Past News & Events

Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance 2001 Annual General Meeting

On February 28th over 200 guests attended the sold-out Luncheon and Annual General Meeting Event hosted by the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance at Le Royal Meridien King Edward Hotel. Ms. Toni Marwitz, Consul General of the United States of America addressed a distinguished audience of business and government leaders on the topic of Shared Borders? Shared Beliefs: The U.S.- Canada Relationship Post September 11, 2001. Take a moment to view Ms.Marwitz's speech and our report on the GTMA's 2001 success stories.

Excerpts from the speech of Toni Marwitz, U.S. Consul General, United States of America. Thursday, February 28, 2002 - Royal Le Meridien King Edward Hotel - Toronto, Canada

Toni Marwitz full speech (MS Word format)

On the Toronto Region:

"I feel very fortunate to again be serving in this great city. Certainly the KPMG Competitive Alternatives study only served to highlight what we already know….Toronto is a great place for business! "

On Cross-Border Security:

"While an air of "normalcy" has returned to the border crossings, this should not be confused with complacency; our officials remain on highest alert. Today, we have strengthened our federal law enforcement presence in Ontario, and we continue to work very closely with our Canadian counterparts to facilitate border crossings while ensuring the security of the border This work continues today, as we deal with the follow-up for the U.S.-Canadian 30-point plan for a "smart" and secure border. "

Canadian Response to September 11th:

"Spontaneously, Torontonians began to show up outside of the Consulate to demonstrate their moral support. Official calls came quickly from every level of government and from many of our personal contacts, each expressing solidarity, sympathy, and hope."

Future of U.S. - Canada Relationship:

"I remain extremely optimistic about the U.S.-Canada relationship, and I am confident it will continue to grow and deepen. On both sides of the border we must work diligently to ensure that the level head of business continues to win the day over the emotional political forces that can operate in both our countries"

On the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance:

"We at the U.S. Consulate are doing our best to ensure that the flow of goods and people across the border continues and thrives. We applaud the efforts of the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance and we look forward to continuing to work with you to increase cross-border business and understanding. "

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