Episode description

The latest episode of “Talking Trade” features a conversation with David Usher, acting consul general for Canada’s Chicago Consulate. 

He talks about the consulate’s role in promoting cross-border trade and economic development in Canada as well as Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri, pointing to the “very important and robust” trade connection between Canada and Wisconsin. 

He explains Wisconsin exports about $7.5 billion in goods to Canada each year, while it imports about $5.5 billion annually. And he highlights the 189 Canadian-owned businesses in the state that employ over 22,000 Wisconsin workers. 

The discussion ranges from opportunities for Wisconsin startups in Canada and the growing role of Toronto as a “tech hub” to supply chain issues and collaborations in water technology. 

Usher touts the role of the water sector in Milwaukee, touching on the connection between the consulate and the Water Council’s Brew 2.0 incubator program. Three Canadian companies have been chosen to join the program’s latest cohort, he said. 

“This is another area where Canada and Wisconsin have shared skills, shared interests, and the cooperation is great, and we’re trying to make it even stronger,” he said.