| International Trade
Day —
Making Connections
The 2007 International
Innovator award, presented by Gov. John Baldacci, went to Trillium Diagnostics, LLC, of
Brewer for developing innovative medical diagnostics.
Ramona du Houx
As the world moves further into the global economy, unique,
crafted products are more in demand. The internet puts the world’s marketplace at our
fingertips, which has helped to expand some businesses. A small company trading on eBay
can make a decent income, based in a rural community.
For other
businesses the internet is a showcase for them to exhibit their goods and services to
customers, but doesn’t represent regular sales. Making connections still remains
paramount for business. The human touch builds trust. One can go on a virtual tour of a
country through the internet, but it will never surpass the experiences of visiting the
country and making discoveries about its people and their needs. This year the Maine
International Trade Center (MITC) is hosting a trade mission to South Korea and Japan.
Companies
participating on trade missions discover that unexpected partnerships can and do develop.
Companies networking — sharing ideas and connections — is also critical abroad,
as well as here at home.
In Rockport,
more than 230 business leaders and entrepreneurs established international trading
connections, while learning new methods to stay competitive in the global economy, as part
of the MITC’s annual Trade Day, Innovations 2007: International Partnerships and
Technology Solutions for Maine.
The event
focused on utilizing innovation, technology, and networking to help Maine businesses
thrive in the international market, while also recognizing several local companies for
excellence in international trade and investment.
"This
year’s Maine International Trade Day had a record number of international
participants from trade offices and consulates worldwide. Innovation is a critical
ingredient in the development of all economies, and we were delighted to see so many
international trade specialists meeting and discussing potential partnerships in
innovation with our Maine companies and cooperators," said Janine Bisaillon-Cary,
director of MITC.
During the
Trade Day event, Governor Baldacci presented the annual International Trade and Investment
Awards to four Maine companies that have demonstrated outstanding success in international
trade.
Oak Island
Seafood Inc. of Rockport was named Exporter of the Year. The scallop processing company
provides fresh and frozen scallops around the world.
Portland-based
Diversified Business Communications received the Service Provider of the Year honors for
producing more than 100 events and publications.
The 2007
International Innovator award went to Trillium Diagnostics, LLC, of Brewer for developing
innovative medical diagnostics.
Britain-based
Tate & Lyle was named Maine’s Foreign Investor of the Year. Tate & Lyle is a
world-leading manufacturer of renewable food and industrial ingredients made from corn,
tapioca, potato, wheat, and sugar.
"This annual event
highlights the importance of foreign markets to growing Maine companies. It is important
for Maine companies to know that the strong Maine brand is now known worldwide, and
international markets represent a tremendous opportunity for growth," said Department
of Economic and Community Development Commissioner John Richardson.
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