The following statement was issued by the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Local Companies Enjoying Success in International Markets

I would like to inform my colleagues about the successes three clients of the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development have enjoyed as a result of participating in our trade missions this fall.

Holly Howard Incorporated of Conception Bay South, creator of the popular Puff Baby clothing line, was a first-time participant in the department�s recent trade mission to Florida. The company�s goal for the mission was to determine if there was interest in its product line outside of this province. Holly Howard, the company�s founder, says the mission greatly exceeded her expectations. After taking nine meetings in Florida, the company has received three sales orders, with two additional leads for future sales. Also, the company is presently in talks with the Walt Disney Company about submitting design samples and possibly becoming one of Disney�s vendors.

Pixecur Technologies of St. John's is a growing, dynamic company with an innovative vision. Pixecur�s participation in trade missions to Florida and Ireland this fall marked the company�s first foray into export markets, and their internet-based data storage technology is capturing attention in these markets. After making 18 promising international business connections, Pixecur is currently focused on the necessary follow-up and closing deals. Tom Chalker, the company�s owner, believes the missions to Florida and Ireland have resulted in a strong potential for international sales, and have given his company enhanced credibility in new export markets. Mr. Chalker says Pixecur is now better equipped to serve potential clients abroad, after participating in these missions.

Ewe Design, based in Trinity Bight, crafts traditional knitwear using 100 per cent homespun wools and novelty yarns. The company enjoyed great success during a recent trade mission to Iceland, signing a lucrative sales order with Iceland�s largest wool store, ALAFOSS. The company also confirmed a second sales order as a result of the mission. Company owner Joan Kane was equally successful in securing a supply of popular Icelandic wool to use in her company�s creations. I would like to note that all of Ewe Design�s products are hand-knit in the homes of women in the Trinity Bight area.

Without the financial and logistical assistance that government provides, many companies would be unable to explore export markets or arrange these meetings on their own, making it difficult to penetrate new markets. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these companies, and wish them continued success for the future.

2006 12 05                       2:50 p.m.