Characterizing the increasingly innovative, diverse nature of Newfoundland and Labrador's business community, winners of the 2010 Export and Innovation Awards represent a mix of the province's traditional and knowledge-based industries.

The winners, representing the seafood, advanced manufacturing, and information and communications sectors, were announced today by the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, at a ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland in St. John's.

"This year's Export and Innovation Awards capture the accomplishments and progression of an innovative business community whose eyes are increasingly fixated on expansion and competing in global markets," said Minister Skinner. "While we formally recognize three winners, I'd like to acknowledge all those who are nominated, named finalists, as well as those who took the time to submit a nomination. They have all played an important role in celebrating the successes of the collective activity of small and medium-sized businesses in communities and regions throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."

The Export and Innovation Awards recognize individuals, businesses, organizations, and institutions that have excelled in the areas of innovation and exporting. 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 Oceans Choice International — a major processor of snow crab, lobster, northern shrimp, pelagics, cod, redfish, turbot, and mussels.

The Innovation in Business Award acknowledges a company for its ability to create new opportunities through innovation. Dynamic Air Shelters, a manufacturer of promotional, industrial, first-response, and blast resistant shelters is the 2010 recipient. Its products have been used by the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League and the Canadian military, along with oil and gas companies.

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. This year's winner is Distance Education and Learning Technologies, Memorial University, a provider of online and distance education, media, design and production capabilities and teaching and learning support.

"As a government, we are committed to the sustained development of companies such as those recognized at the 2010 Export and Innovation Awards," said Minister Skinner. "We see a business community that is home to tremendous potential. Our goal is to see that potential realized as it is intrinsically tied to the growth of the province's communities and regions."

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.

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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

• Oceans Choice International — Winner
• Mad Rock Marine Solutions, a company that is advancing marine evacuation technology for operators and manufacturers internationally