-- Chicago-based COO John C. Robak to help build local economic ties to the region on May 12-18 trip

CHICAGO, May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- John C. Robak, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Chicago-based civil & environmental engineering and architectural firm Greeley and Hansen, will accompany U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Dr. Rebecca Blank on an infrastructure business development trade mission to Brazil, Colombia and Panama from May 12-18, 2013.

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"These growing Latin American economies represent a tremendous opportunity for Greeley and Hansen," Robak said. "I'm honored to represent Greeley and Hansen and the local business community in these important talks and I'm confident these discussions will initiate ongoing relationships with key infrastructure decision-makers."

The governments of these countries have each outlined ambitious infrastructure development projects for the years ahead, including plans to build roads, bridges and water treatment facilities. "This trade mission will help facilitate infrastructure business opportunities for U.S. companies looking to expand in Brazil, Colombia and Panama," Blank said. "Each of these countries is making significant investments in infrastructure development, and the work that we do on this trade mission will help companies like Greeley and Hansen expand their opportunities in Brazil, Colombia and Panama, promote American exports, and support job creation here at home."

The upcoming trade delegation will include business leaders from 19 other U.S. companies. It is also the third time in the past year that Robak has accompanied the Commerce Department to promote U.S. exports abroad. Robak previously participated in successful talks with high-level government officials and business leaders in South Africa, Zambia and Egypt, three other potential growth markets for U.S. goods and services and for Greeley and Hansen.

"This trade mission is exciting for us, as Greeley and Hansen is eager to re-establish its footprint in Latin American markets," Robak said. "Greeley and Hansen has deep experience in this region, having previously completed water infrastructure projects in each of these countries during the course of our nearly 100-year history."

Established in Chicago in 1914, Greeley and Hansen is an international leader in developing innovative engineering solutions for a wide array of water, wastewater, and related infrastructure challenges aimed at improving public health, safety and welfare. Greeley and Hansen provides services for all project phases and offers architectural and utility management consulting services.  

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