On Monday, November 17th, more than 400 business people gathered to in a gala event to honour those firms and individuals who have achieved excellence in exporting and made outstanding contributions to the exporting sector in the past year. Canadian Manufacturers & Exporter (CME) hosted the 21st annual BC Export Awards which recognized firms in 12 categories for their excellence.

Jill Krop, Anchor, BCTV news on Global was the MC for the enthusiastic crowd who enjoyed a pre-event networking session followed by lunch. The afternoon awards ceremony was kicked off by a video address by Premier Gordon Campbell and then the guests settled in to enjoy short snappy video clips of each of the finalists in each category, leading up the announcement of the winner in Oscar style.

The biggest winner of the day was one of CME's major member firms- Fireplace Products International (FPI). FPI took the top honour as BC Exporter of the Year in 2003 and was also named as winner in the Consumer Products category. The Export Awards also honoured outstanding business leader Dr. Julia Levy for her life long achievements in exporting and a student Rene Gauthier was celebrated for his entrepreneurial efforts in developing export markets while still attending classes at the University of Victoria.

Ron Palfery, Chairman of CME commented that "BC Export Awards celebrates the fantastic talent that exists in this province and we are delighted that CME member firms were amongst those recognized for their outstanding contribution to the BC economy."

Werner Knittel, Vice President of CME in British Columbia commented that "CME members are amongst the most innovative and dynamic firms in the world and we are always delighted to see them win. CME members should all extend their hearty congratulations to these great firms."

In addition to these major winners, Radical Entertainment won for New Media and Entertainment, Canada West Advanced Telecom Group won for Creative Partnering, Chilliwack Mountain Log Homes won for New Exporter, SEI Industries Ltd. won for Manufactured Products, ACL Services Ltd. won for Professional and Services and Sierra Wireless Technology Inc. won for Advancing Technologies. The awards also celebrated the Leadership award winner, Dr. Julia Levy and International Business Studies Award winner - Mr. Rene Gauthier from the University of Victoria

The BC Export Awards are the province's premier event for celebrating business success and innovation in exporting. The Awards are co-hosted by the BC Ministry of Competition Science and Enterprise and has numerous sponsors including RBC Financial Group, The Eyes Multimedia, The Vancouver Sun, Vancouver Port Authority, Export Development Canada, Air Canada Cargo, Business Development Bank of Canada, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, KPMG LLP, Western Economic Diversification Canada, University of Victoria, Greer Shipping, Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang, Fireworks Marketing Group, Alcan and News 1130.

Show producers - Fireworks Marketing Group.
Photographs by Brian Dennehy Photography

Submitted by
Lori Beaulieu
Events Manager
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters

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