Tasmanian companies compete for national export awards (Parliamentary Secretary)

Austrade media release

17 November 2008

Tasmanian companies are to be recognised for playing an important role in boosting the Territory and Australian economies.

Having already won in the Tasmanian Export Awards, these 10 companies are now finalists competing against 74 national finalists in the Australian Export Awards.

“Not only do these Australian Export Awards recognise Australian businesses for excellence and achievement in exporting, they highlight the importance of engaging in international trade to grow our economy and our employment opportunities,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Trade, the Hon John Murphy MP.

“Last financial year, these 10 companies generated export earnings worth over $188 million and employed more than 1,000 Tasmanians,” he said.

The Tasmanian national finalists will be honoured at an Australian Export Awards’ National Finalist Reception, today, Monday 17 November.

Now in its 46th year, the Australian Export Awards have earned the reputation throughout the Australian business community as one of the most prestigious and significant industry awards on the business calendar.

The Australian Export Awards program is co-presented by Austrade and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and supported by many of Australia's leading corporations, export facilitators and industry groups.

The National Finalists Receptions are being sponsored by the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation, a supporter of the Australian Export Awards for the past 15 years.

Interview and photo opportunity
Where & When: 5.30pm – 7.30pm, Monday 17 November, Austrade office, Level 9, AMP Building, 86 Collins Street, Hobart
Guest of Honour: Parliamentary Secretary for Trade, the Hon John Murphy, MP
MC: Michael Moignard, General Manager, Government and Communications, Austrade

Tasmanian finalists in the Australian Export Awards

Australian Quality Honey Pty Ltd (Mawbanna) - Agribusiness Award
Harvesting honey from Leatherwood trees in the pristine wilderness of the Tarkine area in Tasmania.
Sponsored by the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry

The Hutchins School (Sandy Bay) - Education and Training Award
Blending traditional values of sportsmanship and high academic endeavour, the School has a long history of welcoming students from many countries.
Sponsored by CPA Australia Ltd

Ta Ann Tasmania (Hobart) - Emerging Exporter Award
An innovative concept that created a new market for Tasmanian eucalypt wood: exporting rotary peeled veneer manufactured from regrowth and plantation eucalypt logs. 
Sponsored by AusIndustry

The Learning Edge International (Hobart) - Information and Communication Technology Award
A software solutions provider to the education market helping institutions manage their learning content in a centralised location.
Sponsored by Ernst & Young

Incat (Derwent Park) - Large Advanced Manufacturer Award
Setting the world's benchmark for high speed ships with its Wave Piercing Catamarans in commercial and military service in over 20 countries.
Sponsored by Australian Made and Caterpillar

Dobson's Vegetable Machinery Pty Ltd (Ulverstone) - Regional Exporter Award
Manufacturing and exporting specialised farming equipment for the root crop vegetable industries. 
Sponsored by Australian Business International Trade Services

Tasmania Distillery (Cambridge) - Small Business Award
A boutique producer of hand-crafted pure single malt whisky using high quality barley and some of the world’s cleanest water.
Sponsored by Dept Innovation, Industry, Science & Research

Lightning Protection International (Kingston) - Small to Medium Manufacturer Award
A manufacturer and supplier of direct strike lightning, surge and transient protection equipment and earthing solutions.
Sponsored by Commonwealth Bank

Pivot Maritime International (Legana) - Small to Medium Services Award
Providing an innovative range of simulation systems, specialist maritime training and consultancy services to commercial maritime practitioners, training providers and regulatory authorities.
Sponsored by the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation

Premier Travel Tasmania (Hobart) - Sports, Events and Tourism Award
Offering tours under the bi-line of ‘refined encounters with nature’ for small groups or individuals.
Sponsored by Business Club Australia

ENDS

Media contact

Emma Bailey, Australian Export Awards
Tel: +61 9390 2057

For further news and information from the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) visit www.austrade.gov.au//mediacentre.

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