Monday, February 4, 2008
SRG PRESIDENT ONE OF FEW SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CANADA TRADE MISSION FOR BUSINESSWOMEN
WOODSTOCK, ON - Sherri Stevens, president and owner of SRG (Stevens Resource Group), an award-winning human resources firm, was one of fifteen Canadian businesswomen selected by the honourable Helena Guergis, secretary of state for foreign affairs and international trade on behalf of the government of Canada to attend the Canada trade mission in Jamaica and Barbados January 20 - 25, 2008. Secretary of state Guergis, who led the mission, champions the involvement of businesswomen in international trade.
In early 2007 Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the launch of free trade negotiations between Canada and the nations of the Caribbean community (CARICOM). Centrally located, the Caribbean is an ideal region for both small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and larger companies to develop ties and grow their business.
The trade mission focused on opportunities in the following sectors: agriculture (including food and beverages); technology and equipment; apparel; bio industries (including biotech); building products and construction; education and training; environmental services and technologies; financial services; health industries (including healthcare); information and communications technologies (ICT); and, investment services (especially banking, insurance and capital projects). In addition, there were many opportunities in international human resources and staffing services.
“Although this was the first trade mission that I have participated in, I found it to be very educational”, says Sherri Stevens. “I had the opportunity to network with many local business entrepreneurs as well as participate in the Canadian manufacturers & exporters (CME) conference that was also celebrating their 100 th anniversary of the trade commissioner service in the Caribbean.”
“I made several valuable contacts within the women’s delegation as well as the CME.
I am very excited about an opportunity to work on an hr/skills committee headed by Ian Howcroft, VP, CME Ontario division. I believe this will be a very beneficial committee to be involved with given our existing labour shortages and manufacturing challenges in Ontario”, Sherri concludes.
The program, which consisted of seminars and site visits, hospitality events and networking opportunities was designed to introduceparticipants to local government decision-makers and business leaders, as well asCanadian business people active in the region with experience to share. The Barbados leg of the mission coincided with celebrations of the 100 th anniversary of the Canadian trade commissioner service in the Caribbean.
About Stevens Resource Group
SRG (Stevens Resource Group) is an award winning firm, specializing in a comprehensive suite of human resource solutions including staffing, search, assessments and consulting. Since 1990 we have developed strong impressionable partnerships with our clients to assist them with their staffing and human resource needs. With a network of 10 offices located strategically throughout southwestern Ontario, SRG has the resources and expertise to provide quality human resource solutions in the areas of industrial, administrative, skilled, and professional. For more information, visit srgstaffing.com or call toll free 1-888-381-3811.
