Export and Innovation Awards Showcase Province�s Best

Celebrating the achievements of Newfoundland and Labrador�s business and academic communities, the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, today announced the winners of the annual Export and Innovation Awards.

�Newfoundland and Labrador�s business and academic communities are characterized by innovative thinkers and doers,� said Minister Skinner. �Through the Export and Innovation Awards, we are creating awareness of the positive activity and momentum that is building in the province. While there can only be three winners, I would like to applaud the close to 60 nominees for their impressive work and thank them for their role in contributing to the continued development of our provincial economy.�

The Export and Innovation Awards recognize individuals, organizations and institutions. The awards include Exporter of the Year, Innovation in Business, and Distinction in Innovation.

The Exporter of the Year recognizes a local entrepreneur or business that is successfully exporting its products to international markets. This year�s winner is Provincial Aerospace Ltd. � a world leader in aerospace and defence, offering fully-integrated, customized solutions for maritime surveillance operations around the globe.

The Innovation in Business Award acknowledges a company for its ability to create new opportunities through innovation. The development of data masking software that protects personal and sensitive information made Camouflage Software Inc. this year�s award winner.

The Distinction in Innovation Award distinguishes an individual or group that has taken a leadership role in advancing Newfoundland and Labrador�s innovative culture and creating new opportunities for industry. The winner was the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University for SmartBay � the largest ocean observation project in eastern Canada and an example of industry working in partnership with the Provincial Government and academic institutions.

�The successes of these three organizations and those from across the province continue to motivate us as a government to foster an innovative environment,� said Minister Skinner. �The Provincial Government�s policies and programs are focused on enabling local businesses like today�s winners to realize their market potential and compete head-to-head and in any market across the globe.�

The Export and Innovation Awards are facilitated annually by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. The department is focused on the development of a positive economic environment � one that encourages and supports private sector business growth, export activity, and innovation in all regions of the province.

- 30 -

Media contact:

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

BACKGROUNDER
Finalists for the 2009 Export and Innovation Awards

Exporter of the Year Award

• Provincial Aerospace Ltd. � Winner
• Dynamic Air Shelters Ltd., a firm that manufactures air inflatable structures for the promotional, medical and first-responder markets and industrial shelters for the oil and gas industry.
• Genoa Design International Ltd., which offers production design, drafting, and lofting services to marine and offshore industries internationally.

Innovation in Business Award

• Camouflage Software Inc. � Winner
• Dynamic Air Shelters Ltd.
• Virtual Marine Technology (VMT), a global provider of simulators for survival craft, fast response craft and high speed electronic navigation training.

Distinction in Innovation Award

• Smart Bay Project, The Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University � Winner
• Distance Education and Learning Technologies (DELT), based at Memorial University, which offers online and distance education, media, design and production capabilities and teaching and learning support.
• SIFE Memorial, a not-for-profit organization of post-secondary students at Memorial University aiming to infuse an entrepreneurial spirit while creating economic opportunity in Newfoundland and Labrador.
   

2009 11 18 1:05 p.m.