firms in virtually all sectors. Its proximity to the U.S., especially to the western states, allows for a comparative advantage regarding transportation costs and service support.

Over $2 billion dollars will be spent on facilities and infrastructure projects related to the 2010 Winter Olympics, which will be held in B.C. (Vancouver & Whistler). The B.C. economy will experience strong growth as a result of preparations for the Olympic games, providing a variety of opportunities for U.S. exporters.

British Columbia is also a major gateway for business development into the Asia Pacific region. Many Asian firms have offices and/or representatives in Vancouver in order to source products from the North American market.

Mission Goals

The goal of this mission is to assist U.S. companies gain local market exposure and to establish partnerships with local companies interested in supplying products and services for the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic games such as audio/visual equipment, fabric buildings, tents, portable seating, portable toilets and other venue overlay products. In addition, U.S. companies not represented in the local distribution channel will find agents/distributors, manufacturers representatives and strategic alliance partners in their respective industry sectors. The mission will also educate U.S. companies on a number of issues in relation to exporting to the Canadian market.

Mission Scenario

U.S. firms will take part in formal matchmaking sessions with British Columbia companies, and will be given several opportunities to interact with local company representatives at a networking event. The one-on-one meetings will take place in a hotel meeting room reserved for that purpose. The precise schedule will depend on the availability of local government and business officials and the specific goals of the mission participants.

Timetable

2010 Olympic Opportunities NOW will take place on November 8-9, 2006 . The participants will arrive according to their own schedule. The event will start on November 8, 2006 in Vancouver at the Westin Bayshore Resort & Marina with a welcome briefing by U.S. Consul General Lewis Lukens. The briefing will be followed by presentations on "Doing Business in British Columbia", legal and tax issues, and on customs/shipping logistics. A luncheon will take place, followed by individual one-hour meetings with potential business partners. The Consul General will host a networking reception immediately following the appointments. On November 9th the participants will continue with their scheduled one-on-on meetings.

Recruitment and Criteria for Participation

The target number of companies for this mission is ten, with a cut-off date for recruitment of October 6, 2006. Applications received after the deadline date will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.

Criteria for participation are as follows:

• Provision of adequate information on the company's products and/or services, and communication of the company's primary objectives to facilitate appropriate matching with potential business partners.
• Relevance of the company’s business line to mission goals.
• Potential for business in the British Columbia market.
• Timely and adequate provision of company product/service information and literature, to enable communication of company’s objectives and scheduling of appointments.
• Timeliness of receipt of the company’s completed application, participation agreement, and a (US) $1100 participation fee.
• The company’s products and/or services must be manufactured or produced in the United States. If the company’s products and/or services are manufactured or produced outside of the United States, the product/service must be marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and U.S. content representing at least 51% of the value of the finished goods or service.

Any partisan political activities of an applicant, including political contributions, will be entirely irrelevant to the selection process.

Contact Information:

Cheryl Schell
Commercial Specialist
US Consulate General
1095 West Pender
Vancouver, BC
V6E 2M6
Tel: 604-642-6679
Fax: 604-687-6095
Email: cheryl.schell@mail.doc.gov

Susan Hupka
U.S. Commercial Service
U.S. Department of Commerce/US&FCS
14 th and Constitution Ave., NW, Room 1202
Washington, DC 20230
Tel: 202-482-1906
Fax: 202-219-9207
Email: susan.hupka@mail.doc.gov