Page 4 - EXPORT Magazine February 2013

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February 201
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EDA Office of Foreign Trade • Riverside County, California • USA
By Phil Pitchford
The 2013 Canada California Business
Summit represented a major expansion
for the event that showcases the close
economic ties between Riverside County
and Canada. In only its second year, the
summit expanded to a multi-day event
for the first time, bringing together
a business luncheon, a celebrity golf
tournament to benefit two charities,
numerous VIP events and a gala dinner.
The event, sponsored by A-Mark
Financial Corporation, brought
celebrities, business leaders, government
officials and entrepreneurs to the
Riviera Resort and Spa in Palm
Springs. In addition to a thrilling golf
tournament that raised $115,000 for
March of Dimes Canada and Procon.
org., attendees were treated to a
Business Leaders Luncheon featuring
a panel discussion on filmmaking.
Lee Fraser, founder, president and CEO of
the Canada California Business Council,
called the turnout a testament to the
strength of the business relationship
between California, especially Riverside
County, and his home country of Canada.
We are dedicated to creating jobs and
creating opportunities for investment,”
Fraser said. “We’re Canadians, and we’re
Americans, but together we are business
people who are working together to
create economic success for everyone.”
Of Riverside County, Fraser said:
They are our best partners, and
there is no close second.”
Tom Freeman, Commissioner of the
Office of Foreign Trade, thanked the
Canada California Business Council for
bringing the event back to the Coachella
Valley for another year. It previously
had been held in Los Angeles County.
Riverside County is committed to
working with Canada and its provinces,”
Freeman said. “When Canadians invest
here, you create jobs here. Thank
Lee Fraser (President of CCBC) opens the summit ceremonies
Strong Canada and Riverside County
Relationship Brings Canada California
Business Summit to Palm Springs