March 2, 2012
Celebrating the Contribution of Innovators and Exporters
Businesses and organizations applying innovation to their operations and targeting opportunities at home and abroad are making considerable contributions to the provincial economy. To celebrate their accomplishments, the Provincial Government today announced that it is inviting applications for the 2012 Export and Innovation Awards.
The call for applications was launched by the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, at St. Francis School in Harbour Grace where he was speaking to the next generation of innovators and exporters.
“Businesses and organizations that make the decision to expand, innovate and export are becoming increasingly prevalent throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Hutchings. “As a province, we benefit from that activity. It contributes to the creation of new employment opportunities and brings wealth to the province. Through the Export and Innovation Awards we are celebrating that contribution and the province’s sustained prosperity.”
Applications 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 May 25 at the Delta Hotel and Conference Centre.
“The innovative nature of Newfoundland and Labrador’s business community crosses many industry sectors and regions of the province,” said Minister Hutchings. “I strongly encourage all enterprises to submit applications. It is an opportunity to acknowledge those businesses and organizations that are playing key roles in community and regional development.”
Partners of the Provincial Government in coordinating the Export and Innovation Awards are the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, and OceansAdvance. Previous winners include North Atlantic Refineries, Hi-Point Industries, and Dynamic Air Shelters.
Applications forms are available electronically via www.gov.nl.ca/ibrd/awards/, awards@gov.nl.ca, or telephone at 1-800-563-2299. Individuals can nominate themselves, a group, or company. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 4, 2012.
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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
2012 Export and Innovation Awards’ Categories
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 non-profit co-operatives – all based in Newfoundland and Labrador. Federal, provincial, and municipal governments, agencies and employees are not eligible.
2012 03 02 2:15 p.m.