Here’s a chance at some international trade that doesn’t come along every day: the Olympics. More specifically, the 2004 Olympics in Greece, which will offer Wisconsin companies an opportunity for business, says Paul Churchill, of the U.S. Commercial Service’s Milwaukee U.S. Export Assistance Center.
"There are great business opportunities in Greece for Wisconsin companies," Churchill says. "My office is constantly getting up-to-date information on the 2004 Olympics, and I encourage local companies to take advantage of it."
This June, the Athens 2004 Tourism Infrastructure and Development Conference will introduce US participants to Greek business and government decision-makers, providing an opportunity to hear first-hand about business opportunities associated with the development and operation of tourism infrastructure projects in Greece.
US products and services "have an excellent reputation in Greece for quality and durability, and there is a distributor network in place to help US firms sell their products," added Debbie Priamou, commercial specialist at the US Embassy in Athens.
About 40% of the organizing committee’s $700 million budget is dedicated to the purchase of goods and services supporting the overall outfitting of the games.
Priamou said Athens 2004 is utilizing environmentally-friendly construction materials, new energy technologies, and protection of natural resources. The Greek government has lifted a ban on new-hotel construction due to the expected demand for accommodations.
More information is available by calling the Milwaukee Export Center at 414-297-3473, or by visiting www.usatrade.gov.
