May 11, 2017, FREDERICTON (GNB) – The New Brunswick Export Awards are growing, with six awards to be presented at a gala event in Edmundston on Thursday, May 18.
More than 30 companies are finalists for the awards that recognize outstanding export performance.
“New Brunswick companies have a great presence in the international marketplace,” said Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also the minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “We are pleased to celebrate the achievements and innovation of our hard-working entrepreneurs.”
Opportunities NB will host the awards in partnership with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the New Brunswick division of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.
“The Government of Canada is pleased to support growth through exports which help local businesses create good quality jobs and wealth for Canadians,” said federal Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, who is also the minister responsible for ACOA. “It is rewarding to see that many New Brunswick businesses are taking full advantage of the numerous trade agreements negotiated with our trading partners and are successfully competing in a world that is open for business.”
There will be two Exporter of the Year awards this year: one for a company with export sales of less than $5 million and another for a company with export sales of more than $5 million.
Awards will be presented in six categories:
- Emerging Exporter of the Year
- Global Diversification
- Innovative Exporter of the Year
- Foreign-Owned Exporter
- Exporter of the Year – under $5 million in export sales
- Exporter of the Year – over $5 million in export sales
The winners are selected by a panel of business experts from academia and the private sector. Judges are chosen based on their knowledge of the New Brunswick business community and international trade.
“We are always excited to celebrate the great work being done by New Brunswick companies that are exporting their products and services around the world,” said Joel Richardson, vice-president of the New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island divisions of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. “The Export Awards are a great way of recognizing the achievements of many of our homegrown businesses.”
In addition, Opportunities NB will present an Impact Award for New Investment, recognizing a company that has had a significant effect on New Brunswick’s economy through a recent investment decision.
“Investors have choices. Those who choose New Brunswick have a real impact on our province,” said Stephen Lund, CEO of Opportunities NB. “Not only do these companies create jobs and add to the provincial GDP, but they also accelerate local growth by purchasing from local suppliers, bringing new technology, innovation and training opportunities to the region, attracting new skilled workers to the region, and contributing toward creating wealth in and for New Brunswick.”
The awards are sponsored by: Atlantic Business Magazine, Business Development Bank of Canada, Export Development Canada, Fredericton International Airport, Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport, National Bank of Canada, New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, Port of Belledune and Port Saint John.
Tickets can be purchased online.
MEDIA CONTACT(S):
Eric Lewis, communications, Opportunities NB, 506-866-6938.
Lisa Gautreau, communications, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, 506-471-1565.