Nova Scotia Companies Achieve Export Success
Seven Nova Scotia companies "raised the roof" in 2003 to achieve export success -- literally in some cases -- and injected $44 million into Nova Scotia's economy in the process.
A homebuilding company from Halifax and a Christmas tree company from Debert were among seven businesses honoured for export success during the 20th annual Export Achievement Awards, held on May 13 in Halifax. When combined, the export sales for the seven companies in 2003 reached $44 million.
"These winning companies are leaders in the domestic market and they've successfully made the globe their marketplace," said Premier John Hamm. "Increasing exports in Nova Scotia grows the province's economy and creates more jobs for Nova Scotians. Thanks in part to the success of companies like these, more Nova Scotians are employed today than ever before."
The winning companies and their awards are:
- New Exporter Award: FineLine Fuel Systems Inc. of Truro
- Long Term Exporter Award: Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems of Dartmouth
- Export Growth in New Markets: Northern Lights Christmas Tree Farms of Debert
- Export Growth Through Partnership Award: Welaptega Marine Limited of Halifax
- Export Sales Growth Award: Interhabs Ltd. of Halifax
- Canadian Market Development Award: MacIsaac Kiltmakers of St. Peter's, Cape Breton Island
- Export Growth Through Product Development, Exporter of the Year: Kenney & Ross Limited of Shelburne
More than 500 people attended this year's awards ceremony which was hosted by Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI), in partnership with Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.
"Such product diversity among the award recipients indicates that Nova Scotia has a substantial advantage in international markets," said Stephen Lund, president and CEO of NSBI. "The winners reflect the balance between our foundation industries and the new economy, and are an inspiration to other Nova Scotia businesses."
"We are very pleased to be congratulating these seven excellent export award winners at the 20th anniversary of the awards," stated Dick Smyth, vice-president, Nova Scotia division for Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. "Their excellence in being chosen from the ranks of exporters in Nova Scotia demonstrates that we do have companies who can compete globally."
Pamela Wallin, Canadian Consul General to New York City, was the keynote speaker at this year's award ceremony. As one of Canada's most accomplished and respected journalists and broadcasters, Ms. Wallin enlightened the audience with her insight into the current state of Canada-United States trade relations.
Neville Gilfoy, publisher of Progress Magazine and president and CEO of Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, was the master of ceremonies.
The Exporter of the Year Award, which recognized the highest accomplishment in exporting for the year, went to Kenney & Ross Limited of Shelburne. The award was sponsored by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and was presented by ACOA Minister Joseph McGuire.
Other sponsors of the awards included Aliant, Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, Export Development Canada, Grant Thornton, Greater Halifax Partnership, Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. and RBC Financial.