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NLIS 1 May 30, 2002 (Industry, Trade and Rural Development) 18th Newfoundland and Labrador Export Award winners announced Four companies were named as the province�s top exporters for 2002 at the 18th Newfoundland and Labrador Export Awards last night. Kelvin Parsons, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, and Dave Gill, Chair of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Newfoundland and Labrador Division, presented the awards during a ceremony in St. John�s. "These companies are indicative of the quality of products and services that our exporters bring to the rest of the world. In doing so, they not only diversify and grow their own businesses, but they also help to bring new wealth and new employment to our province," said Minister Parsons. "Government�s Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth recognizes trade and export development as a priority for the economic development of the province. It is clearly also a priority for these businesses." The award recipients are:
"The export awards are a showcase for all exporting companies and highlight the capabilities that continue to fuel economic growth in our province. We are recognizing companies for their excellence and contribution made to the growing manufacturing and exporting sector. These four are examples of the many companies who are achieving success through exporting," said Mr. Gill. Garrison Guitars has, in seven months, become one of the largest acoustic guitar manufacturing facilities in Canada. The company�s patented Griffiths Active Bracing System has revolutionized the way that acoustic guitars are made. Garrison�s first year�s production is completely pre-sold for distribution throughout Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. Rodrigues Winery is the largest producer of wild berry and fruit wines marketed through provincial liquor boards in Canada. The company�s wines are also distributed in Japan and the United States, and it has the distinction of being the only kosher-certified winery in Canada. Rodrigues Winery participated in last week's Team Canada Atlantic mission to New York City where it showcased its wines at the Taste of Atlantic Canada Reception and Food Promotion. Canadian Iceberg Corporation manufactures vodka made from pure iceberg water and exports to the United States, Europe and Hong Kong. Iceberg Vodka has also won several national and international awards including the honour of 2001 - Best Vodka in the World from Wine Access Magazine. Canadian Iceberg Vodka Corporation recently signed a memorandum of understanding with a Russian company for distribution of its unique vodka product in Russia. The signing took place in Moscow during the Team Canada trade mission to Russia in February. Xwave is one of Canada�s largest and fastest growing IT companies, with more than 2,800 professionals in locations across North America and Europe. Xwave provides expertise in strategic planning, eSolutions, telecommunications, higher education and the development, operation and management of IT systems to both public and private sector organizations in Ireland and the United States. Companies are nominated for the export awards by industry associations, chambers of commerce, other companies and government agencies. Winners are chosen by a committee drawn from the provincial and federal governments, industry associations and the Newfoundland and Labrador Division of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. Candidates are assessed on export sales, nature and diversity of export markets, Newfoundland and Labrador content, commitment to quality assurance, and extent of ongoing research and development. The awards are a joint initiative of the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development and the Newfoundland and Labrador Division, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. Media contact: Josephine Cheeseman Sean McCarthy 2002 05 30 10:05 a.m. |
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