STEP'ing Out -- Focus on your Sales, Let STEP do the Rest.

A New International Business Planning Service Offered by STEP

STEP'ing Out is a business development service organized by STEP for individual STEP members.  Similar to our trade missions, you receive the benefit of STEP's vast knowlede of exporting and business contacts, but you have the ability to carry out the business trip when it is suitable to you and your business.  You focus on sales, we do the rest!

How does it work?
The team of STEP trade development professionals will meet with you to determine the target market that is suitable for your business and work with you to develop an implementation strategy to pursue business in the selected market.  We will explore sources of finanacial assistance, develop a list of contacts, help you create your pitch when contacting the prospects, and make necessary travel arrangements.  Your responsibility is to travel to the desired market and call on pre-qualified prospects.  Upon your return, we will meet with you and discuss the results of the trip in order to create a strategy for solidifying the relationships that were developed.

Want more information?
Click here or contact the Director of Trade Development specific to your sector:

Guy Hughes - Technology & Professional Services

Rob Ziola - Manufacturing

Jennifer Evancio - Agri-Value

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No Documents? No Entry into the U.S.

New Document Requirements for Travel the U.S.

Implemented on January 23, 2007, Canadians flying to, or through, the U.S. must present a valid Canadian passport to confirm their citizenship and identity.  A NEXUS card when used at a kiosk at designated airports is also acceptable.  This requirement applies to all travellers, regardless of age.

Beginning January 31, 2008, this U.S. law will change so that Canadians entering the U.S. by land or sea will be required to present the following:

• a government-issued photo identificaiton, such as a driver's license and proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate; or
• a birth certificate for Canadians under the age of 16; or
• a Canadian passport; or
• a NEXUS card; or
• a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card.

The Canada Services Border Services Agency (CBSA) website contains detailed information and background on this U.S. law and how Canadians can prepare for its implementation. 

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New Members Welcome!

STEP would like to welcome the following companies that have recently joined as Regular Members:

STEP Associate Members offer services that are helpful to our Regular Members in successfully exporting their products.  We would like to welcome our newest Associate Members.  Read on to see how these Associate Members can help you:

Ronco Freight International is a Canadian Freight Forwarding and Logistics company which prides itself on providing innovative Client Specific Global Transportation services for their clients.  The company understands that every business is different with the goal of providing seamless logistics solutions that allow a company to have continued growth in the global market.  With "large sized knowledge and personalized service" , Ronco Freight International Inc. is ready to grow and adapt to a changing world.  Ronco Freight International provides a full range of logistics services including ocean, air and ground transport along with customs brokerage, warehouse and distribution capabilities.

International Immigration and Business Consulting provides solutions for international graduate students, skilled workers, and business entrepreneurs with Canadian companies in Western Canada.  IIBC solutions include, professional university graduate placement in Canada; skilled trade workers; entrepreneur opportunities for new business; investment opportunities in Canada; immigration experts handle documents and paperwork; relocation solutions for real estate mortgage and moving; employer solutions.

Peak Performance Consulting is a management consulting and training firm focused on assisting organizations in the areas of personal and organizationsl development, strategic planning, and executive coaching.  Our Vision:  The phrase "Success is a journey, not a destination" and the words "Learn...Change...Grow"  summarize our Vision and describe our commitment to personal growth and development.  Peak Performance Consulting is committed to helping organizations and individuals achieve significant and sustained improvement in performance.

The Travel Gallery is an innovative, entrepreneurial Saskatchewan travel company.  We pride ourselves in service excellence as well as a highly refined approach to systems and process.  Our core business is corporate travel where we have developed a comprehensive approach to business travel management.  We also have an innovative leisure and groups department working with holiday travellers as well as the corporate sector.  Over the last 10 years, we have created many custom groups and events that have provided incredible experiential trips to people in all parts of the world.  These Signature Events are our calling card throughout Saskatchewan and Canada.

Western Canadian Funcitonal Food & Natural Health Product Network is a not-for-profit industry association which serves a diverse membership comprised of individuals, businesses, government agencies and academic institutions involved in the functional food, nutraceutical and natural health product industry in Western Canada.  The WCFN partners in sharing information, providing resources and creating educational and business opportunities.  By providing leadership, infrastructure and support, the WCFN engages, develops and advances the Western Canadian functional food, nutraceutical and natural health products industry.

Business Internship Institute of Saskatchewan provides training for mentors and proteges.  The purpose of the training is to reinforce the value of the mentoring relationship; understand the mentorship chapter in their area; develop and practice skills needed to have a successful mentoring relationship; and assist the individuals to understand and have confidence in their roles.

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Members on the Move

STEP Members are in the news on a regular basis for various successes from expansions to new products and initiatives to various awards.  Here are some of the stories over the last few months.

Milligan Bio-Tech has added a new building adjacent to their existing facility to house the manufacturing and test facilities for the copmany's bio-diesel products.  Eventually the plan is to produce 150 million litres per year.

Saskcan Pulse Trading Inc. and Agtech Income Fund have completed their merger announced in May.  The merger creates a pulse crop processing company that will have 145 full-time staff, five plants and annual revenues in excess of $100 million.

Michel's Industries is expanding.  The company has added new product lines and has seen an increase in the number of orders making the additional space necessary.

Congratulations to Sean Frisky, founder and President of Ground Effects Evnrionmental Services Inc, on receiving the Canadian Innovation Leader award.

SIAST unveiled two additional mobile training labs, bringing the total number of units in SIAST's fleet to three.  The labs will spend the next year traveling to several regions of Saskatchewan including La Ronge, Whitewood, and Creighton.

Congratulations to Cover-All Building Systems on winning the STEP Exporter of the Year award.

An additional $500,00 has been allocated to Saskatchewan Communication Network's programming budget for 2007/08, with an additional $1 million provided for 2008/09 enabling the public broadcaster to create more television programs in Saskatchewan.

Congratulations North Fringe Resources Inc. on winning the ABEX awards for Young Entrepreneur of the Year and New Saskatchewan Product.

Congratulations to Watercycles Energy Recovery Inc. who won the ABEX award for Best New Venture.

Congratulations Display Systems International on winning the ABEX award for Exports. 

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Video Conferencing available at STEP

Video conference meetings significantly reduce the lost time and costs associated with business travel.  As an added benefit to our members, STEP offers a professional, executive atmosphere equipped with state of the art video conferencing equipment in both Regina and Saskatoon.  And its available to you at a preferred member rate.  Our boardrooms can handle a variety of group sizes ranging from a maximum of 8 persons in our Saskatoon location to a group of 20 in our Regina location.

Our system allows you to share PowerPoint and other computer presentations with up to 4 other sites and we provide on-site technical assistance.

For more information or to book your own video conference, please contact:

Jeff Thackeray
Programs & Training Specialist
Tel: (306) 787-4103
Email: STEP Video Conferencing Services

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Did You Know?

According to a study prepared for The National Association of Manufacturers by the Institute of International Economics:

• Workers at exporting companies earn 15% more than workers in non-exporting companies;
  
• Worker benefits are one-third higher at exporting firms than at non-exporting firms;
  
• Workers at exporting plants enjoy greater job stability;
  
• Employment, output and productivity growth are 3 - 11 % higher at exporting plants than at non-exporting plants;
  
• The failure rate for firms that export is one-third less than for firms that do not export;
  
• Sales per employee are 150% higher at firms that export than at non-exporting firms.

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STEP Mission Calendar and Upcoming Events

CONSTRUCT CANADA 2007 - Toronto, November 28 - 30, 2007

Construct Canada 2007 is Canada's largest annual exposition and educational forum on all elements of building design and construction.  With 1100 exhibits, Construct Canada is held concurrently with HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo, PM Expo, Concrete Canada, and DesignTrends featuring the very latest in products, technologies, best practices and applications for the design, construction, operation, retrofit, and renovation of all types of buildings. For more information about the show, go to http://www.constructcanada.com/index.htm

Call or email Brenda Hawryluk for more information.

WINTER FANCY FOOD SHOW - San Diego, California, January 13 - 15, 2008

STEP is canvassing companies interested in participating in this trade mission. The Fancy Food Shows attract from 19,000 to 32,000 attendees from specialty foods, wine, gifts and department stores, supermarkets and restaurants. This is the premier show in the southwest for specialty and gourment products. Approximately 87% of attendees at the show either authorize or recommend purchasing decisions. In 2007, there were more than 1,100 exhibitors presenting more than 100,000 specialty foods.  Visit the website.

Call or email Jill McDonald for more information.

BIOFACH 2008 - Nuremberg, Germany, February 21 - 24, 2008

Nowhere is the ground so well prepared for success as at the world’s leading exhibition BioFach. Over 45,500 trade visitors (22 % more than the year before!) from 112 countries met to experience the unique variety of the organic industry in 2007. They found the freshest ideas and the most popular new products on the stands of 2,565 exhibitors (BioFach and Vivaness together): organic food of certified quality, natural personal care and natural products.

Call or email Jennifer Evancio for more information.

SASK SHOWCASE 2  - Minneapolis, Feb 26 - 28 ,2008, MULTI - SECTOR

Minnesota has a strong economy supported by innovative entrepreneurs and is a key distribution center for the Midwest US. For new exporters, Minneapolis offers a diverse economy, with buying habits and preferences much the same as our domestic market, while still being manageable and easy to access.This year's Saskatchewan Showcase will once again serve to establish or solidify your presence in the Minnesota market, regardless of the sector you are in.  A customized program will be developed to meet your business objectives for this market through the efforts of STEP, the Canadian Consulate in Minneapolis and the utilization of a Minnesota-based consulting firm. STEP has accessed funding through our federal trade partners to enhance YOUR program for this business development mission.

Call or email Guy Hughes for more information or to register.

EXPOAGRO ARGENTINA 2008 - Armstrong, Santa Fe Province, Argentina, March 5-8, 2008

STEP will lead a business development mission to Expoagro 2008 in Argentina. Expoagro is one of the largest agriculture equipment shows in Argentina and South America. With over 30 million hectares under cultivation, an annual production in excess of 80 million tons, and soybean, corn and wheat comprising approximately 80% of the crops grown, not to mention the livestock production industry, this market warrants a closer look by companies that manufacture technology and products for the agriculture industry. This mission offers the opportunity to participate in the trade show as either a co-exhibitor with STEP or a international visitor. As well, STEP will organize a series of farm and manufacturing facility visits and the opportunity for one-on-one meetings for STEP members to learn more about the market and develop their business contacts. In conjunction with this mission, STEP will lead a business program in the equipment manufacturing sector in Brazil.

Call or email Brenda Hawryluk for more information.

GLOBE 2008 - Vancouver, March 12-14, 2008

GLOBE 2008 will bring together government decisions makers, corporate executives, and environmental technology innovators from around the world to discuss current trends and showcase technology solutions to the world's environmental problems.

STEP's Technology & Professional Services team will lead a Saskatchewan mission of STEP members to this event. On this business development mission, STEP plans to organize a group display at the show, arrange meetings with buyers, and represent non-attending members. http://www.globe2008.ca/

Call  or email Nataliya Pasichnyk for more information or to register.

NATURAL PRODUCTS EXPO WEST 2008 - Anaheim, California, March 13 - 16, 2008

Natural Products Expo West, the largest natural and organic trade show, brings you a World of Goods – thousands of new products, cutting-edge trends, engaging speakers, informative seminars and endless networking opportunities. Get face-to- face with more than 2,800 exhibitors, sample tons of new products and explore new ideas and information, all designed to help you get ahead.

Call or email Jill McDonald for more information.

NATIONAL BUYER SELLER FORUM - Edmonton, March 25-27, 2008

STEP will participate once again in the National Buyer/Seller Forum 2008, which will showcase oil sands development procurement opportunities and solutions. Over 800 individuals attended the 2007 show and more are expected to attend this year, including oil sands developers, "Tier One" suppliers, key procurement personnel and others. The Forum includes a National Sellers Showcase profiling Canadian manufacturers and providing the opportunity for one-on-one meetings. Early bird pricing for the National Buyer/Seller Forum of $500 is available until December 15th, 2007; $625 after that date.

For further information about STEP's involvement at the show, contact Rob Ziola or Brenda Hawryluk.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS 2008
Competing and Succeeding in the Global Marketplace
May 20-22, 2008
Hyatt Regency Vancouver Hotel, Vancouver, B.C.
www.cme-mec.ca/idd

16th ANNUAL CANADIAN AWARDS FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION(CAIC)
Deadline for Applications:  April 15, 2008
www.cme-mec.ca/caic

BEYOND BORDERS CONFERENCE (TRADE TEAM SASKATCHEWAN)
Are you new to exporting or thinking about entering the global marketplace – then this conference is for you! Trade Team Saskatchewan (TTS) is hosting the "Beyond Borders" Conference on Tuesday February 5, 2008 at the Delta Regina Hotel in Regina, SK. TTS is pleased to announce their luncheon keynote speaker – Graham Rush, Senior Trade Commissioner from the Consulate General of Canada, Minneapolis. The day also includes a 2-hour introduction to exporting session, an exporter’s panel and an exporter’s café where participants will have the opportunity to interact with members of TTS. For more information email Stacey Sauer.

GREAT PLAINS COMMERCE ALLIANCE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES SEMINAR
Minot, North Dakota - January 22, 2008
This full day event will focus on enhancing and identifying opportunities related to the revitalization of a north-south business opportunities network between the Canadian Prairies and North Dakota.  While there are plenty of current and potential opportunities related to the north-south trade, they are often overlooked while exporters try to tackle complicated overseas markets.  The Great Plains Commerce Alliance would like to invite all companies and organizations interested in the opportunities surrounding north-south trade to attend this unique event that aims to inform companies of current and emerging business opportunities in the Great Plains region.

Call or email Jeff Thackeray for more information.

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