LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 26, 2018) — Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton announced that she will be leading an aerospace-focused trade and business mission to Canada in April 2018.
The trade and business mission, which will take place April 15-20 in Montreal and Quebec City, is organized by the World Trade Center Kentucky (WTC-KY) and the Kentucky Aerospace Industry Consortium (KAIC).
Mission participants will have the opportunity to attend the Aero Montreal Aerospace Innovation Forum 2018 in addition to having tailored business meetings and business networking receptions. Last year, Aero Montreal showcased more than 50 exhibitors, 1,200 participants and hosted 1,400 business to business meetings.
“This mission is a golden opportunity for Kentucky business owners to network with new buyers or secure more buyers in Canada,” said Ed Webb, president and CEO of the WTC-KY. “The Lt. Governor’s participation reinforces the importance of building successful business relationships with our neighbor to the north.”
Canada, the world’s 10th largest economy and member of NAFTA, is the number one destination for Kentucky exports and the fifth largest foreign market for Kentucky aerospace exports. Aerospace exports, Kentucky’s top export to Canada, have risen 183 percent over the past five years and account for approximately 17,000 Commonwealth jobs.
“Many people are surprised to learn that the aerospace industry plays such a critical role in the state’s economy,” said Lt. Gov. Hampton. “The sky really is the limit in terms of the economic impact this industry can have on the Commonwealth. Our partnership with Canada is critical to fostering positive momentum within the aerospace industry.”
Kentucky’s aerospace exports exceeded $10 billion in 2016. The rapid increase over the past five years proves the potential for the continued growth of this industry and illustrates the importance of the industry as an economic driver. The Lt. Governor will be leading this mission to encourage economic development opportunities and help connect stakeholders from Kentucky and Canada.
“We are extremely excited about Lt. Gov. Hampton’s participation in the aerospace trade mission. Lt. Gov. Hampton’s knowledge, passion, experience and foresight has already greatly impacted the future of aerospace in Kentucky,” said D. Stewart Ditto II, executive director of the KAIC. “She recognizes the need to unite, promote, and grow our aerospace industry. We look forward to her participation and continuing to work with her to get the world to, ‘Think Kentucky, Think Aerospace.'”
For information regarding this trade and business mission, please visit www.wtcky.org.
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