February 23, 2006

 Brazilian Ambassador Visits Brandon

 BRANDON – Today, The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce hosted Brazilian Ambassador, Joao Almino.  The Ambassador was in Brandon to officially start the Team Brazil 2006 trade mission and learn of the Brandon area, the economy of Hillsborough County and to discuss international business opportunities for the area. 

The day began with breakfast receptions, sponsored by Brass Bell Catering, at The Brandon Chamber of Commerce, where members and those interested in international trade with Brazil were enlightened on the strength of the Brazilian economy and the current role that Florida plays in that success.  Ambassador Almino stated that current export with Florida accounts for one-third of all of the country’s exports.  Brazil is listed as the number one trade partner for the state of Florida, according to Enterprise Florida.

As a portion of the morning’s events, Ambassador Almino talked about the importance of the Team Brazil program and cut the ribbon for the new office of The Brazil-Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, located in The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, at 330 Pauls Drive, Suite 100, Brandon, FL 33511.  “We are thrilled with the initial achievements of our partnership with The Brazil – Tampa Bay Chamber and are looking forward to much success in the future”, stated Tammy C. Bracewell, President, The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce.

The Ambassador was also taken on a tour of the Riverview Mosaic Plant, where the phosphate processes were explained and the Brazilian exports were discussed.  Mosaic has a large presence in Brazil, including phosphate plants just out of San Paulo.  The tour included a visit to the top of a gypsum stack, where Ambassador Almino was able to view Tampa Bay and The Port of Tampa.

Finally, lunch was hosted at The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, where local Brazilian community leaders discussed needs of the Brazilian population in Brandon, including temporary consulate offices for visa processing and possible voting opportunities.  The Ambassador entertained the idea and discussions with the community leaders, including The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, will continue.

The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce and The Brazil-Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce have partnered together to promote the greater Brandon area for international business.  Incoming and outgoing trade missions are planned to highlight the area as well as industry opportunities for import and export.  Inquiries regarding how businesses can participate in international business programs can be directed to Jefferson Michaelis, President of The Brazil-Tampa Bay Chamber at 813-689-1221, ext. 42 or in general to The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce.

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