An important
partnership
Salina,
Kan., (March 3, 2010) - Could it
be that the consul general of Canada flew from his regional office in
Dallas to the Salina Municipal Airport to celebrate Canada's gold medal
in hockey? Probably not, although it was a perk of the trip and the
subject of some lively banter.
Consul
General Norris Pettis spent the morning of March 2 in Topeka, were he
met with Gov. Mark Parkinson and Salina representatives of the Kansas
Legislature to discuss critical trade issues. His interest in Salina was
peaked when he learned about Canadian Forces training here.
But
the opportunity to train troops on the ground and in the air isn't the
only thing Kansas has to offer our neighbors to the north. Kansas
exports to Canada have increased by 3 percent in the past year and
bilateral trade has grown by $171 million. In fact, Canada is Kansas'
largest export market and an estimated 72,750 jobs in Kansas are
attributed to trade with Canada, according to information provided by
the Consul General's office.
During
his stop in Salina, Mr. Pettis greeted members from Canada's Air Force
425thTactical Fighter Squadron and the Kansas National
Guard. He toured the airport with city official and discussed trade and
economic development issues with local officials. At the K-State at
Salina Unmanned Aerial Systems program office the group explored
opportunities for U.S. and Canadian colleges to collaborate and partner
together in UAS research and development.
"This
visit was a great opportunity to see both the town and the
airport," Pettis explained to a group of city officials. He said he
was pleased with the way the Canadian forces were able to utilize
airport and the weapons range.
Mr.
Pettis said he was impressed by the close partnerships forged by the
Salina Airport Authority, Kansas National Guard, K-State at Salina, City
of Salina, Saline County and the Salina Area Chamber of
Commerce. Representatives of each were on hand to explain their role in
further economic development.
"As
a result of the consul general's visit and tour he will be better able
to advise his constituents of opportunities in Salina," explained
Executive Director Tim Rogers, A.A.E. "There are plenty of
opportunities for Canadian businesses and firms to locate on the
Airport Industrial Center and Aviation Service Center."
Kansas
imports more than $728 million in aircraft engines and parts, making it
the number one import from the country. Other aircraft parts account for
more than $197 million and the third largest import from the
country. The other top five imports are motor vehicle engines and parts
as well as crude petroleum.
Kansas
answers those imports with an equally impressive number of
exports. Canada receives more than $362 million worth of automobiles,
$280 million in aircrafts and $126 million of meat from Kansas based
companies. Also on the top five list are crude petroleum and front end
loaders.
The
two-way street between Kansas and Canada doesn't stop at imports and
exports Canadians spend more than $18 million a year visiting the
Sunflower State. That may come to a surprise to some Kansans but Salinans
have heard plenty of Canadian accents in the past as Canadian troops
have invaded local hotels, restaurants and bars lately dishing out
grief about gold medals and hockey games.
