Carmanah Technologies named B.C. exporter of the year

November 26, 2007
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Victoria-based Carmanah Technologies Corporation has been named B.C.’s Exporter of the Year at the 2007 B.C. Export Awards.

The company – a leading supplier of renewable and energy-efficient technologies, including solar-powered lighting, solar power systems and equipment and LED illuminated signage – also won an award for Advancing Technologies.

According to a news release, there were winners in eight different categories for outstanding contribution to economic growth, new investment, job creation and global trade.

The Leadership Award, made for contributions to exporting within an industry or field of expertise, recognized the life-long work of Mossadiq S. Umedaly, Chairman of Xantrex Technology Inc.

The winner of the 2007 International Business Studies Award for outstanding promise as an export leader of tomorrow was Talia Beckett of Kwantlen University College.

The award ceremony in Vancouver Friday followed a meeting between the Top 25 Exporters for 2007, and Economic Development Minister Colin Hansen, to discuss the opportunities and challenges for B.C. exporters, according to a news release.

The ceremony, co-hosted by the Ministry of Economic Development and the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), B.C. Division, was also attended by Premier Gordon Campbell and other business leaders.

“British Columbia continues to be a global leader in trade and export,” Hansen said in a statement.

“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. B.C.’s exporters play a large role in our Pacific Leadership Agenda by continuing to strengthen both our economy and our relationships with partners in the Asia Pacific region, and all over the world.”

“We have seen a dramatic shift in the products being exported, from tangible products to information services,” said Werner Knittel, vice president, CME, B.C. Division.

“Exporters recognized by the B.C. Export Awards over the past 25 years have led the expansion of the B.C. economy into new markets. While trade with Asia is steadily increasing, new markets such as Brazil, Russia, Eastern Europe and South Africa are also beginning to play an important role in our trade and export relationships.”

Other winners included: Klondike Kidstuff `New Exporter`, Abebooks.com `Consumer Products`, IMW Industries Ltd. `Manufacturing Products`, Insight Film Studios Ltd. `New Media & Entertainment`, Tolko Industries Ltd. `Primary Products and Resources`, YVR Airport Services Ltd., `Professional and Services`, and Hemlock Printers Ltd. `Sustainability`.