Export and Innovation Awards to Celebrate Excellence

To celebrate and promote the excellence of Newfoundland and Labrador�s vibrant business and academic communities, the Provincial Government today launched a call for nominations for the second annual Export and Innovation Awards.

�Newfoundland and Labrador�s business and academic community is characterized by innovative thinkers and companies that are breaking down geographic barriers and targeting markets across the globe,� said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. �The 2009 Export and Innovation Awards will celebrate their accomplishments and showcase the vast possibilities that exist for Newfoundland and Labrador in the global environment.�

Scheduled for November 18 at the Delta St. John�s Hotel and Conference Centre, the Export and Innovation Awards recognize individuals, organizations and institutions through a series of awards. The awards include Exporter of the Year, Innovation in Business, and Distinction in Innovation.

�The Export and Innovation Awards allow us, as a government and community, to communicate how we value industry and celebrate significant achievements,� said Minister Skinner. �I strongly encourage people to nominate innovative individuals and organizations deserving of recognition. This is the opportunity to recognize the impressive accomplishments in the areas of exporting and innovation.�

Nomination forms are available electronically via www.gov.nl.ca/intrd/awards and awards@gov.nl.ca or by telephone at 1-800-563-2299. Individuals can nominate themselves or another group, or company. The deadline for nominations is October 30, 2009 at 4:30 p.m.

�As a government, we are aggressively creating an environment conducive for success and attractive to youth interested in exciting and dynamic careers,� said Minister Skinner. �The Export and Innovation Awards will create excitement around the international impact of our locally-produced products and awareness of the career possibilities in this province. It also builds upon other initiatives such as the recent Youth Innovation Call for Proposals that is aimed at supporting and distinguishing the accomplishments of our younger innovators in science, engineering, and technology.�

To view past winners of these awards, visit //www.intrd.gov.nl.ca/intrd/innovation/awards/exportawardswinners.html

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Media contact:

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
2009 Export and Innovation Awards� Categories

Exporter of the Year
In its 24th year, the Exporter of the Year Award acknowledges the outstanding success of local entrepreneurs and businesses that have achieved commercial export success. The recipient of this award has significantly contributed to the province�s economic growth and has excelled at competing and succeeding in the global marketplace. Nominations are open to companies registered in Newfoundland and Labrador that have been exporting goods and services outside of Canada for a minimum of three years.

Innovation in Business
The Innovation in Business Award recognizes a company for its outstanding achievement in creating new opportunities to advance its business through innovation. The recipient has successfully launched an innovative product, process, or service through its strategic risk-taking that has created greater opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Nominations are open to private sector companies and for-profit co-operatives based in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Distinction in Innovation
The Distinction in Innovation Award acknowledges individuals and groups that are fostering new ideas to positively impact this province and its people. By collaborating and building partnerships, this award recipient has created or identified successful opportunities for industry. They have taken a leadership role to further enhance Newfoundland and Labrador�s rich, innovative culture and to pursue its associated benefits. Nominations are open to individuals and groups, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and not-for-profit co-operatives � all based in Newfoundland and Labrador. Federal, provincial, and municipal governments, agencies and employees are ineligible.

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