One Nova Scotia company was sending an official down to Atlanta anyway to sign a distribution agreement and decided to tag along with the mission. Jeremy Bernard, director of marketing and sales for Halifax-based diaphonics, said he hoped to set up a photo opportunity with the prime minister. His company develops customer service software that accepts voice commands from customers, rather than having them punch numbers on the phone. He said that translates to more than 300 jobs, making the missions worthwhile. If our companies are going to become part of the global economy, they have to get out and trade missions allow them to do that.
Companies pay their own way, while provincial taxpayers pick up the tab for provincial officials.
Mr. Hamm said he also plans to visit neighbouring South Carolina, home to Michelin's U.S. headquarters. The giant tiremaker has three plants in Nova Scotia and is one of its largest private-sector employers.