Provincial Export Awards poised for changes

Industry, Trade and Technology Minister Judy Foote announced changes today to the Newfoundland and Labrador Export Awards, now in its 15th year.

In the past, the competition treated all sales outside the province as exports, and firms were eligible to apply after exporting for just two years. Now, all nominees must have sales in markets outside Canada and only firms that have been exporting for at least three years will qualify for the awards. Another change this year is the elimination of categories. This year there will be four winners, all ranked equally, which is the same system that is used at the national awards. "We are developing a very strong export community in the province. These changes reflect a new focus and are very much in line with the Canada Export Award program," said Minister Foote.

"This award program is an effective tool that helps us to recognize the efforts of export-ready businesses that are achieving success in global markets. On a broader scale, the Newfoundland and Labrador Export Awards also help increase awareness within the province's business community of the potential benefits of exporting," added Minister Foote.

Minister Foote also announced a new partnership with the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters Newfoundland (AMEN). This is the first year AMEN will be co-sponsoring a luncheon in September to honour the winners of the 1998 Export Awards. Another first is that this year's Newfoundland and Labrador Export Award winners will be promoted at the national conference of the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters Canada in October.

Lorne Janes, chairman of the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters Newfoundland, said: "The awards give the province's top exporters a high profile venue to market themselves, and to promote exporting in general." Janes, a past national chairman of Manufacturers and Exporters Canada, added: "Taking the awards to a national level will increase the awareness of Newfoundland and Labrador exporters within the entire Canadian business community."

Copies of the application forms and guidelines can be obtained by calling (709) 729-5584 or via the departmental web site at //www.success.nfld.net/pe/nlappform.htm The closing date for sending an application is 5 p.m. on July 20, 1998.

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