10/19/2009, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Henkel, which markets well-known consumer and industrial brands in North America including Dial® soaps, Purex® laundry detergents, and Right Guard® antiperspirants, hosted the Canada Arizona Business Council (CABC) on September 25 at its North American Consumer Products headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz. The meeting was attended by 60 professionals from several different companies that are working to promote increased trade and investment between Arizona and Canada.
Members of Henkel’s executive leadership spoke to the group on sustainability, innovation, corporate stewardship, and culture. Other topics that were discussed included trends in business, the impact of the economy on the Canadian industry, and future opportunities for expansion of business development.
During the second part of the meeting, attendees from Montreal-based Alimentation Couche and representatives from Circle K presented to the group, and Kahala Corp. discussed the introduction of Cold Stone Creamery into Tim Horton’s coffee shops in Canada. The group typically meets quarterly to discuss these and other Canadian/Arizona-related business matters. John Schofield, Henkel Vice President & General Manager, International/Export Operations, said, “The CABC provides a forum for organizations to address issues and opportunities on a broad scale and develop actionable plans towards resolution.”
“The meeting at Henkel was a great example of the CABC in action. Executives from Air Canada came to discuss increasing flights between Arizona and Canada, specifically between Montreal and Phoenix, and the Canadian government sent a senior diplomat to discuss increasing the Canadian government footprint in the region,” said Glenn Williamson, CEO and Founder-Canada Arizona Business Council.
Companies attending the board meeting included The Arizona Biltmore, Henkel, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Department of Tourism, Sky Harbor Airport and several others. The next meeting of the CABC is planned for the first quarter of 2010.
About the Canada Arizona Business Council
The Canada Arizona Business Council was formed to promote a single mandate: To increase bilateral trade between Canada and Arizona to $5 billion U.S. by 2010. CABC brings together senior players in every industry on both sides of the border. Their networking capability assures “1 degree of separation” from the decision makers in any field. These business leaders are the CEOs, Presidents, entrepreneurs, and professionals who will achieve that 5 billion dollar trade number. For more information on the CABC, visit http://www.canaz.net./.
