Two Langley companies are among 27 finalists in the province that have been nominated for the B.C. Export Awards.
Coast Spa Manufacturing and Cascadia Windows will learn on Nov. 23 if they are the winner.
The prestigious awards, announced by the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters BC, and the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, recognize companies and individuals that demonstrate superior innovation and outstanding contributions to the B.C. export industry, the region’s second largest economic contributor.
“British Columbia’s export industry demonstrates a diversity of activity that can only be achieved through
a combination of innovation, experience and best practices to create new partnerships and deliver quality B.C. goods to international markets” said Peter Jeffrey, CME-BC vice-president.
“British Columbia is the only province where more than 50 per cent of its exports are outside of the United States, and further to that, manufacturers represent 75 per cent of all merchandise exports. This keeps jobs in our province and generates spin-off activity for our economy. We look forward to the 30th anniversary of recognizing the many successful exporters and their contribution to our community.”
Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and the minister responsible for Labour, commented: “This is a landmark year for the BC Export Awards as they celebrate their 30th anniversary. Expanding and opening markets for our products is a key pillar of the BC Jobs Plan and our government is committed to helping British Columbia companies connect to international opportunities.”
The BC Export Awards celebrate industry excellence with nine sector awards and three individual awards, including the Leadership Award, International Business Studies Award and the Exporter of the Year Award.
This year, close to 400 nominations were received. Every application was evaluated by a selection committee using criteria established for each award to select the top three finalists for all nine sectors.
Coast Spas Manufacturing was nominated in the Consumer Products sector, while Cascadia Windows is in the sustainability category. 
Other companies were nominated in the manufactured products, digital media & entertainment, professional services , natural resources, and new exporter.
There is also a section for the Premier’s Award for Job Creation.
The export industry is the second largest contributor to the BC economy, comprising 12,000 companies and accounting for $36 billion in exports, 400,000 jobs and $8.6 billion in wages.
Although B.C. is expected to become one of Canada’s export leaders in the years to come, the industry is facing challenges related to a strong Canadian dollar which has weakened demand for exports, a skilled labour shortage, increasing competition, and economic uncertainty.
The 2012 BC Export Awards winners will be announced on Nov. 23 at a gala awards ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver where hundreds of industry and government representatives will be in attendance.