Atlantica Monitor

Economic Development: The Time to Court Businesses is Before They Expand Elsewhere!

Sounds obvious, of course, but finger pointing and crafting after-the-fact packages seldom help to retain businesses.

In my monthly column at MaineAhead, I use the example of Jackson Laboratory, one of Maine's leading research institutions, to make this point. Not every state (or province or community) can or should compete on every offer. We have to be rational about it.

But we'll have a better chance of succeeding if we are in touch with growth businesses before they make their move. Click here for the column.

State of Israel Honors Atlantica Group Founder

The State of Israel, through its Consulate General to New England in Boston, has honored Perry Newman, founder and president of Atlantica Group LLC, for his efforts to support economic collaboration between Israel and New England.

The award cites Newman's "remarkable work", which includes promoting the first US-Canada business delegation to Israel, linking Israeli entrepreneurs with potential business partners in New England, and highlighting Israel's technology capabilities in multiple media venues.

"Anyone who's visited or done business in Israel immediately grasps the incredible energy of the place, as well as its amazing technology and entrepreneurial environment," said Newman.

"We expect to strengthen its focus on technology projects involving Israel throughout 2010 and 2011, in part by linking Israeli entrepreneurs and opportunities with other key markets in which we are active, notably Canada and India."

Anticipated Change in Canadian Tax Law Likely to Prompt Influx of VC Investment in Canada ...

A longstanding impediment to cross-border investment in Canadian technology and other growth companies is likely to fall by the wayside with the anticipated repeal of (drum roll ..... ) Section 116!

Click here for the story.

US, India Formalize Framework to Boost Supply Chain Opps for SMEs

The United States and India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding or framework focusing on developing opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises to become integrated in the global supply chain.

Building on the successful visit of India's prime minister Manmohan Singh to Washington in late 2009, this initiative promises to deepen ties between India and the US through the creation of export opportunities for companies in both countries.

Click here for the story.

India to Prioritize Trade, Exchange with Israel

India announces a renewed focus on trade and business exchange with Israel.

Two technology giants to join forces. Look out, world!

I'll be in Israel, and then in India, for the next several weeks to check things out.

Click here for the story in the FT.

Building an Olympian Structure ... and Winning the Gold!

Atlantica Group has had the privilege of working with some outstanding companies and entrepreneurs over the years, but few, if any, have made it to the Olympics. 

Enter Normerica Authentic Timber Frame, an Ontario-based designer and manufacturer of exceptional post-and-beam homes and structures. Atlantica Group worked with Normerica to explore opportunities for the company in the US.

Now from Vancouver comes the exciting news that Normerica designed and built the 48,000 sq.ft. structure on Cypress Mountain  which will be home to the Freestyle Moguls, Freestyle Skiing, Snowboard Halfpipe, Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom and Boardercross competitions during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games!

Click here for the story of Normerica's Olympic victory!

Congratulations to Dave McFarlane and his team at Normerica Authentic Timber Frame!

TSX and TASE in MOU for CAD and NIS Growth

Got all that?

In a nutshell, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that each hopes will ultimately facilitate capital raising opportunities for companies listed or seeking to be listed in each country.

Here's a link to the story.

Canada and US Agree (Finally!) to Resolve Buy America and Other Market Access Issues

A longstanding hindrance to bilateral market access has apparently been resolved today, as the United States and Canada reached agreement on an exemption for Canadian firms to the restrictions of the Buy America provisions of the Stimulus Act. In return, American firms will have greater access to provincial and other procurement opportunities to which they have heretofore been denied.

Click here for the CBC story.

Click here for a rather more political interpretation, provided by the Office of the US Trade Representative.

Canada's Banking System Earns High Praise ...

It's not for the first time, but the extent of positive coverage regarding Canada's banking system, and how well it has emerged from the Great Recession, is certainly noteworthy.

Click here for the story from the Financial Times, and here for Paul Krugman's piece in the New York Times.

The Enormous Potential of India ... and How It Compares with China

Click here for an outstanding presentation on the demographics, market philosophy and enormous potential presented by India, including a compelling look at how and why India and China differ.

This presentation was prepared by Atlantica Group's strategic partner in New Delhi, Tecnova Global. 

Contact us if you'd like further info: pbn@atlanticagroup.com.