News

Rep. Denny Rehberg to Lead Montana Trade Mission to Italy with the Montana World Trade Center

Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, will lead a Montana trade mission to northern Italy, February 19 – 23, with the Montana World Trade Center (MWTC)http://www.mwtc.org . This trade mission will help to promote Montana-based industries ranging from art, agriculture, manufacturing, advanced technology, international services, and tourism. Rehberg will accompany various groups in meetings with Italian government and industry officials specifically interested in forging business ties with Montana.

“We work hard, before, during, and after our trade missions because the Montana World Trade Center does a tremendous job of connecting Montanans with the international community and these trade missions have a proven record of economic success,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I’m excited about the opportunities on this particular trade mission and eager to do all I can to open doors for Montana businesses.”

This will be Rehberg’s fourth trade mission, and the third with the Montana World Trade Center. Rehberg accompanied the MWTC on trade missions to Ireland, Spain, and Germany in 2005, and to Korea and China last August. Arnie Sherman, MWTC Executive Director, estimates trade missions have resulted in approximately $20 million in new revenue for Montana businesses in the last three years.

“I hold great expectations for the potential of Montana business and developmental partnerships in Italy. The Lombardi region of the country is one of the wealthiest regions in Europe and has a strong interest in purchasing Montana products including wheat, beef, manufactured goods and university related services and technologies”, said Sherman. “Montana has the potential to be a new eco-friendly gateway to America for Italian tourism and investment.”

In addition, the Arkansas World Trade Center, located at the University of Arkansas and modeled after the MWTC, will join the Montana delegation as observers and to promote new academic and economic ties for the University of Arkansas. Representative John Boozman of Arkansas, who spearheaded the establishment of the Arkansas World Trade Center, will join Rehberg at a luncheon with the U.S. Ambassador to Italy on February 21.

During the trade mission, the group will conduct meetings in three separate regions of northern Italy:

· Lombardi –

o Population- 9.4 million

o 12 provinces

o Capital: Milan

o Represents one-sixth of Italian pop.

o Represents ¼ of country’s GDP

o Includes Brescia Province, home of World Trade Center Brescia, 3rd largest Italian industrial area

· Piedmont –

o Population- 4.3 million

o 8 provinces

o Capital: Turin

o Fertile agriculture region

· Emilia-Romagna –

o Population- 4.2 million

o Capital: Bologna

o Livestock and agriculture, tourism, wine

Participants include:

* ArmorAuto, LLC, Missoula http://armorauto.com/

* Arkansas World Trade Center

* MSE Technology Applications, Butte http://www.mse-ta.com/

* Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC) http://www.mtmanufacturingcenter.com/

* Montana Wheat and Barley Committee http://wbc.agr.mt.gov/ , Great Falls MT

* Montana Export Assistance Center http://www.buyusa.gov/montana/ , presenting for

o Hunting Shack http://www.thehuntingshack.com/aboutus.htm , Stevensville

Big Sky Racks http://www.bigskyracks.com/ , Bozeman

IST Designs, Bozeman http://www.istdesigns.com/

o Schnee’s Boots http://www.schnees.com/ , Bozeman

Night Force Optics http://www.nightforceoptics.com/, Orofino, Idaho

* Planetary Design http://www.planetarydesign.us/ , Missoula

* State of Montana, Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity http://business.mt.gov/ , Helena

* Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas

* TMW International, (Milky Whey)http://www.themilkywhey.com/ , Missoula

* University of Montana Office of International Program http://www.umt.edu/oip/ , Missoula

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/mt00_rehberg/021507_ItalyTrademission.html

Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.