During the month of October, Hancock Lumber’s COO Mark Hopkins travelled to Reykjavik, Iceland to participate in the 11th Annual Arctic Circle Assembly and continue conversations on how Maine and Hancock Lumber could support Greenland and supplying building materials for their housing demand. While at this event, Mark presented with four others on Greenland’s Trade Horizons: Exploring New Paths with North America.
Hancock Lumber’s involvement focused on:
- Continuing the dialogue between Hancock Lumber and Greenland on supplying and shipping building materials to support their ongoing housing needs.
- Providing pricing for jobs where it would make sense for Hancock Lumber to be involved.
- Pursuing ways in which Hancock Lumber can source metric system materials.
- Discussing ways the Royal Arctic lines and Eimskip can have cost competitive shipping routes.
- Navigating regulation and formal documentation obstacles with the U.S.—and brainstorming ways to improve the process of doing business with Greenland.
- Focusing on Hancock Lumber earning business in Greenland to prove this can be a successful and prosperous business relationship.
Upon return to the U.S., Mark had this to say about his experience at the forum: “On behalf of Hancock Lumber, it is so exciting to be working on this opportunity with Greenland to supply building materials—to hopefully offer an opportunity for competitive goods to help with housing for the people of Greenland.” — Mark Hopkins
In total, there was 29 Mainers in attendance at the Iceland event, representing multiple companies across business, research, and educational sectors. All participants were then invited to attend the Maine Night Reception sponsored by Eimskip, University of New England, Hancock Lumber, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Maine Port Authority, Maine International Trade Center, and Allen Insurance and Financial.
To learn more about the Arctic Circle Assembly, click here.
