STEP Member TestimonialsSaskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) has a mandate to assist companies with their exporting initiatives. Each member has a unique set of challenges as they work to increase business and sales into export markets. STEP offers a customized approach through consultation, advice, and service. See what STEP members are saying about the value and opportunities they receive through their STEP membership.
All Canadian Grain, Inc.
“As a new member, I am very pleased with the work that STEP has done for our organization. We appreciate the valuable information received on upcoming seminars and events. All Canadian Grain , Inc. has had several inquiries because of the STEP web site and membership directory. The quick responses received from STEP staff are appreciated and the information is timely.”
Shawn Bourgeois - CEO
Lafleche, Saskatchewan
Avena Food Ltd.
“STEP has represented our interests at trade shows and they have passed information on to potential partners and contacts. They have great resources and programs and we have tried to take advantage of as many as possible. It’s comforting to work with an organization like STEP that knows our business so well that they can work with us in this integrated capacity.'
Maryellen Carlson - CEO
Regina, Saskatchewan
Burnett Immigration Services Inc.
“STEP has been prominent in my business with the referrals we have received. Through our listing on the STEP website, we have had a lot of inquiries because individual companies or immigrants have gone to the site, found us, and contacted us directly.”
Elaine Burnett - President
Regina, Saskatchewan
Canmar Grain Products Ltd.
“It is not easy getting the right information about a market half a world away. Either the information is too scarce or you are overwhelmed with information overload. You want to spend your resources wisely and in a lot of cases you simply do not have the time to do the market intelligence work. Instead of hopping on a plane to qualify a lead, trust STEP to establish the needed level of familiarity.”
Duncan Werner - Operations Manager
Regina, Saskatchewan
cfactor Works Inc.
“The level of research done by STEP in terms of exploring new markets has helped us in developing strategic marketing programs for cfactor. In some cases, STEP’s work is just the starting point for a fruitful business relationship and on other occasions their work is all we need to make a strategic decision.”
Bonnie Clark - Marketing Manager
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Dandilee Spice Corp.
“STEP has been most helpful in helping me get into new international markets with the Market Intelligence Reports that they have prepared especially tailored for my company. STEP has organized special short conferences on many topics of concern relating to present time export issues and difficulties. I have found these to be most beneficial to my export activities.”
Brian Petracek - President
White City, Saskatchewan
Degelman Industries Ltd.
“STEP has proven to be an invaluable resource for Market Intelligence information for our company. With exports, we are careful where we go. We can not afford to make too many mistakes so we listen to our peers in the business, discuss frequently with the staff at STEP on where they think potential markets could be, and proceed cautiously. STEP is turning out to be a great resource.”
Paul Degelman - Sales and Marketing Manager
Regina, Saskatchewan
Dutch Potato Farm
“STEP has assisted us by looking for opportunities outside Saskatchewan and developing several new markets. STEP has been very supportive and helpful as they organized events for growers to meet and exchange ideas. Through STEP, we have visited research farms and industry organizations which has given us the opportunity to share our product knowledge, where we are located and the advantages we have to growing healthy seed potatoes.”
Elly van der Veldt - Owner
Outlook, Saskatchewan
Erin Consulting Ltd.
“STEP membership goes beyond basic information on the market, beyond just putting together what you need for a trade show. STEP makes you understand where you are and where you are going as a company. Being part of STEP is great value for the money. With all the contacts STEP has, there is no limit to where they can help you go.”
James Ireland - President
Regina, Saskatchewan
Hillberg & Berk Accessories Inc.
“The return companies receive from purchasing a STEP membership is invaluable. STEP has helped map out some possible exporting markets for when the time comes. I have had one-on-one conversations with many STEP representatives about exporting, customs, and shipping products across the border. We are looking into Europe, Australia, and Brazil. STEP has provided excellent information and market reports. The guidance I have received from STEP has been impressive. I encourage every company to find out more about the services that STEP offers. STEP is a huge resource and offers great services for companies. STEP can help companies transition from selling locally to globally.”
Rachel Meilke - Designer
Regina, Saskatchewan
Koenders Windmills Inc.
“Our first experience with STEP was at Agribition when they arranged a series of appointments for us with Australian and New Zealand buyers. We have also used STEP’s Market Intelligence services in the past. We are also very excited about their new Market Access Program.”
Allan Goode - Sales Director
Regina, Saskatchewan
Koko Patisserie
'We have had a very positive response to our products but has primarily been word of mouth so far and that is why we opted to get involved with STEP. We want to get our Koko line of products into stores and we want to evolve our brand in a specific direction. We know that STEP can help us do that.'
Kirby Punshon - Owner
Regina, Saskatchewan
Morris Interactive
“STEP has proven to be a great resource as we look to grow in markets outside but near to Saskatchewan. The value that we have received from STEP has been received by market intelligence reports, competitive intelligence reports, networking opportunities with other members and business prospects, representation at conferences and trade shows that we cannot attend as well as input from STEP for our sales and marketing plans. I plan to continue to be a member for the foreseeable future.”
Mathew Cey - Business Leader
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Western Grain Trade Ltd.
“By establishing contacts for industry, STEP opens a lot of doors. As a company selling all over the world, you don't have the resources to be in every market, every year, shaking hands with all the people that you need to. That is the leg work that STEP does for us. Every time you participate in a mission with them, you get to leverage some of their contacts and some of the people they meet with. A lot of countries are envious of what we have through STEP which is phenomenal resource to help build industries and to create success within those industries.”
Lara Dutton - Office Manager
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Gravelbourg Mustard
'STEP and the Exporter Readiness Program has helped our company as the representatives that helped us were very knowledgeable and informative. They provided us with many options to expand our company and the membership will let us take advantage of their expert opinions and contacts that will benefit us and expand our business. Becoming members has been a tremendous asset and well worth the membership fees.'
Val Michaud - Owner
Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan
VBINE Energy
“As a young company, VBINE Energy has benefited greatly from programs and services offered by STEP. They put us in contact with some very good people both in the investment and manufacturing end and we are now working with some of them. Joining STEP on trade missions, at trade shows, and being able to set up one-on-one meetings through the
organization’s network has been invaluable.”
Barry Ireland - Manager
Moosomin, Saskatchewan
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