EDC and PROFIT Magazine Introduce Canada’s Export Achievement Awards

(Export Development Canada)

Export Development Canada (EDC) and PROFIT Magazine have announced the launch of their co-sponsored Canada Export Achievement Awards.

This new awards program will recognize and celebrate the export achievements of successful Canadian small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and is intended to inspire and encourage other Canadian companies to expand internationally. The awards are also meant to identify best exporting practices that other companies can adopt in their own efforts to globalize their sales and production.

“EDC is proud to be involved in this new award that highlights the importance of international trade and investment to Canada’s current and future prosperity,” said Eric Siegel, President and CEO of EDC. “Recognizing and promoting innovation and leadership among Canadian exporters will not only benefit the winners, but will also help nurture a trade culture among all Canadian companies.”

“As a long-time supporter of Canadian entrepreneurs with the vision and skills to penetrate foreign markets, PROFIT is delighted to be a founding partner of the Canada Export Achievement Awards,” said Ian Portsmouth, Editor and Associate Publisher of PROFIT. “We believe this exciting program will demonstrate how much opportunity lies beyond our borders, and how to seize it.”

All Canadian SMEs that meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to enter. Five winners will be selected, one from each Canadian region defined as Pacific, Prairies and the Territories, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada. The criteria for the award will focus on the company’s export activities and their relation to its overall performance, with an emphasis on innovation and creativity.

Winners will receive national media coverage in PROFIT and L’actualité magazines, in addition to other marketing and public relations opportunities. Official recognition as a Canada Export Achievement Award winner may also be used to raise the recipient’s profile with customers, investors, the media and potential employees.

The submission deadline is June 30, 2009. Companies may download an application form or learn more about the program at the export awards website.