About
The BC Export Awards are the province’s most prestigious awards paying tribute to the success and innovative approaches of BC export companies. Extending across industries the awards recognize achievements in 9 different categories and are a celebration of the contributions exporters have made to both the provincial and national economy. Conceived in 1982, the program has recognized over 300 companies since its inception, reflecting the growth and diversity of BC’s economy over the past 30 years.
2018 Winners
Advancing Technology & Innovation Category
- Dynamic Attractions
Clean Technology Category
- Semios
Consumer Products Category
- Shearwater Research Inc.
Digital Media & Entertainment Category
- Kabam
Emerging Exporter Category
- Active AgriScience
Manufactured Products Category
- Altec Integrated Solutions Ltd.
Natural Resources Category
- San Group
Professional Services Category
- Traction on Demand
Leadership Award Winner
- Scott Phillips, CEO and President, StarFish Medical
Exporter of the Year
- San Group
2017 Winners
LEADERSHIP
Robert Allan graduated from the University of Glasgow with a B.Sc. in Naval Architecture in 1971. Since then he has been designing high-performance commercial workboats of all types. In 1981, he succeeded his father as President of Robert Allan Ltd. and has led the company to a position of international prominence as naval architects in the commercial workboat sector. Robert is internationally recognized as a leading authority on the subject of tug and workboat design, and in particular the design of very high-performance tugs for ship-handling, tanker escort operations and offshore terminal operations. Robert is a Registered Professional Engineer in the Province of BC, an adjunct Professor/mentor with UBC’s Master’s in Naval Architecture program and a Trustee of the Vancouver Maritime Museum.
CLEAN TECHNOLOGY
Saltworks is a leading water technology solutions provider. The company develops, builds and operates equipment for treating the world’s toughest waste waters. Its innovative systems are designed from the ground up for superior reliability, energy efficiency and ease of operation over conventional technologies. Saltworks sells globally to oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, food and beverage, aerospace and other sectors. The company was founded in 2008 by a group of engineers who wanted a more economical way of reducing industrial waste water’s impact on the environment. Today, Saltworks employs 75 staff and offers multiple product lines for waste-water volume reduction, zero liquid discharge, industrial desalination and resource recovery. Saltworks has exported its technology to the United States, Australia and Mexico with repeat orders from major multinational customers.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Ayogo creates award-winning products for health applications that are effective and efficient and improve patient and business outcomes. The company’s customers are life science, pharmaceutical and medical technology companies looking for next-generation patient centricity. Ayogo’s product suite helps its customers improve patient engagement, compliance and patient activation, seamlessly integrating into new or existing digital platforms and providing additional unique value for patients, health-care providers and customers. Ayogo’s design experts are leaders in mobile innovation and persuasive design and understand that engagement begins with the emotional connection. The company is an expert in the science of engagement, applying psychology to technology using insights from behavioural economics.
EMERGING EXPORTER
VRX Ventures Ltd. is a hardware and technology provider specializing in diverse and cost-effective simulation solutions for a variety of applications. Located in Sidney, B.C., the company has designed, developed and built cutting-edge simulation solutions for industry-leading companies such as Microsoft, Toyota, Breitling, Intel and Nvidia. From entertainment applications to fully simulated, high-fidelity training environments, VRX Ventures has leveraged all of its suppliers and partners to integrate the newest technology into its simulation platforms for the past 20 years. VRX Ventures is a 100% Canadian, privately owned and operated company based on Vancouver Island.
MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS
One of the only true air compressor manufacturers in North America, VMAC engineers and manufactures air compressors and multi-power systems in Nanaimo, B.C. With a culture of innovation, VMAC employees continuously push the boundaries in pursuit of excellence. The company uses customer feedback and the experience and talents of its workers to build every VMAC system with the promise that it will work as hard as VMAC’s customers do. Improving the quality of life for all of its employees and their families and contributing to the local economy have been part of VMAC’s driving purpose for the past 30 years, and will continue to be as the company grows and thrives.
NATURAL RESOURCES
ATCO Wood Products is an independent, third-generation family-owned business located in Fruitvale, B.C. Since its beginnings in the 1950s, ATCO has grown into a leading wood products manufacturing and forest management company. With provincial forest licences and forest management contracts, ATCO manages over 300,000 acres of forests in the region and sustainably harvests over 250,000 cubic metres of timber annually. ATCO’s softwood veneer manufacturing facility utilizes a large portion of the timber ATCO harvests, and produces high-quality veneer for the plywood and engineered wood products industries in Canada and the United States. In 2010, ATCO acquired the Nelson and Fort Sheppard Railway Co., which handles over 800 cars per year and links Fruitvale by rail with the North American railway network.
ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
LMI Technologies works to advance quality and productivity with 3D sensor technology. The company’s award-winning FactorySmart solutions improve the quality and efficiency of factory production by providing fast, accurate, reliable inspection solutions that leverage smart 3D technologies. Unlike contact-based measurement or 2D vision, its products remove complexity and dramatically reduce implementation cost while achieving repeatable, highly accurate measurement.
DIGITAL MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT
Finger Food is an award-winning technology company creating advanced user experiences across multiple platforms. The company works with global businesses to drive innovation and growth with solutions that utilize holographic computing, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. Finger Food delivered the world’s first production holographic application, created the world’s largest coding education platform with Sphero and brought the future of retail to the world with virtual reality and augmented reality experiences. From its local community to global corporations, Finger Food is actively changing the way people interact with and use technology for the better.
CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Prepac has become a pioneer in the fast-growing North American e-commerce marketplace by leveraging its B.C.-based manufacturing and distribution into a key competitive advantage. Over 10 years ago, Prepac took a major risk by shifting its entire focus to serve the smaller yet emerging e-commerce channel in the North American home furniture industry. The goal was to stand out as the leading ready-to-assemble-furniture supplier that would always be in stock and always ship on time by maintaining and controlling the design, manufacture and delivery of its products from B.C. Today, Prepac has grown to become an industry leader by continuing to deliver on these same core goals.
EXPORTER OF THE YEAR
2016 Winners
Exporter of the Year:
STEMCELL Technologies Inc.
Canada’s largest biotechnology company, STEMCELL Technologies Inc. helps power leading-edge life science research around the world. Through regional offices and distribution centres, STEMCELL’s products support scientists performing stem cell, immunology, cancer, regenerative medicine and cellular therapy research.
Leadership Award Winner:
Dr. Allen Eaves, CEO STEMCELL Technologies Inc.
Advancing Technology & Innovation Category Winner:
STEMCELL Technologies Inc.
Canada’s largest biotechnology company, STEMCELL Technologies Inc. helps power leading-edge life science research around the world. Through regional offices and distribution centres, STEMCELL’s products support scientists performing stem cell, immunology, cancer, regenerative medicine and cellular therapy research.
Clean Technology Category Winner:
First Light Technologies
First Light Technologies has sold thousands of solar light fixtures in the U.S. since 2011, and continues to actively scale up their operations. Every light is designed and built in Victoria, B.C. with locally sourced materials. Innovative, solar-powered bollards and luminaires are the core of First Light’s business.
Consumer Products Category Winner:
Daiya Foods Inc.
Daiya Foods produces no-compromise, plant-based dairy alternatives that are free of soy, gluten, egg and other common allergens. The company’s products come in a variety of formats, and are sold across North America and beyond, through over 22,000 retail outlets, and in thousands of restaurants and food service chains.
Digital Media & Entertainment Category Winner:
Arcana Studios Inc.
Through engaging storytelling and compelling art, Arcana Studio Inc. leads the development of intellectual properties, across platforms. Arcana’s content library includes over 5,000 comic book characters, 280 minutes of animated television, and the animated feature film Pixies. It also owns of one of the world’s largest graphic novel collections.
Emerging Exporter Category Winner:
T-MAR Industries Ltd.
T-MAR Industries combines machining, fabrication, heavy duty mechanical and engineering under one roof to provide a one stop shop for logging equipment needs. The company is a world leader in cable logging, and has developed the strongest, most durable grapple money can buy.
Manufactured Products Category Winner:
CDG Coast Dynamics Group Ltd.
CDG Coast Dynamics Group Ltd. is committed to reducing injuries in maritime security, search and rescue, law enforcement and commercial support operations. CDG does this as a trusted supplier of shock mitigation seating technologies used by customers around the globe.
Natural Resources Category Winner:
Sundher Timber Products Inc.
Sundher Timber Products Inc. is a small but growing forest products company that has prospered, even in difficult economic times. With a belief in sustainable and green products, Sundher Timber is focusing on India for new market growth, and has successfully lobbied government to increase Canada-India ties.
Professional Services Category Winner:
Robert Allan Ltd.
Established in 1930, Robert Allan Ltd. is an independent, privately-owned firm of Consulting Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. They design commercial working vessels of all types, from icebreakers, to fireboats, to research vessels, with a focus on the international tugboat market.
2015 Winners
Advancing Technology & Innovation Category:
Papertech is an industry leading machine vision system supplier for various high production lines in paper, pulp, tissue, steel, and nonwoven industries. Their TotalVision™ solution has over 1000 installations in 37 countries, with a record 100 systems sold in 2014.
Consumer Products Category:
Country Chic Paint is a collection of high end paint and furniture refinishing products designed for DIYers with a love for reviving furniture and home decor. Production began in 2014 and drew nearly $1,000,000 in their first incorporated year.
Digital Media & Entertainment Category:
Radial Engineering is a manufacturer of professional audio products used in concert touring, recording and broadcasting. Their international reputation as being “best-in-class” has resulted in major recording artists like The Rolling Stones and U2 using their products.
Emerging Exporter Category:
Precision NanoSystems Inc. is a Vancouver based biotechnology company. By developing and manufacturing best-in-class nanoparticles for uses in medicine and medical research, PNI is impacting the understanding and development of treatments for a wide range of diseases.
Manufactured Products Category:
WhiteWater West Industries Ltd. (also won Leadership Award)
WhiteWater is a leading global designer and manufacturer of innovative waterpark products and active family attractions for world-class clients. Their extremely talented team of over 600 have completed over 5000 projects since 1980.
Minister’s Award for Export Job Creation:
OSI Maritime Systems has been providing advanced integrated navigation and tactical solutions to military customers for over 20 years. They have grown to be a leading provider of integrated navigation and tactical solutions designed for security operations with over 500 warships and submarines.
Natural Resources Category:
Hops Connect is a growing, processing and distribution hop trading house, connecting growers and brewers with the best hops while providing an end-to-end accessible system. In 2014, Hops Connect did the first ever Canadian hops export to Korea, Singapore and Cambodia.
Professional Services Category:
Known for design excellence and the ability to integrate site master planning, architecture and urban design, Bing Thom Architect’s compelling visions inspire individuals, institutions and communities to do great things. Founded in 1982, Bing Thom Architects maintains an intimate yet diverse studio.
Sustainability Category:
Corvus Energy (also won Exporter of the year)
Corvus Energy is a manufacturer of proven, high power energy storage systems. Its purpose built, field proven battery systems provide sustained power to hybrid and fully electric heavy industrial equipment, including large marine propulsion systems.
2014 Winners
Advancing Technology & Innovation Category:
Avigilon (also awarded the Leadership Award)
Avigilon Corporation is defining the future of protection through innovative end-to-end security solutions. Avigilon’s industry-leading HD network video management software, megapixel cameras, access control and video analytics products are reinventing the security market. Information about Avigilon can be found at avigilon.com.
Consumer Products Category:
Arc’teryx (also awarded Exporter of the Year)
Arc’teryx is a technical high-performance outerwear and equipment company based in North Vancouver and known as the industry leader of manufacturing and design innovations in climbing, skiing and alpine technologies. Founded in 1989 as a small 4 person operation working out of a basement in Kits, the company now employs over 600 in the lower mainland, all with the single focus of designing the lightest, best performing and highest quality products.
Digital Media & Entertainment Category:
Paperny Entertainment Inc.
Award-winning Paperny Entertainment, run by David Paperny, Audrey Mehler and Cal Shumiatcher, is one of North America’s pre-eminent producers of high-quality factual television programming and an emerging leader in new media and interactive projects. From ground-breaking documentaries and documentary series to popular reality and lifestyle programmes, Paperny Entertainment has produced over 400 hours of provocative television since its inception in 1994. Seen on 15 networks across Canada and in 36 countries worldwide, Paperny Entertainment’s programmes excel in capturing the essence of the human story.
Manufactured Products Category:
IPlay Co.
International Play Company Inc. is a global leader in the design, manufacturing and installation of premium-quality, fun, safe and durable play structures for children. In its 15-year history, IPC has sold over 2,600 play structures to over 60 countries worldwide. IPC is very proud to have built the world’s largest children’s indoor soft-play park for Billy Beez, a family entertainment inaugurated on May 25, 2013 in the Mall of Dhahran, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
Minister’s Award for Export Job Creation:
Paper Excellence Canada Holdings Corporation
Paper Excellence Canada is an exciting new entrant and value-added natural resources (pulp and paper) exporter – with sales growing at 30% annually. PEC has grown through logical acquisitions from a single mill base to a multinational group producing more than 2.5 million tonnes of pulp and 0.5 million tonnes of paper, with over 2,800 employees in the last few years. PEC achieves this through innovation, excellence in management and unwavering belief in desire to deliver value to customers. Our spirit is to constantly challenge the limit, and tirelessly strive for victory.
Natural Resources Category:
Polaris Minerals Corporation
Polaris exports millions of tons of high quality sand and gravel construction aggregate each year into Pacific coastal cities for the manufacture of concrete used in the most rigorous structural applications including the construction of iconic infrastructure projects such as the new San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge seismic upgrade and Hickam Air Force Base runways in Hawaii. Polaris has been widely recognized for ground breaking relationships with First Nations that are now valued partners in its business. The company’s quarry operation, dedicated ocean ship loading berth and a receiving terminal in San Francisco Bay, were completed in 2007.
New Exporter Category:
DeeBee’s SpecialTea Foods Ltd.
Created by Dionne Laslo-Baker, a health-conscious mom with a Ph.D. in Maternal-Fetal-Toxicology, Deebee’s Organic TeaPops are the world’s first organic tea based frozen novelty. TeaPops are certified organic, Non-GMO, kosher, vegan, gluten-free, are between 25-50 calories, and are one of the first products to use coconut sugar as the sweetener. Started in the family’s kitchen two years ago, DeeBee’s launched into Thrifty Foods one year ago, the rest of Canada in April 2014, and into the US market in May.
Professional Services Category:
Buckland & Taylor
Buckland & Taylor provides specialized bridge engineering services to clients worldwide from its head office in North Vancouver, BC, Canada, its offices in Edmonton, AB and Halifax NS, Canada and from its US offices in Seattle, WA, Oakland, CA and New York City, NY. Founded in 1972 with a goal of providing the highest standard of bridge engineering, the Company is now recognized throughout North America and internationally as a leader in the design, evaluation, rehabilitation and construction engineering of bridges of all types and all sizes.
Sustainability Category:
Gardein
Gardein ™ (garden + protein) is a sustainable protein brand that creates delicious food made from plants. A trailblazer in developing tasty products that are good for you and mindful of the planet, Gardein offers the widest variety of award-winning meatless meals and snacks. Made from non-GMO soy and wheat, ancient grains and veggies, Gardein’s innovative products deliver the taste, texture and nutrition of meat with less fat, less calories and no cholesterol. Available at over 22,000 retail locations, restaurants, universities, colleges and food service venues across Canada and the US, Gardein is also sold in Germany, the Caribbean, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Columbia.
2013 Winners
EXPORTER OF THE YEAR
Pinnacle Renewable Energy
Pinnacle Renewable Energy Inc. is proudly British Columbian, currently operating 6 pellet producing plants within BC and set to open its own world class export terminal in Prince Rupert in November 2013. Westview Terminal, as it will be known, will be the world’s first dedicated wood pellet terminal capable of loading panamax class vessels.
With the completion of Westview Terminal drawing near, Pinnacle is turning its attention to organic growth and expecting to see a number of plants added in the next few years.
Pinnacle’s pellet plants all draw mill and harvesting residuals from sawmilling operations throughout the province. This waste material was once burned at source, simply to get rid of it. However, it now provides the source fibre for wood pellets that are burned for a meaningful purpose -creating energy and heat. One of Pinnacles’ proudest achievements has been the fact that we are directly responsible for shutting down more than 12 beehive burners throughout our Province.
LEADERSHIP
Warren Roy, CEO & Founder, Global Relay
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDIES
Connor Bildfell
C Bildfell with Hon. Minister Wat and Randall Martin, Executive Director BCCIE
ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
Alpha Technologies
Mark Schnarr with Hon. Minister Wat and Ed Zacharuk, KPMG
CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Nii Northern International
Steven Gula with Hon. Minister Wat and Rob McFarlane
SUSTAINABILITY
Endurance Wind Power
Glenn Johnson from Endurance with Hon. Minister Wat and Gail McBride, BCHydro
MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS
Whitewater West Industries
Geoff Chutter with Hon. Minister Wat and Darren Taylor, Grant Thornton
DIGITAL MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT
Vancouver Film Studios
Pete Mitchell with Hon. Minister Wat and Loren Mallett from Alexander Holburn
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Global Relay
Warren Roy with Hon. Minister Wat and Bruce Flexman, AdvantageBC.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Paper Excellence
Buyung Wahad with Hon. Minister Wat and Shaun Stevenson PRPA
NEW EXPORTER
dPoint Technologies
Brian Roth with Hon. Minister Wat and Ram Venkiteswaran from UPS
PREMIER’S AWARD FOR JOB CREATION
Pinnacle Renewable Energy
Rob McCurdy with Hon. Minister Wat
2012 Winners
EXPORTER OF THE YEAR
Viking Air
Since 1970, Viking has become a dynamic aerospace company, servicing a global customer base with high quality aircraft modification, repair, and manufacturing services. In 2006, Viking acquired the design rights for the entire line of de Havilland heritage aircraft, and in 2007, launched the Twin Otter Series 400 Production Program. Current orders exceed $400M and over seventeen new aircraft have been delivered to countries around the world, including Libya, Maldives, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Seychelles, Switzerland, Tahiti, Turkey, and the United States.
LEADERSHIP
Ryan Holmes
Ryan Holmes is the CEO of HootSuite. Thought leader, dog lover and serial entrepreneur, he has redefined the face of social media—bringing Twitter, Facebook and other social networks out of the dorm room and into the boardroom.
Holmes has grown HootSuite from a lean startup to a global leader in social media with 5 million users, including 79 of the Fortune 100 companies. A college drop-out, he started a paintball company and pizza restaurant before founding Invoke Media, the company that developed HootSuite in 2009.
Today, Holmes is an authority on the social business revolution, quoted in The New York Times and Wall Street Journal and called upon to speak at TEDx and SXSW Interactive Conferences. An angel investor and advisor, he mentors startups in Canada and around the world. Through HootSuite University, Holmes partners with major universities to deliver social media coursework to the next generation of business leaders.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDIES
Cory Boles
Originally from the University of Victoria, Cory is a now a BCOM student at the Sauder School of Business at UBC. Having worked for the Vancouver Airport Authority and participated in several case competitions at a global level has allowed Cory to gain valuable international experience. This eventually led Cory to spearhead an initiative to start an international case competition in Vancouver in March 2013. With twelve of the top schools in the world, representing six continents agreeing to send their teams, this event will be a milestone that highlights Vancouver’s achievements in international business studies. Cory has obtained the support of Sauder and the Commerce Students’ Society in the amount of $60,000. Back in UVIC, Cory Boles also led the local chapter of AIESEC, a non-profit organization that aims to promote international development.
ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
Norsat International Inc
Norsat International Inc. is a leading provider of innovative communication solutions for challenging applications and environments. More specifically our satellite terminals, microwave components, and RF conditioning products permit the transmission and reception of data, audio and video from almost anywhere in the world including where traditional communication infrastructure is insufficient, unreliable, damaged or non-existent. Norsat has sold more than 2.5 million products in 87 countries around the world and is recognized as an industry leader in usability, service, support and total value.
CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Ironwood Clay Company Ltd
Ironwood Clay Company Ltd. is the largest supplier of Natural Oceanic Clay, a unique mineral rich clay. We process, manufacture and package our marine glacial product both for personal care and agricultural business. We provide GMP, organic certification to international companies as Boots the Chemist, Avalon Organics, Nuskin, LG Korea, Amore Pacific and others. Our unique formulation and products have allowed our company to increase sales of our exported goods by 50% annually for the last 3 years and 100% this year.
MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS
Nuheat
Nuheat is the industry leading manufacturer and marketer of floor heating systems for tile, stone and laminate/engineered wood. Also offering a complete line of freeze protection products for commercial and residential applications, Nuheat boasts a shelf presence in over 4,000 distribution points across Canada and the U.S. A Platinum Club member of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, Nuheat’s culture and employees are the driving force behind its continued success and growth.
NEW EXPORTER
Corvus Energy
Corvus Energy is a global supplier of energy storage solutions for industrial and commercial applications. Working with its clients needs in mind, Corvus delivers tangible value and rapid ROI by reducing operating costs and minimizing environmental impact. Corvus delivers solutions that make a difference today using proven robust technology developed specifically for heavy industrial use. Corvus, through local manufacturing and supply chain sourcing, provides local content and supports the local economy. Clients gain excellent energy storage and management products, rugged design, world quality manufacturing, and local supply.
DIGITAL MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT
Big Bad Boo
Big Bad Boo makes cartoons to teach kids about different cultures and languages. Their first cartoon Babak & Friends – A First Norooz, was followed by Mixed Nutz, a multicultural series. Mixed Nutz airs on PBS, ShawTV, BrazilTV, Family Channel Finland among others. 1001 Nights, their latest series, brings to life famous characters like Sinbad and Ali Baba. It is airing on Teletoon, Disney Asia, CBC, ORF Austria, RPT Portugal and Al Jazeera Children’s. They just launched oznoz.com, a channel for bilingual kids.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Tolko Industries Ltd
Tolko Industries Ltd. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of forest products to customers around the world. Founded in 1956, Tolko has grown from a small sawmill in Lavington, British Columbia, to become a company diversified by geography and product. Tolko manufactures lumber, unbleached kraft papers, panel products, co-products, biomass power, and a growing number of specialty wood products in its operations across Western Canada.
PROFESSIONAL & SERVICES
Klohn Crippen Berger
Klohn Crippen Berger (KCB) is a leading engineering and environmental consulting firm with its head office in Vancouver and offices in strategic locations Canada, Peru, England and Australia. KCB offers a full range of services in oil and gas, mining, environmental, water, power and transportation. Formed in 1951, KCB has a long history of participation in some of the most challenging engineering projects in the world.
SUSTAINABILITY
Cascadia Windows Ltd
Cascadia Windows Ltd. is an industry leader in the innovation and production of fiberglass construction products. As a specialist in windows, doors, and cladding support systems, Cascadia is known for demonstrating cutting edge technology pertaining to energy efficiency, sustainability and durability.
Cascadia was recently recognized by BC Business Magazine as the 8th most innovative company in BC in 2012.
International sales are a huge part of Cascadia’s success. Nearly half of all products are exported south of the border to meet the recent increased need for sustainable solutions.
PREMIER’S AWARD FOR JOB CREATION
Viking Air
Since 1970, Viking has become a dynamic aerospace company, servicing a global customer base with high quality aircraft modification, repair, and manufacturing services. In 2006, Viking acquired the design rights for the entire line of de Havilland heritage aircraft, and in 2007, launched the Twin Otter Series 400 Production Program. Current orders exceed $400M and over seventeen new aircraft have been delivered to countries around the world, including Libya, Maldives, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Seychelles, Switzerland, Tahiti, Turkey, and the United States.
2011 Winners
ADVANCING TECHNOLOGIES
Avigilon
Avigilon designs, manufactures and markets industry-leading high definition surveillance solutions. Last year, Avigilon won the BC Export Award for New Exporter and has experienced significant growth over the past few years, earning recent recognition in PROFIT magazine as the fastest growing company in Western Canada. Avigilon serves high profile clients in both the local and global community with security solutions selling in over 65 countries.
CONSUMER PRODUCTS
ARC’TERYX Equipment Inc
ARC’TERYX sets itself apart in the outdoor softgoods industry by designing and developing all products in-house in North Vancouver with a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Burnaby. ARC’TERYX’s innovative and high-quality products include packs, harnesses, mountain apparel, and even a product line specially designed for Law Enforcement and Armed Forces.
NEW EXPORTER
Conifex Timber Inc
Conifex is a softwood forest products company operating in the Northern Interior region of British Columbia. The company’s primary business is the manufacture of structural grade SPF dimension lumber, with a focus on sustainability. After starting up in 2008 with just one employee, Conifex now employs approximately 450 people directly and has experienced exponential growth in export sales.
NORTHERN BC EXPORTER
Coast Tsimshian Resources LP
Northern BC Exporter Announcement Video
Coast Tsimshian Resources is a log marketing and forest management company wholly owned by the Lax Kw’alaams First Natives. Based in Terrace, BC with a small marketing office in China, Coast Tsimshian Resources has experienced significant growth in wood exports to China, Japan and Korea.
MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS
Viking Air Ltd
Viking Air is a first tier original equipment manufacturer specializing in de Havilland aircraft products. Viking’s aerospace products are exported to over 74 countries around the world. This summer, the company broke historical records when it received its largest single order ever – 12 Twin Otter aircraft for the government of Peru.
NEW MEDIA & ENERTAINMENT
Neverblue
Neverblue is the leading global performance-based online marketing company that specializes in lead generation and client acquisition. Working as an online advertising broker, Neverblue connects a global network of advertisers and affiliates. The company is currently expanding with new offices recently opened in Amsterdam and Hong Kong.
PRIMARY PRODUCTS & RESOURCES
Coast Clear Wood Ltd
Coast Clear Wood manufactures and markets lumber products used in building construction and the manufacturing of housing components. Coast Clear Wood exports to 9 different countries, taking a customer specific approach by focusing on the specific needs of each client.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Gemcom Software International
Gemcom’s software and services support mining companies from the early exploration stage through to the processing of mineral deposits. With over a decade of specialized data management experience, Gemcom provides sophisticated yet user-friendly technology to more than 4000 mine sites in over 130 countries.
SUSTAINABILITY
Archipelago Marine Research Ltd
Archipelago provides sustainable marine resource management products and services, including fisheries observer services, electronic monitoring systems and marine environmental management services. Working closely with fisheries, coastal communities and government organizations around the world, Archipelago helps to implement sustainable marine initiatives.
LEADERSHIP
Dr. John MacDonald
Dr. John MacDonald is the current Chairman and CEO of Day4 Energy, an innovative Vancouver-based company specializing in the advancement of solar energy. Dr. MacDonald also co-founded Canada’s largest space technology company, MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (MDA). A true visionary and entrepreneur, Dr. MacDonald’s leadership and contributions have positioned Canada as a world leader in the fields of space science and technology.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDIES AWARD
Larisa Topalo
Larisa is an Honours BBA student at Simon Fraser University, specializing in International Business with an extended minor in Economics. She represented BC as a Junior Trade Ambassador in Peru and has studied abroad in Germany and eastern Canada. A global learner with a competitive spirit, Larisa has represented SFU at prestigious business competitions in the Netherlands and Poland.
2010 Winners
ADVANCING TECHNOLOGIES
Elastic Path Software Inc
Elastic Path Software is a leading enterprise ecommerce solutions provider servicing the unique needs of the software, media, telco, online services and digital reseller markets in Canada, USA and Europe. Their blog called “Get Elastic” is hailed by the Wall Street Journal as “one of 15 entrepreneur blogs worth reading”. For the past 3 years, they have been listed on the PROFIT 100 ranking of Canada’s fastest-growing companies.
CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Dr. Battery
Dr. Battery is a leading battery distributor serving customers with high quality lithium-ion battery packs and ac adaptors. The name Dr. Battery has become one of the most respected names in the mobile power industry. The first and only exporters of the Green Series pack which offers three year long lasting cycles, Dr. Battery exports to customers in USA, Chile, Argentina and Mexico.
NEW EXPORTER
Avigilon
Avigilon designs, manufactures, and markets award-winning HD surveillance systems that capture and preserve surveillance evidence. Operating in over 60 countries around the world, Avigilon was listed on the Red Herring 2010’s 100 North America list. They were awarded “Emerging Company of the Year” award from the British Columbia Technical Industry Association (BCTIA) in 2010 and recognized with the 2010 Global New Product Innovation Award in the Video Surveillance Market.
MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS
Advanced Cyclotron Systems Inc
Advanced Cyclotron Systems is a world leader in manufacturing high output cyclotrons for leading hospitals and research facilities that engage in nuclear medicine and research. They produce the TR cyclotron series which are the most powerful and versatile commercial cyclotrons in the world. These systems are delivered and installed on site to Asia, Europe, USA and Canada.
NEW MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT
PNI Digital Media Inc.
PNI is a leading provider of a transactional software platform that enables the world’s largest retailers to offer products like photo prints, photo books and photo calendars. Their technology is reaching the world’s leading retailers and has evolved to include an in-store kiosk and new mobile solutions for both the iPhone and Google Android. In 2009 and 2010, PNI was ranked as one of the fastest-growing companies by PROFIT Magazine.
PRIMARY PRODUCTS & RESOURCES
SPF Precut Lumber
SPF Precut Lumber produces and exports precut pallet stock and Canadian softwood. With their innovative and large-scale inventory and logistics management systems they have advanced positive reputational gains for the BC forestry sector in markets that were unfamiliar with BC products. They export to the Middle and Far East. SPF was the winner of the Primary Products and Resources category at the 2008 BC Export Awards.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers
Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers is the world’s largest industrial auctioneer, selling more equipment to on-site and online bidders than any other company in the world. They operate over 110 locations in over 25 countries, including 42 auction sites. A redesigned website communicates in 21 languages, provides customer access to specific or unique pieces of equipment where they do not regularly hold auctions and offers online bidding in seven languages.
SUSTAINABILITY
Singer Valve
For over fifty years, Singer Valve has designed and manufactured automatic control valves for water control and conservation. Their valves are world renowned in the water industry for their superior quality and reliability. Singer’s valve technology assists communities to conserve water usage. They have operations in the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and the USA.
LEADERSHIP
John A. F. Furlong
The 2010 BC Export Awards is pleased to honour Mr. John A. F. Furlong, the leader behind the team that organized and staged the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDIES AWARD
Amritpal Randhawa
Amrit is a second year MBA student at the University of Victoria (UVIC), specializing in International Business. He completed his undergraduate degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering in India and also holds certification in Digital Signal Processing (DSP).
2009 Winners
ADVANCING TECHNOLOGIES
In Motion Technology Inc.
In Motion Technology Inc. was founded in 2002 and is the leader in mobile networking technologies that connect and manage equipment, information and people in the field. In Motion’s patented technology enables people on the road to stay in constant contact, as onboard communications roam seamlessly across wireless networks. Today, In Motion’s solutions are used by more than 150 municipal, healthcare, public safety, transportation and utility organizations worldwide.
CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Contech Enterprises Inc.
Contech Enterprises Inc. was established in 1987 as a designer and provider of advanced animal training and control technologies for pets, their owners and gardeners worldwide. Over the years, Contech has been recognized for its award-winning products including the ScareCrow motion-activated sprinkler and the EatBetter and DrinkBetter dog bowls. The company stands alone in Canada as a creator and marketer of environmentally-friendly solutions across a broad range of industries including home and garden, pet, forestry and agriculture.
NEW EXPORTER
K2 Stone Quarries Inc.
K2 Stone Quarries Inc. is the premier producer and distributor of Natural Metamorphic Slate Building Stone in Western Canada. They offer thin stone veneers, wall stones, and a full line of landscaping stone. From the Ocean Pearl quarry on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, their stone is an all-natural metamorphic slate, unique in the world.
MANUFACTURING PRODCUTS
IMW Industries Ltd.
IMW Industries Ltd. won the B.C. Exporter of the Year Award as well as the Manufactured Products Award designs and manufactures high-pressure gas compressors and compressed gas fuelling systems for vehicles and industry, contributing to the offset of liquid fossil fuels and the significant reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG). IMW operates in over 26 countries and recognized as the winner of the Manufactured Products category at both the 2004 and 2007 BC Export Awards
NEW MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT
Backstage Technologies Inc.
Backstage Technologies Inc. is a software company that creates casual games for social networks. A Pioneer in social game monetization, their Scratch and Win Facebook application was the first social games to figure out how to make money on Facebook. Backstage has developed a suite make money through innovations in the sale of virtual goods. www.bstage.ca
PRIMARY PRODUCTS & RESOURCES
Punjab Milk Foods Inc.
Punjab Milk Foods Inc. is the largest federally approved dairy in North America specializing in the manufacturing of East Indian dairy based ingredients and end products including appetizers, entrees and desserts. The products are manufactured under the “NANAK” brand name and are sold all over North America and distributed through over twenty-five hundred outlets. Punjap Milk Foods was recognized as the finalist of the New Exporter category at the 2003 BC Export Awards.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd.
Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd. is a leading engineering and environmental consulting firm with its head office in Vancouver and offices located in strategic locations in Canada, Peru and Australia. They have a strong reputation for quality service and technical expertise in a range of services including Power, Mining, Environmental, Water, Transportation, and Oil and Gas. Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd is the recipient of over 40 national and international engineering and environmental awards for major projects. The most recent one being named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed companies in February 2009.
SUSTAINABILITY
Accent Refrigeration Systems
Accent Refrigeration Systems designs, manufactures and installs ultra high efficient refrigeration systems, energy recovery systems and computer control systems for the ice skating industry. They have completed projects on six continents for private, public, university, professional and three Olympic Games as well as a project in progress for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Accent Refrigeration Systems was recognized as the finalist of the Marketing Innovation category at the 2001 BC Export Awards.
LEADERSHIP
David L. Emerson, P.C.
The 2009 BC Export Awards is pleased to honour Mr. David Emerson for his vision, outstanding leadership, and advocacy over a lifetime dedicated to global trade and policy in Canada.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDIES AWARD
Jini Wang
Jini has demonstrated an expanded global perspective, gained by working, studying, and traveling in over 30 countries.
2008 Winners
EXPORTER OF THE YEAR & ADVANCING TECHNOLOGIES
Day4 Energy, Inc., Burnaby
Day4 Energy Inc. is a Vancouver-based manufacturer of high performance photovoltaic (PV) modules formed in 2001 to revolutionize solar power use in industrial, commercial, utility, and residential power generation. Recently, in June 2008, Day4 Energy Inc. received two British Columbia Technology Industries Association’s (BCTIA) 2008 Technology Impact Awards which recognized Day4 Energy’s innovation and excellence in British Columbia’s technology community.
NEW EXPORTER
BioteQ Environmental Technologies Inc, Vancouver
BioteQ Environmental Technologies Inc. builds and operates commercial plants in Canada, the United States, Australia and China to treat waste water from acid mine drainage, providing profitable metals recovery and sustainable environmental solutions. In October 2007, the company was named to British Columbia’s Top 100 list as a leader in the treatment of metal and sulphate contaminated water.
CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Donald’s Fine Foods, Richmond
Donald’s Fine Foods is an expanding specialty meat procurement, processing, and distribution company providing quality meat products and services to customers in the British Columbia, Western Canadian, and International markets. As a part of the company’s active plan for growth, significant investments were made to “state of the art” meat distribution and processing operation, plant services, and administrative offices.
MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS
Aluminum Curtainwall Systems, Inc., Kamloops
Aluminum Curtainwall Systems Inc. specialize in design and manufacturing of custom unitized, pre-glazed curtainwall systems while offering their customers assistance with budgeting and preliminary design and detailing. The company has successfully completed several highly custom projects in Western Canada and currently is expanding its focus into the United States.
NEW MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT
Next Level Games, Inc, Vancouver
Next Level Games Inc. is a unique full-service videogame developer serving the United States and Japanese markets. By making games that are responsive and player-driven, the company focuses on creating engaging gameplay experiences. Next Level Games Inc. has been honoured with several awards including the Best Company to Work For in British Columbia, Canada’s Top 100 Employers and have been prestigiously nominated for Excellence and Innovation from WorkLife BC.
PRIMARY PRODUCTS & RESOURCES
SPF Precut Lumber, Port Moody
SPF Precut Lumber operates a lumber remanufacturing facility that produces and exports precut pallet stock and Canadian softwood with a strong focus on expansion into new markets in the Middle East, and the Far East. Already the biggest exporter of pallet stock in Western Canada, SPF Precut Lumber is developing a five-year plan for future growth.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Energold Drilling Corp., Vancouver
Energold Drilling Corp. is a socially and environmentally sensitive contract drilling company servicing the international mining sector, and industry leader of man-portable drilling rigs. Throughout its operations in the developing world, Energold emphasize an environmentally and socially sensitive approach to drilling. The use of state-of-art man-portable rigs provides a competitive advantage allowing Energold to create the smallest environmental footprint in the industry with the most local involvement.
SUSTAINABILITY
Domtar Corp., Kamloops
Domtar Corp. is the largest integrated manufacturer and marketer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America and the second largest in the world based on production capacity. Through its operations, the company addresses all four elements needed to sustain life – air, water, fire, and earth; offering sustainable solutions for different areas of production.
LEADERSHIP
Mr. Barry Lapointe (of Kelowna Flightcraft), Kelowna
Barry Lapointe was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, and graduated with honours from BCIT’s Aircraft Mechanic Engineer course in 1966 as class president. Upon completing his commercial pilot’s license in 1967, Barry gained invaluable experiences by working his way through various small air-charter companies. In 1968, he was rewarded for his hard work by becoming the Chief Engineer at Air west Airlines, which would later become Air BC.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDIES AWARD
Annalea Krebs, Victoria
Annalea Krebs is recognized by the BC Export Awards for her leadership and excellence in international business studies and her contribution to BC’s export community.
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