Home » Kentucky Lt. Gov. Hampton leads aerospace mission to Canada

Kentucky Lt. Gov. Hampton leads aerospace mission to Canada

Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton
Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton

Lexington, Ky. (April 16, 2018) — World Trade Center Kentucky (WTC-KY) recently departed on an aerospace-focused trade mission to Canada lead by Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton.

The aerospace industry-based Canada 2018 Trade and Business Mission, presented by Kentucky Farm Bureau and Masterfeeds and Alltech Company, will take place April 15-20 in Montreal and Quebec City and was organized by WTC-KY and the Kentucky Aerospace Industry Consortium (KAIC).

Kentucky businesses on the Mission include: Highlands Diversified Services; KAIC; LBX Company, LLC; Morehead Rowan County Economic Development Council; Morehead State University; Sealing Life, Inc. and Skilcraft LLC. These regional businesses will be joined by the U.S. Commercial Service and the U.S. Consulate in Montreal.

“We’re so proud to be partnering with KAIC and the office of the Lt. Governor for this mission,” said Sherry Mulkins, WTC-KY vice president of client outreach and development. “The aerospace industry plays a critical role in Kentucky’s economy and our relationship with Canada is directly related to this industries continued economic success.”

Mission participants 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.

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 $11.7 billion in 2017. 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.

For information on this mission and other upcoming WTC-KY opportunities, please visit www.wtcky.com.