POTSDAM -- Clarkson University and Congressman Bill Owens (D-Plattsburgh) host a forum on trade with Canada Friday.

The event will highlight ongoing initiatives intended to bolster economic cooperation between the United States and Canada and reduce inhibitors to increased trade, tourism, and investment.

Event participants will discuss efforts to maintain homeland security while enhancing the legitimate flow of people and goods across the U.S.-Canadian border to the benefit of both countries and communities along the border.

As the Congressional Northern Border Caucus Co-Chairman, Owens has emphasized ways to help New York capitalize on and create jobs through its proximity to Canada. This includes a push to increase the threshold at which low-value shipments can enter the United States free from tariffs, also known as a “de minimis” threshold; calling for the elimination of Canadian tariffs against U.S. dairy and poultry products in Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations; reducing barriers to apple producers who export to Canada; and encouraging Canadian businesses to expand into New York.

Event participants will include Canadian Member of Parliament Rob Merrifield; Bradd Skinner , DHS attaché with the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa; Kevin O’Shea, Canadian Privy Council Office assistant secretary; President and CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce Garry Douglas; Bob DeCamp, Director, Regulatory Affairs and Consulting, A.N. Deringer, Inc.; Gary DeYoung Executive Director, 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, TI Regional Tourism Development Corp.; Kenneth Johnson, Chairman, New York State Motor Truck Association; and Jayson Myers, President and CEO, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.

The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon