BACKGROUND
In 2003, NEIA engaged a seasoned energy trade professional, Scott Flukinger, to act as its trade development agent in Houston, Texas, the energy capital of the world, during a six-month period leading up to the year's biggest offshore oil and gas event, the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). During this time, Mr. Flukinger directly advised NEIA participants on their market entry strategies and facilitated the following for NEIA and its participating members:
- A matchmaking agenda for NEIA and participating companies comprising more than 20 U.S. and international companies and governmental buyers during the OTC conference, including: BP, Total Inc., J. Ray McDermott, Tidewater Marine, Garner Environmental, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Maritime Global.
- An inbound mission of U.S. environmental business leaders.
- Significant partnering opportunities for two NEIA members in top "third markets” (offshore Brazil, offshore Pakistan, and offshore Australia).
- Significant partnering opportunities and business intelligence related to Atlanta, Georgia water and wastewater infrastructure projects worth millions of dollars.
- Significant partnering opportunities and business intelligence related to Louisiana and Texas offshore oil and gas environmental and emergency response opportunities.
- Ongoing weekly reports on significant market trends and developments in the southern United States.
 In January 2006, NEIA again contracted Mr. Flukinger to act as its trade development consultant in the southern United States. The 2006 project was comprised of an inbound mission ( Energy & Environment 2006 ) and an outbound mission ( Louisiana Trade Mission ). The inbound mission featured valuable allies and potential business partners from the U.S. Gulf Coast, several of whom later facilitated further meetings in Louisiana on behalf of NEIA and its participating members.
 The 2006 project resulted in a responsive, high-level network of Louisiana business and public sector champions, partners, intermediaries and potential buyers to support future NEIA and NEIA member efforts in the target region.
John Sauger, Senior VP of Federal Operations for Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure, remains a committed friend to NEIA members ready to pursue the U.S. market. In early 2007, he wrote to NEIA staff: "I continue to look for opportunities for the NEIA membership within our Federal business line in the U.S. and abroad."
2007 PROJECT
NEIA is currently embarking on another Gulf South trade initiative with Mr. Flukinger and is actively seeking expressions of interest in a Fall 2007 U.S. Gulf South Trade Mission. This year, NEIA has partnered with ACOA and the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development to reach a wider number of potential participants. The primary requirement for participation is that the company is export-ready and has demonstrated strong commitment to international market development. Click here for the expression of interest form.
Incoming Buyers’ Delegation
In conjunction with its U.S. Gulf South Trade Project, NEIA will host a trade delegation of potential buyers and strategic partners from the Gulf South region. As in 2006, these people will be selected by Mr. Flukinger based on members’ stated market interests. By bringing prospective clients and partners from the target market to Newfoundland and Labrador, NEIA’s objective is to turn “one-off” contacts into enthusiastic partners and ongoing champions of NEIA members.
During the incoming buyers’ mission, one-on-one meetings will be held between inbound guests and outbound mission participants, as well as other NEIA members that have expressed interest in that market. Please note that confirmed mission participants will be given priority access to these individuals.
For more information on NEIA’s Gulf South Trade Project, contact Amy Warren: amy@neia.org / 709.772.8625.
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