December 13th, 2000 Vancouver, B.C. Canada - On September 27th 2000, the B.C. Ministry of Employment and Investment and The Alliance of Manufactures and Exporters Canada, hosted the Chairman's Reception where the finalists for the 2000 B.C. Export Excellence Awards were announced. Thirteen companies in four categories were selected as finalists for their outstanding achievements in exporting B.C. products to markets around the world, and their important contribution to the British Columbia economy. This year, efforts of B.C. exporters have resulted in a more than 12 percent increase in exports into new markets and have contributed $21.2 billion to the provincial economy. Knelson is pleased to have been selected for the prestigious B.C. Export Excellence Award in the Market Sustainability category. This category recognizes success in developing and maintaining a long-term presence in an export market despite political, economic, and regulatory challenges. "I was impressed with the quality of the companies that qualified in all four categories. To hear we were nominated in this category was exciting, but to hear we were one of the top 3 finalists was very rewarding" said Michael Lloyd, V.P. of Finance. Congratulations was extended to The Knelson Group by Ujjal Dosanjh, Q.C.; Premier of British Columbia, Canada. "I commend you on the dedication and determination you have shown in developing environmentally safe equipment for international use in mineral processing and recovery of precious metals. Your achievements will serve as an example for emerging export businesses in British Columbia." said Ujjal Dosanjh in his acknowledgements. Learn more on the finalists chosen for the B.C. Export Excellence Awards from a press release by the Ministry of Employment and Investment and the Alliance of Manufacturers & Exporters Canada.