Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal. (File / WRDW-TV)

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

ATLANTA (AP) -- Gov. Nathan Deal is traveling across Canada to make sure the United States' northern neighbor keeps Georgia on its mind.

The governor's economic development mission started Monday and lasts through July 10 as he visits Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Calgary. Along for the trip are Sandra Deal, the governor's wife, as well as Chris Cummiskey, Georgia's economic development commissioner.

Deal's office says the goal of the trip is to promote Georgia as a prime location for trade and tourism from Canada.

State officials say Canada is Georgia's top export market, with $6.3 billion in Georgia products shipped across the border last year. Canada is also the sixth biggest importer to Georgia, with $3.3 billion in Canadian goods flowing into the state in 2011.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)