A delegation of state officials including Governor Jay Nixon will travel to the Canadian province of Alberta next week, August 16-19, to try and drum up additional trade exports. In meetings with business and government leaders, the Governor’s office said he will also seek to strengthen opportunities for additional investments by Canadian companies in Missouri and participate in a conference of energy industry executives and stakeholders.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon (D)

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon (D)

“The more goods we export abroad, the more jobs we create here at home and that’s why I’ve made it a priority to market the ‘Made in Missouri’ brand worldwide,” says Nixon.

“Canada is Missouri’s leading export partner, and an ideal market to continue to boost exports of the products Missouri businesses and farmers produce,” said Nixon. “Canadian businesses have also made Missouri a leading location for investment and I look forward to expanding our reputation as a state with skilled workers and a business-friendly climate.”

The Governor’s office said Canada purchased more than $4.7 billion in Missouri goods last year. The province of Alberta is one of Canada’s most prosperous provinces, with strong energy, agriculture and technology industries. Missouri’s top exports to Canada in 2014 were transportation equipment ($2.08 billion); chemicals ($657 million); machinery ($438 million); and food products ($392 million).

Joining Governor Nixon on the trade mission will be First Lady Georganne Nixon and Mike Downing, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Travel costs for Governor and Mrs. Nixon will be covered by the Hawthorn Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting economic growth in Missouri