Bharat Masrani to Address the World Affairs Council

If the recent global financial crisis has taught us anything, it’s that nations and their economies are inextricably tied together in a web of financial and commercial interdependency. Nowhere is that more true than between Maine and its northern neighbor Canada.

On Dec. 9, 2008, the World Affairs Council of Maine and the Maine International Trade Center will explore that interrelationship at its annual Governor's International Breakfast in Portland. After brief remarks from Gov. John Baldacci (invited) on the state’s recent trade mission to Toronto and Vancouver organized by the Maine International Trade Center, Bharat Masrani, President and CEO of Portland-based TD Bank, will address the morning program with a discussion of the current global financial markets and the financial interrelationship between the United States and Canada.

Masrani arrived in Portland from Toronto in November 2006 to take the helm at what was then known as TD Banknorth. In addition to his role as President and CEO of TD Bank, he is also group head of U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking for Toronto-based TD Bank Financial Group, the parent company of TD Bank.

The Governor's International Breakfast will be held the morning of Dec. 9 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. From 6:45-7:15 a.m. there will be coffee and networking, followed by a sit down breakfast from 7:15-7:45 a.m. The program, which includes time for a Q&A session, will run from 7:45-9 a.m.

The World Affairs Council of Maine is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the understanding of international affairs and supporting international education in Maine. The Maine International Trade Center is Maine's center for international business assistance.

For more information, please contact the World Affairs Council of Maine at 207-780-4552 or executivedirector@wacmaine.org.


More about Bharat Masrani:
Masrani started his career at TDBFG in 1987 as a Commercial Lending Trainee where he rose to Account Manager, Commercial Accounts in 1988. He progressed through a number of positions and responsibilities before assuming the role of Vice President and Head, Corporate Banking Canada. In 1996, he was appointed Vice President and Country Head for India and then to Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance and Co-Head in Europe in 1997. In November 2006, Masrani was appointed President of TD Banknorth and in March 2007 he assumed the additional role of CEO.

More about the World Affairs Council of Maine:
This year, the World Affairs Council of Maine celebrates its 30th anniversary as the state’s oldest and largest non-profit public membership organization dedicated to public education in international affairs. The Council was founded in 1977 to promote understanding of world events and issues, foreign policy and international trade, and other countries and cultures. Its annual series of speakers and events has engaged the business and education communities, as well as other groups and organizations involved in Maine’s expanding global activities and interests. The Council’s offices and conference room are located on the Portland campus of the University of Southern Maine, which has hosted the Council since 1988.

More about the Maine International Trade Center:
The Maine International Trade Center is Maine’s center for international business assistance. Formed in 1996, the Trade Center provides technical assistance and trade counseling, import and export leads, international credit reports, workshops, coordinated trade missions and trade shows, and many other useful services to help Maine companies seeking to succeed in international markets.
It is the Mission of the Maine International Trade Center to promote the expansion of Maine’s economy through increased international trade in goods and services, and related activities.