MITC hosting international trade event in Bangor

Courtesy / Maine International Trade Center Yale Cordage sales manager Rickard Yale, left, and CEO Tom Yale will receive the Exporter of the Year Award from Maine International Trade Center at Trade Day 2017 in Bangor on Thursday.

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Maine International Trade Center will host Trade Day 2017, "Charting a Course in the Changing EU," on Thursday, May 25, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.

After 25 years of expansion and relative stability, the European Union is going through seismic changes. The EU's single market of 510 million people has grown to be the second largest economy in the world worth $16 trillion. But the Greek debt crisis, followed by Brexit, have strained relations among the member states.

In 2016, Maine exports to the EU totaled $503 million, and Europe remained a dominant player, accounting for four of Maine's top 10 overseas markets. While the current uncertainty puts some long-standing transatlantic business relationships at risk, there will also be new opportunities.

At Trade Day 2017, a panel of experts will discuss how economic and political changes in the EU will impact Maine businesses in the short-term, as well as long-term trends to guide future strategy.

This is the 37th annual Maine International Trade Day, the largest international business event in northern New England. Approximately 300 people are expected to attend from Maine, New England, and eastern Canada.

The event includes a keynote address by Matt Tripodi from Euromonitor International; the Trade and Investment Awards luncheon; an expert panel discussion; and the New Products Global Showcase, featuring innovative products from six Maine companies competing for the "Best in Show" award at Trade Day.

Other awards include:

Innovator of the Year: Advanced Structures and Composites Center, University of Maine
Future Global Leader Award: Luke Middleton
Service Provider of the Year: Verrill Dana, LLP
Foreign Direct Investor of the Year: C&L Aviation Group
President's Award: MITC Board Treasurer Joe Mooney, TD Bank, and MITC Board Chairman John Wolanski, GAC Chemical Corp.
Exporter of the Year: Yale Cordage

The "Best in Show" winner in New Products Global Showcase will be announced at 5 p.m

For additional information about Trade Day 2017, go here .