More than 40 representatives of Canadian businesses attended Ogdensburg’s cross-border trade show Wednesday, which aimed to boost trade in the United States.

The trade show, held at the Dobisky Center, focused on Canadian exporting to the U.S.

Several seminars were held by the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Immigration Law Group.

The seminars were held in conjunction with the Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation, Toronto, which typically sponsors its U.S. seminars in Buffalo.

“The trade seminars are something we have done for almost 28 years, but this is the first time it’s been done in Ogdensburg,” Community Export Development Director Debbie Walker said Wednesday. “Ogdensburg is so close to the border and there is a real opportunity for unique partnerships. We have a lot of companies from all over Ontario that are interested in the United States.”

The seminars focused on banking, taxation and the legalities of exporting.

“There are more rules than you think,” said St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency Deputy CEO Thomas A. Plastino. “The information being provided is really current and relative to the issues companies face when exporting. These are people who do this for a living.”

Mr. Plastino said one of the IDA’s goals is to attract Canadian investors and promote job growth in the county.

“We let them know the convenience of locating their business here,” said Mr. Plastino. “We can provide them with employment, mail drop, buildings and warehouses and other services.”

Following the seminars, visitors were taken by bus to the Port of Ogdensburg, the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority’s Commerce Park light industrial park and the Ogdensburg International Airport.

“It’s really important for them to see what’s out there,” said Mr. Plastino.

An event will also be held Oct. 18 in Massena in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa and the U.S. Consulate in Montreal.

“Capitalizing on the opportunities for trade and development from the border is a priority for St. Lawrence County and a regional economic development strategy for the north country,” said IDA CEO Patrick J. Kelly. “Today’s event highlights the willingness on both sides of the border to collaborate in pursuit of our shared interests.”

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