Toronto, 03/03/2004

The McGuinty government is applauding the economic innovation and contributions of this year's winners of the 6th annual northern region Ontario Global Traders Awards (OGTA), announced Economic Development and Trade Minister Joseph Cordiano.

"Our government knows the key to a better quality of life in this province is a strong, prosperous economy," said Cordiano. "And we applaud these exporters who are reaching higher, pushing harder and helping us achieve that goal."

Ten exporters from the northern region of Ontario will be presented with one or more awards from six categories on April 15, 2004 in Sault Ste. Marie. These awards recognize the outstanding export achievements of the most innovative and successful small and medium-sized enterprises, business leaders and students in Ontario.

Three other regional OGTA ceremonies will also be held for southwest region in Kitcheneron March 25, eastern region in Belleville on April 1, and central region in Brampton on April 7. Regional award recipients will compete for the Provincial awards in Toronto on May 11, 2004.

"By building a strong and prosperous economy, we can provide our people with a quality of life that is second to none," added Cordiano."Ontario has some of the most visionary exporters who are not only developing innovative products and services every single day - they have expertise that is in demand around the world."

WINNERS OF THE 6TH ANNUAL ONTARIO GLOBAL TRADERS AWARDS
IN NORTHERN ONTARIO

Company Awards


Axiom (Colquhoun Audio Laboratories Ltd.)
Dwight

Driving Force Internet Group o/b 920838 Ontario Inc.
Sault Ste. Marie

Granite Tops Inc./a Division of Duracon Tile + Concrete Ltd.
Thunder Bay

Souris River Canoes
Atikokan

Teleflex ? Advanced Thermodynamics
Sault Ste. Marie

Truck Wash Technologies Inc.
Sault Ste. Marie

Varis-Smart Underground Communications
Sudbury




Individual Awards
Stephanie Pearce, Algoma University College
Sault Ste. Marie

Tom C. Palangio, TOPEX Inc.
Bonfield

Zankhana Ughadpaga, Laurentian University
Sault Ste. Marie

http://www.ontario-canada.com/ontcan/page.do?page=5868