Gov. Bush leads trade mission to Britain [Jeb to meet with UK's Tony Blair]

AP ^ | July 20, 2002 | David Royse

[summer]

Gov. Bush leads trade mission to Britain

Saturday, July 20, 2002

By DAVID ROYSE, Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Jeb Bush and more than 100 Florida business leaders will head to the United Kingdom this weekend on a trade mission focused on aviation and aerospace.

The highlight of the trip for Bush will be the Farnborough International Air Show, where he will meet with executives from several international aerospace companies that operate in Florida.

He will also meet with officials from several unnamed British companies that are thinking of expanding in Florida.

The governor, who is the brother of President Bush, will also meet with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Bush was leaving Saturday from Miami.

"The United Kingdom is an important trading partner for Florida that invests heavily in our economy, but we believe there is much room for growth," Bush said.

Britain is Florida's eighth largest trading partner and the fourth largest foreign investor in the state.

The Bush administration wants to boost Florida's high-tech industry and is anchoring that effort in the already thriving aviation and aerospace sector.

Britain has a $12 billion aerospace industry that imports nearly $7 billion in related products from the United States, and Florida officials are hoping to boost the state's share.

"It's a good growth market, it's a high-tech driven market," said Manny Mencia, vice president for international development at Enterprise Florida, the state's economic development organization.

Bush will try to woo officials from two aviation companies, Mencia said, although he wouldn't identify the companies.

"One of them has an interest in establishing a possible venture in Florida, the other one is considering expansion opportunities," he said.

Bush will also attend the opening of Florida-based Citrix's British headquarters in London.

The meeting with Blair is primarily a courtesy call, but Mencia said Bush would likely suggest that Britain beef up its Miami office to full consulate general status, which carries more clout than the office currently there.

Several private business leaders from various industries will also travel with the governor, paying their own way for a chance to make deals in England.

Enterprise Florida works with British trade officials to set up meetings with companies already identified as possible partners, said Pamela Dana, director of the governor's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development.

Bush has also led trade missions to Brazil, Mexico, Israel, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay.

[summer]

Gov. Bush has been so adept at attracting more business and trade for FL. I can not imagine any Dem candidate being able to do what he has achieved in this regard. Several billion dollars have been pumped into FL as a direct result of his numerous successful trade missions. Yet another reason to vote for JEB! :)

[summer]

For more details about Gov. Bush's successful trade missions to boost FL's economy, see the links throughout the following essay:

'The Jeb Bush Nobody Knows' -- Part 13: Meet Jeb's New FL - Busine$$ Partner to the World

[summer]

For index.

[summer]

FYI.

[JulieRNR21]

So true, summer.....JEB has been a great Governor and I hope the voters show their appreciation in Nov.

BTW Katherine Harris has worked very hard as well; to bring more foreign business ventures to FL.

[Paul Atreides]

Let's hope that Jeb remembers to take his gun...

[summer]

More info about this current trip for Gov. Bush can be found on FL's web site, in this press release HERE.

[summer]

Julie, Thanks for your post here and elsewhere. Lately I have not been able to be on my computer as much as I would like, due to technical difficulties! But, I hope to get back on soon.

I'm really glad you mentioned Katherine Harris in this regard, as she has been instrumental in succesfully selling FL as well, and rarely receives the credit she deserves for doing so. She has a great record in this area of trade. Thanks again! :)

[MeekOneGOP]

Bush bump !

[mafree]

GO JEB!!

[summer]

Thanks so much for bumping this thread! :)

[summer]

Well, that photo is certainly a new one!

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

"Bush will try to woo officials from two aviation companies, Mencia said, although he wouldn't identify the companies."

Good for Jeb. I love the picture of Jeb in his high tech offices, master of Algore's invention. It's reassuring to know that our Governor doesn't simply "talk the talk." One recent government worker was said to have trouble even using his phone. (^:

[Sungirl]

Hope he's successful!

[KevinDavis]

Wish Jeb was the pres bump

[FreedomFriend]

It sounds as though Bush is wanting other country's to take over our aerospace industry. After all, free trade is good, or so he says.

If it's nothing more than the UK buying the US products, then that is fine. However, if it is to strengthen the UK's aerospace presence in Florida, then I have a problem with that, for it is not in the US' best interests.

[summer]

I think getting UK companies to expand to FL rather
than elsewhere, and do more business in FL and employ people in FL -- just as thousands of other companies do in FL -- is a great idea. In FL, just as New York and other places, not every single company is American owned and operated. Some of the biggest ad agencies on Madison Avenue are owned by foreign entities (including WPP, a UK company), and much of the real estate in NY as in FL is already owned by foreigners. If they want to bring jobs and money to FL, I think it can only help FL.

[summer]

From the link in my post #7 --

------

TALLAHASSEE Governor Jeb Bush departs this weekend to lead a seven-day trade mission to Florida’s eighth largest trading partner and fourth largest foreign investor - the United Kingdom (U.K.). During the weeklong “Team Florida” mission to London, approximately 125 of Florida’s business and economic development leaders will join Governor Bush to meet with business and government leaders in the U.K.

“If past trade missions are any indication, the upcoming week of meetings will produce significant economic results for the state of Florida,” said Governor Bush. “The United Kingdom is an important trading partner for Florida that invests heavily in our economy, but we believe there is much room for growth. While the Team Florida mission will produce instant results through its business-to-business events, it will also lay the groundwork necessary for greater investments well into the future.”

British demand for Florida products - particularly high-tech products - remains strong, despite an unsteady global economy. The U.K. imported $1.25 billion in Florida goods last year and as of 1999 (the latest year data is available) invested an estimated $4 billion in the state. The U.K. also boasts a $12 billion aviation/aerospace industry that currently imports nearly $7 billion in related products from the United States. Some of the planned events during the trade mission include attendance at the Farnborough International Air Show where the Governor will inaugurate the Florida Pavilion, as well as hold meetings with executives from key transportation and aviation companies. Governor Bush will also address the BritishAmerican Business, Inc. - the U.K. based American Chamber of Commerce, and attend the opening of Florida-based Citrix’s U.K. headquarters in London.

[summer]

A big BTTT to your post #15 for 2008. Hang on! :)

[summer]

Thanks for your good wishes, Sungirl! :)