The Salmon Arm Economic Development Society is holding an export development workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 1 to help local businesses and organizations learn the ins and outs of exporting.

The Strategies of International Business workshop will provide an overview on exporting fundamentals including advice on researching and developing market strategies, how to access financing and insurance, managing opportunities and overcoming challenges. Participants will also learn how to access export support services offered by the provincial and federal governments.

The export workshop is free-of-charge and is being hosted by the Salmon Arm Economic Development Society in collaboration with the B.C. Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation.

The event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Downtown Activity Centre (DAC) located at 451 Shuswap St. SW. Participants can register by calling Kimberley Worthington at

250 833-0608 or by email at: bsc@saeds.ca

After completing the Strategies of International Business workshop, companies can register and join the BC Business Network to receive intelligence on targeted markets and information about upcoming events, as well as future learning opportunities.

The Province's collaboration with the Salmon Arm Economic Development Society's export development workshop builds on 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan' and is part of ongoing efforts to help municipalities and companies build international partnerships. Export workshops have previously taken place in communities in Vancouver Island, the Okanagan, the Lower Mainland, and in Northern British Columbia.

The Salmon Arm Economic Development Society is hosting the export workshop as part of its Business Retention and Expansion initiative, a community-based economic development strategy to encourage businesses to remain and expand in the area. Through BR&E, the Salmon Arm Economic Development Society provides support to the business community in part, by addressing their needs and concerns, providing resources and building upon business development opportunities.

Quotes:

Kimberley Worthington, business support co-ordinator, Salmon Arm Economic Development Society (SAEDS) -

"One key component of the Business Retention and Expansion initiative is to respond to the needs of the Salmon Arm business community. SAEDS has listened and is working hand in hand with businesses to ensure they are globally competitive resulting in part, in increased employment opportunities for the community. The export development workshop is just one example of SAEDS provision of resources to support local business."

Quick Facts:

• $28.9 billion: Value of B.C. origin exports in 2010.
• $30.1 billion: Value of B.C. origin exports from January to November 2011.
• 14.7 per cent: Increase in value of B.C. exports over the first 11 months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.
• Top six markets for B.C. exports in 2011: United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Brazil and Taiwan.

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan: www.BCJobsPlan.ca

Province of B.C.'s international trade and investment website: www.BritishColumbia.ca

Salmon Arm Economic Development Society: www.saeds.ca

Contacts:

Ben James
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-8177

Kimberly Worthington
Business Support Co-ordinator
Salmon Arm Economic Development Society
250 833-0608