SMART Technologies Inc. Wins Canada Export Award
SMART receives award for the second time in recognition of increasing export sales, new market development and innovative products
Calgary, AB --- October 9, 2002 --- SMART Technologies Inc., the interactive whiteboard industry pioneer and market leader, has been awarded the 2002 Canada Export Award. SMART is one of ten companies from across the country to receive a Canada Export Award, presented by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade at the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Annual Conference in Vancouver, BC. For the past 19 years, the Canada Export Awards have recognized Canadian companies that demonstrate excellence in competing internationally. In 2000, SMART was named Canada’s Exporter of Year, the top honor at the prestigious awards.
Award winners are chosen based on notable performance in areas such as increasing export sales, introducing new products abroad, maintaining high Canadian content and achieving a high ratio of export sales to total sales. Since 1996, SMART has increased export sales by 953 percent and launched 119 new and upgraded products domestically and internationally. SMART products are sold in 65 countries worldwide. In 2002, the company’s export sales accounted for 95 percent of revenues.
As a result of strong demand for SMART’s products internationally, SMART has opened offices in Bonn, Tokyo, New York and Washington, DC, within the past two years.
“SMART is again pleased to accept a Canada Export Award in recognition of our international commercial success,” says David Martin, chairman and CEO of SMART Technologies Inc. “Since winning the Exporter of the Year Award in 2000, SMART has continued to build upon its international presence by expanding into new countries for distribution, participating in international trade missions and opening new offices around the world.”
“Canada’s skilled workforce and government investment in research and development make Canada an ideal business climate for companies seeking to innovate and compete globally,” says Nancy Knowlton, president and COO of SMART Technologies Inc. “SMART pioneers the kinds of products that customers around the world value. As a market leader, we are excited to contribute to Canada’s position as an innovator in global technology markets.”
Canada Export Award Winners
SMART was one of 10 companies chosen from a group of 23 finalists to receive a Canada Export Award. More than 140 organizations from across Canada applied for a Canada Export Award.
Canada Export Award Sponsors
Sponsors of the Canada Export Awards are the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Export Development Canada, Sun Life Financial, RBC Financial Group, National Post, Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Vancouver Port Authority. For more information on the Canada Export Awards, visit www.infoexport.gc.ca/awards-prix.
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For more information, please contact:
Public Relations
SMART Technologies Inc.
300, 1207 - 11th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB CANADA T3C 0M5
Phone +1.403.802.3337 Fax +1.403.228.2500
pr@smarttech.com
Please note that SMART is written in all capital letters.