A number of Newfoundland and Labrador companies will receive support from the Provincial Government to participate in two upcoming international wholesale craft trade shows. The companies will exhibit at the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association (CGTA) Spring Gift Show in Toronto from January 27-31, and the Atlantic Craft and Trade Show (ACTS) in Halifax from February 2-4.

"Craft producers are important contributors to the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador and shows such as these help them break into new export markets," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "As part of our Wholesale Marketing Program, we are committed partners to the craft industry. These events have enabled many of our clients to identify national and international markets for their products."

While many local companies exhibit at these shows, the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development is also an exhibitor. This allows companies to test the market for their products. Companies exhibiting at the department�s booth at the CGTA Gift Show include Ewe Design, Exploits Design, Ecowise Products, and Holly Howard Creations.

At the ACTS show in Halifax, seven local companies will exhibit their products at the department�s booth. Exhibitors include Arts Works, Ewe Design, Art Sea Jewelry, Random Island Weavers, Twisted Metal Creations, Jessica Butler Jewelry, and Shamrock Pottery and Fine Art. In addition, 11 other Newfoundland and Labrador companies will exhibit products from their own booths.

ACTS is jointly sponsored by the governments of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. Approximately 180 exhibitors of high-quality craft, gift and apparel products will target 1,200 buyers.

ACTS has been bringing together wholesale buyers from across Canada, the United States and other offshore locations for more than 30 years. The products on sale are reviewed to ensure that standards of excellence are maintained, and to guarantee that they are

produced and manufactured in Atlantic Canada.

The Wholesale Marketing Program assists craft, gift, and apparel producers to develop marketing skills, development of promotional materials, and target wholesale buyers. Participation in this program provides the experience needed to move from assisted wholesale efforts to independent wholesaling activities.

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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