World Trade Centre Vancouver celebrates 40 years by honouring export excellence

For Immediate Release
Friday, September 15, 2023

VANCOUVER, B.C. — World Trade Centre Vancouver, a subsidiary of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, is marking a significant milestone as it celebrates its 40-year anniversary. Since its establishment in 1983, World Trade Centre Vancouver has played a pivotal role in connecting local businesses to the global marketplace through a range of educational and training programs.

One of its noteworthy initiatives, the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), was introduced in B.C. back in 2017 to bolster export growth opportunities in the region. This program has received support from the Province of British Columbia, the Government of Canada, and private sector partners. Over the years, TAP has empowered over 400 business leaders to graduate with export plans tailored to their unique needs. These plans have enabled these businesses to expand into more than 40 new international markets, resulting in a remarkable 23% average growth in export revenue within just 12 months of completing the program.

An annual highlight of World Trade Centre Vancouver's activities is the TAP Export Awards. These awards recognize and celebrate the achievements of participants who have excelled through the program. The awards are presented in four categories: Export Award of the Year Greater Vancouver, Export Award of the Year Regional B.C., Trade Diversification Award of the Year, and Innovation Award of the Year.

The WTC-V Judging Committee had the difficult job of reviewing all graduate companies from the last year and narrowing the field to 12 outstanding finalists. The winners are:

• Greater Vancouver Export Award of the Year:
  • Tru Earth Environmental Products Inc. from Port Moody, B.C.
• Regional B.C. Export Award of the Year:
  • MyMM Inc. from Houston, B.C.
• Trade Diversification Award of the Year:
  • Nuez Acres from Langley, B.C.
• Innovation Award of the Year:
  • Willowest Enterprise Co from Vancouver, B.C.

Award winners are selected based on the quality of their export plans, international sales revenue growth, employee growth, trade diversification, and innovative approaches to entering new international markets.

Quotes

"Thank you to the World Trade Centre Vancouver for delivering 40 years of quality industry-led training, developing a strong community of experts and B.C. exporters that create good jobs for British Columbians. Through the Trade Accelerator Program, more than 400 B.C. businesses have been supported to reach new international markets, and our government is proud to continue to support this work. It’s been exciting to watch these businesses and entrepreneurs successfully enter new markets, and a huge congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients!”
Jagrup Brar, Minister of State for Trade, Province of British Columbia.

"We are delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 12 outstanding finalists of the Export Awards. We take immense pride in celebrating the extraordinary achievements of our 4 exceptional winners. Throughout its illustrious history, the World Trade Centre Vancouver has remained a steadfast symbol of excellence in global commerce. These awards are a testament to the unwavering commitment, pioneering spirit, and strong resilience that define the B.C. business community. In a world of constant transformation, we persistently break down barriers and empower B.C. SMEs to scale new heights on the global stage."
Joyce Tang, Director of the World Trade Centre Vancouver

About 2023 Export Award of the Year Greater Vancouver Tru Earth Environmental Products Inc. from Port Moody, B.C.
Tru Earth is a fast-growing, global household cleaning products organization that is focused on eliminating plastic. By providing alternatives to traditional plastic-packaged cleaning products reflects their efforts to create a positive social and environmental impact. Tru Earth is a certified B Corp company committed to high standards and responsible business practices.

Over the last year, Tru Earth has achieved 51% growth in international revenue and expanded into new markets across Europe, China, and other Asian Countries. This strategic move demonstrates the company’s ability to adapt to diverse markets and customer preferences. Their impressive growth, international expansion, and dedication to sustainability position them as a leader in the household cleaning products industry.

About 2023 Export Award of the Year Regional B.C. Award Winner MyMM Inc. from Houston, B.C.
MyMM Inc. is a woman-owned company from a diverse background committed to creating elevated videos, commercials, and advertisements from conceptualization to final production. They have achieved a 22% increase in revenue from the previous year which indicates that they are effectively attracting clients and delivering high-quality video and advertising services that exceed their clients’ expectations. Hiring an additional 12 new employees is a strong indicator of the company’s commitment to scaling up and handling increased demand. This growth in the workforce brings in more skills and expertise that can further enhance the company’s ability to deliver top-notch services.  MyMM Inc. also expanded their reach to three new markets which demonstrates a proactive approach to business development and a willingness to explore new territories.

About 2023 Trade Diversification Award of the Year Nuez Acres from Langley, B.C.
Nuez Acres is a female-led, and award-winning Indigenous-owned company that highlights diversity and inclusivity in leadership roles within the organization. Their commitment to offering a completely water-free beauty line is a significant step toward reducing water usage in the beauty industry. This aligns with sustainability goals and addresses a critical issue in water conservation. Aside from that, Nuez Acres has increased their market access to nine new countries focusing now on retailers in the areas they have seen interest in their products. Nuez Acres has been actively attending trade shows, exhibits, and marketplaces both domestically and abroad is an effective way to gain visibility and recognition in the beauty industry. This proactive approach likely helps them connect with potential customers and retailers.

About 2023 Innovation Award of the Year Willowest Enterprise Co., Ltd.
Willowest Enterprise Co., Ltd. is a recognized supplier of comprehensive solutions for hospitality furnishing. They are a Vancouver-based company with over 20 years of experience and are known for their reliable reputation in the said industry. Willowest has undergone a remarkable transformation, establishing itself as a distinguished provider of hotel and commercial furnishings. While concurrently earning a reputable status as a trusted contractor across multiple territories and cities. Furthermore, their commitments extend to diverse undertakings, with a standout project being a leader in the comprehensive renovation and furnishing of the "Metropolitan Hotel Presidential Suites" located in Vancouver. In addition, they are actively engaged in furnishing and renovating various new office spaces and private club facilities. These endeavours collectively underscore their unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation in the realms of design, execution, and overall client satisfaction.

Meet the Finalists:

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About World Trade Centre Vancouver
World Trade Centre Vancouver (WTC-V) is a subsidiary of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade dedicated to strengthening the export performance of small and medium-sized businesses in British Columbia. As a member of the World Trade Centers Association, WTC-V provides exceptional global access for B.C. businesses with over 300 properties and trade services associations in nearly 100 countries worldwide. WTC-V delivers unparalleled access to global -minded, highly targeted audiences made up of the most influential C-suite and political leaders, small business owners, and thought-leaders in Western Canada and beyond.

Learn more about World Trade Centre Vancouver on our website.

About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:

Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Western Canada's leading business association, engaging our members to inform public policy at all levels of government and empowering them to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one-third of B.C.'s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing professional development through unique programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events platforms in the country, providing a stage for national and international thought leaders to enlighten B.C.'s business leaders.

Media contact:

Federico Cerani
Communications Manager
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 || media@boardoftrade.com