Trade links with U.S. explored. (Thunder Bay).

Last year, the City of Thunder Bay initiated the Inward Investment Project to increase trade and export involvement between northwestern Ontario businesses and businesses in the U.S. Midwest. The idea behind the project was for Thunder Bay to market its proximity to the U.S. border and to subsequently connect northwestern Ontario businesses with American companies.

Richard Pohler, a business development officer for Development Thunder Bay, says the project is "still in its early stages," and that negotiations are still ongoing between Canadian, American and international companies.

However, he did say that he was involved in meetings in November in Minnesota, which he feels proved to be successful. Pohler met with representatives of two international companies involved in the aviation field, at least one of whom was considering coming to Thunder Bay to explore the potential opportunities with the city's $8-million aviation project. The Aviation Centre of Excellence project is aimed at combining three college aviation programs into one, and offering the combined program at only one facility.

Pohler also points out that another company was looking at doing some sub-contracting work in the field of metal fabrication with another Thunder Bay company, and anticipates there may be some deals inked by early next year.

Thunder Bay is conveniently located only 32 miles from the U.S. border, with direct links to the U.S. Interstate Highway System. That means there is a market of 35 million people within a one-day drive from the area, says Pohler.