WWU to participate in BC/Whatcom Cross-Border Expo June 12

Several campus units are participating in the Second Annual British Columbia / Whatcom County Cross-Border Expo June 12 at Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa in Ferndale. The event will feature three business seminars, a tradeshow and a business-after-business networking event.

WWU’s Center for Canadian-American Studies and Border Policy Research Institute will be at booth 33 during the tradeshow, which runs from 2 to 7 p.m.

"The cross border expo presents a unique opportunity to disseminate BPRI research materials to business persons from both sides of the border," said Don Alper, director of both BPRI and Canadian-American Studies. "Business and trade is greatly affected by the border, and BPRI research helps advance policy initiatives crucial to economic well-being in our state and region."

Also representing Western at the Expo will be the Small Business Development Center, at booth 29.

"Ninety-five percent of the world’s customers live outside the USA, and Western Washington University’s Small Business Development Center is committed to helping businesses grow by learning how to access global markets," said Kevin Hoult, SBDC Business Adviser Services manager. "Two of the most accessible global markets are Mexico and Canada and Whatcom County’s position on our northern border provides a unique opportunity. Many companies north of the border are interested in establishing a US presence, too, and where better to locate than right here in the fourth corner?"

Tickets for the Expo are complimentary and can be picked up at Canada House on campus or the Small Business Development Center at 115 Unity Street, #101, in downtown Bellingham.

More than 60 exhibitors will be on hand. Door prizes will be given to attendees, including two roundtrip tickets from Bellingham to Friday Harbor on San Juan Airlines, a spa package at Silver Reef and a night’s hotel stay at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine. More than 500 attendees are expected from British Columbia and Whatcom County.

The social media hashtag for the event is #CrossBorderExpo. For more information about the event, visit the expo website at www.crossborderexpo.com.