Idaho Delegation readies for Trade Mission

Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill of Rexburg, will be acting governor from Wednesday to Saturday this week while the Governor and Lt. Governor are out of state, both for very different reasons. Idaho Governor Butch Otter and the first lady will be attending the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas this week. Meanwhile, lieutenant governor Brad little will be leading a 16 company trade mission to trade mission to Brazil and Mexico. The trip is the state's first to Brazil since 1998, when Otter, as lieutenant governor, went to Brazil, Argentina and Chile. Mexico is the United States' third-largest trade partner and Brazil is the world's eighth-largest economy.  When announced in February, Otter was to have led the trip, then scheduled for June. The mission was rescheduled for Dec. 3-10 and Otter asked Little to lead the delegation. In An email to the Idaho statesman, Otter spokesman Jon Hanian, says that Otter had intended to lead the trip, but that it was scuttled and rescheduled for this week. The mission includes 16 companies, along with the Idaho Farm Bureau, Idaho Potato Commission and Idaho Bean Commission. According to the Department of Commerce, estimated costs are $6,125 per participant. The trip is aimed at companies "looking to expand sales and build international business relationships" as well as those wanting to strengthen ties to current customers.