NOTE TO EDITORS: 20th annual Export Awards, St. John�s, March 17

Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Minister Kathy Dunderdale will present the 2005 Newfoundland and Labrador Exporter of the Year Award at 12:00 noon tomorrow (Thursday, March 17) at the Delta Hotel, St. John�s. Shawn Skinner, MHA, St. John�s Centre, will emcee the event.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Export Awards are designed to celebrate success and encourage new exporters to enter the global marketplace. The event is a joint initiative of the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters � Newfoundland and Labrador Division, the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries.

Media representatives are invited to attend.

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-4570, 690-6290

2005 03 16                        1:15 p.m.