Nominations of companies and organizations that display high degrees of innovation and successfully export products or services are being sought for the Provincial Government's third annual Export and Innovation Awards.

"The progression and momentum that exists today in Newfoundland and Labrador's business community is in large part based on increased value being placed on innovation and export activity," said Minister Skinner. "The Export and Innovation Awards provides the platform to formally celebrate the accomplishments and successes of that business community. Over the coming weeks, I strongly encourage members of the province's business community to enter nominations and join in celebrating the positive activity that is propelling success in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Nominations are open for businesses, individuals, groups, and institutions for three awards — Innovation in Business, Distinction in Innovation, and Exporter of the Year. They will be reviewed by a panel of judges and announced at a ceremony on November 24 at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John's.

"In the first two years of the Export and Innovation Awards we experienced significant interest across the province," said Minister Skinner. "This year, we are looking to build on that interest and want to attract a greater number of nominations. There are many examples of achievement in both exporting and innovation. This is the opportunity to give those companies and organizations the recognition they deserve."

Since 1983, the Provincial Government has held the Export Awards and in 2008 they were expanded to capture the province's innovators with the inaugural Export and Innovation Awards. Previous winners include North Atlantic Refineries, Hi-Point Industries, and Camouflage Software.

"Winning the Innovation in Business Award has bolstered our courage and given us the energy required to make repeated attempts, perform endless demonstrations, and to succeed in convincing clients of the value of our innovation software," said Kevin Duggan, Chief Executive Officer, Camouflage Software. "It has also provided tangible evidence to our employees that the work they do in creating world class software is recognized locally. The external and internal value of this provincial recognition cannot be overstated."

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Exporter of the 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.