Eight B.C. companies have been recognized for their accomplishments in exporting at the 35th-annual B.C. Export Awards.

The awards were presented by the B.C. division of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, and the Government of British Columbia, and produced by Business in Vancouver.

“This year’s finalists and award winners represent the cream of the crop in B.C. exports, and their contribution to B.C.’s economy is significant,” said Jobs, Trade and Technology Minister Bruce Ralston. “Companies that export are job creators, and we are proud to support their success. We encourage them to continue expanding their businesses through trade.”

The B.C. Export Awards are the province’s most-prestigious awards paying tribute to the success, economic impact and innovative approaches of B.C. export companies. They celebrate the valuable role that the export industry plays in the B.C. economy. Since their debut in 1982, the awards have recognized more than 300 B.C. companies.

Ralston presented the Leadership Award to Robert Allen Ltd., a naval architecture and marine engineering services company based in Vancouver. He also presented the Emerging Exporter Award to VRX Ventures Ltd., a professional racing simulator company based in Sidney.

The other award winners include:

• Advanced Technology and Innovation – LMI Technologies
• Clean Technology – Saltworks Technologies Inc.
• Consumer Products – Prepac Manufacturing Ltd.
• Digital Media and Entertainment – Finger Food Studios
• Manufactured Products – Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors (VMAC)
• Natural Resources – ATCO Wood Products Ltd.
• Professional Services – Ayogo Health Inc.

Finger Foods Studios was selected as the 2017 Exporter of the Year at the event.

“Our government supports B.C. companies to increase their export business and enhance trade relations with other countries,” said Minister of State for Trade George Chow. “We recently opened two new Trade and Investment offices in San Francisco and Seattle in November and September of this year, respectively. We are also collaborating with other ministries and the B.C. division of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters to further opportunities for B.C. exporters, and I will join Premier John Horgan and Minister Ralston on our government’s first official trade mission to China, Japan and Korea in the new year.”

Representatives from the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology are members of the steering committee for the event and participated on the judging panel along with the B.C. division of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), SYSPRO and Export Development Canada (EDC).

The B.C. Export Awards provides a platform for municipalities, professional services companies, sponsors and media to support local exporters through nomination and local recognition. Companies can be nominated at the B.C. Export Awards website and companies can nominate themselves.

Learn More:

To learn more about the B.C. Export Awards, visit: http://www.bcexportawards.com/

To learn more about the partners and sponsors of the B.C. Export Awards, visit: http://www.bcexportawards.com/2016-sponsors/