The NMA has arranged a special dinner seating arrangement whereby people who wish only to attend the dinner portion of the Northwestern Ontario Development Network’s Economic Development Practitioners Conference can purchase a ticket for $50. This is your opportunity to listen to the presentation of the keynote speaker, Graham Rush, Consul & Senior Trade Commissioner, from the Canadian Consulate in Minneapolis and to network with him as well as some of his senior personnel. The Canadian Consulate General team in Minneapolis offer a wealth of services and resources to Canadians and Americans alike, including helping Canadians living, working and traveling in their region of responsibility (Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska), promoting trade, investment and technology transfers, and advocating Canadian interests.
 
You are invited to attend the dinner portion of the Northwestern Ontario Development Network’s Economic Development Practitioners Conference as a guest of the NMA.
 
Friday, March 28th 2008
Valhalla Inn, Thunder Bay
5pm – Cocktail Reception & Networking Break with cash bar, Viking Room
6pm – Buffet Dinner with speaker Graham Rush, Consul & Senior Trade Commissioner, Canadian Consulate General(biography below), Scandia Room
 
Please RSVP by Tuesday, March 25th at 12noon by calling the NMA office at 807-768-6727 or emailing . Seating is limited.
 
GRAHAM RUSH, Consul & Senior Trade Commissioner - Canadian Consulate General, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
As Consul & Senior Trade Commissioner at the Canadian Consulate General in Minneapolis, Graham Rush is responsible for the Government of Canada’s international business development programs, services and activities in the states of Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
 
Prior to his arrival in Minneapolis in September 2007, Mr. Rush held various diplomatic and trade commissioner positions abroad, including assignments Moscow, Dallas, Melbourne and Budapest. In his most recent position Mr. Rush served as the Head of Consulate & Senior Trade Commissioner for Canada in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He has also filled several positions at the Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade headquarters in Ottawa, including officer and managerial positions relating to Eastern Europe, the United States, transportation, and business development programs and policy.

As part of his Trade Commissioner role Mr. Rush has served as an active member of the executive committees of the Canadian Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates, and the Canadian Business Association in Russia. He also served on the board of the Anglo-American School of Moscow.

Mr. Rush was born in Vancouver, British Columbia.  He has done postgraduate studies at the London School of Economics, has a Master’s degree in Soviet & East European Studies from Carleton University, and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of British Columbia.