Rep. Courtney Launches Economic Trade Mission to the United Kingdom

Press Release

At a press conference today, Congressman Joe Courtney announced that he will lead an economic trade mission to the United Kingdom. The mission, which was launched at BNL Industries in Vernon, will lead fifteen Connecticut companies to the U.K. on April 18, 2011.

"The UK trade mission, like the previous two to Brussels and Israel, is about giving Connecticut companies the know-how and access they need to move products out the door and overseas and build jobs here at home," stated Courtney. "For companies that already export, the mission will help them grow that sector of their business. For those that do not -- the trip will show them what it takes and introduce them to potential customers. Backed by the expertise of the U.S. Department of Commerce and CT District Export Council, the UK trade mission is in tune with the Connecticut's economic strengths and perfectly timed to help grow businesses and jobs back home."

"Our research strongly indicated that the U.K. is an excellent market for our local companies," said U.S. Department of Commerce District Director Anne Evans. "I am pleased that Congressman Courtney will be leading this mission. Along with the Congressman's office we have been able to schedule meetings with major U.K. companies that could result in significant sales for the trade mission participants."

"What is important to BNL is to be able to compete in the global economy," said BNL General Manager Dennis Grogan. "With the support of the Congressman and the Export Assistance Center, we feel privileged to be on the mission and have their help in introducing us to our target market in the U.K."

The mission will provide companies business opportunities by lining up meetings with potential customers. In addition, they will learn about the process of exporting to the U.K. by talking to senior British government officials. With the goal of increasing exports from CT to the U.K. , the trade mission will have a multi-sector focus with particular tracks for key markets Connecticut export markets such as Aerospace & Defense, Information Security, and Tourism.

This is the third international trade mission Congressman Courtney has spearheaded after missions to Brussels in 2009 and Israel in 2010. Several eastern Connecticut companies including AeroCision, BNL Industries, and Mystic Country are participating in U.K. trip.

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