Two Victoria high-tech companies were singled out at the 2007 B.C. Export Awards yesterday, but Carmanah Technologies walked away with the biggest prize when it was named exporter of the year.
Both Carmanah, which specializes in energy-efficient technology, and Abebooks.com, an on-line book-sales company, were handed awards at the annual event — Carmanah was singled out for the advancing technologies award while Abebooks was recognized for consumer products.
In the end, it was Carmanah’s contribution to economic growth, new investment, job creation and global trade that garnered it the award as the province’s top exporter of the year.
The winners were announced at a luncheon at Vancouver’s Hyatt Regency Hotel.
“The competition for exporter of the year, and support from the business community at these awards are testament to the province’s success in helping to create a thriving export economy,” said Colin Hansen, minister of economic development.
It was the 25th anniversary of the awards, co-hosted by the ministry and the B.C. division of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. They’re open to all B.C. registered companies that have exported a product or service for two or more years.
This year, there were 412 nominations and 219 applications for the awards.