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USA

Our closest neighbour and ally, the USA is Canada’s largest trading partner. Sharing borders and in many cases similar climates, the exchange of goods and services is a natural progression of a well established alliance.

The USA is Canada’s closest neighbouring country and as such also our largest trading partner in both the import and export markets.
With our borders adjacent and access to the USA through the South Okanagan Valley, tourism is a large part of the business economy.
Many agri-food businesses have been started by American residents looking to relocate to smaller communities to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.
The USA receives a large portion of Canadian goods and services: the forestry sector being an example with the USA receiving the largest amount of Canadian exported wood products.
“People power” is an important component of USA / Canadian trade and the Central Okanagan currently is working on initiatives (metabridge) connecting BC companies to companies in the Silicon Valley.
Many companies share manufacturing and / or business holdings in both countries.

A Few Business examples

Disney Online – Club Penguin
In March 2005, three Kelowna residents set out to create an ad-free, virtual world where children could play games, have fun and interact. As Internet specialists and parents, they wanted Club Penguin to be a place they’d feel comfortable letting their own children and grandchildren visit.

After months of consultation, research and testing, Club Penguin opened to the public in October 2005. In August 2007, Club Penguin joined the Walt Disney Company in a partnership designed to provide access to unprecedented resources and unique development opportunities. Club Penguin is headquartered in the beautiful city of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada and maintains offices and staff in Brighton, England and Sydney, Australia and São Paulo, Brazil.

www.clubpenguin.com
media@clubpenguin.com
Universal Specialties
Universal Packaging Inc. was founded in 1985 to serve the growing needs of beverage companies. While we are one of the largest screen printed bottles to the Wine industry in North America, we also do high-end work for the Spirit, Beer and Water industries. Due to our geographic location, we have focused our efforts on the western part of Canada and the United States.

Steve Pelkey
sales@unipack.ca
www.unispec.com
Darford Industries
Based in Vernon, Darford Industries manufacturer’s a premium natural and organic baked pet treats. The Darford brand was created and founded in 1987 by Darcy Bomford, President of Darford Industries. Darford has high consumer recognition and is marketed and sold through specialty pet stores throughout North American, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Korea.

Darcy Bomford
sales@darford.com
www.darford.com
Sunopta
Our Food Group specializes in sourcing, processing and distribution of natural and organic food products integrated from seed through packaged product. SunOpta has evolved to become one of the largest players in this category in North America, and in fact, in the world. With the combination of fast growing markets, vertically integrated business models supported by solid financial and operating assets and a team of dedicated personnel, SunOpta is positioned for an exciting future.

www.sunopta.com