The Atlantic Craft Trade Show (ACTS), a well respected industry event best known for the high quality of its exhibits, celebrated its 27th anniversary this past weekend. From February 7-9, buyers from throughout the Atlantic Region along with select buyers from Canada and the US, gathered at the World Trade & Convention Centre in Halifax to purchase Atlantic craft and giftware product.
Over 25 PEI companies exhibited at this year's show. The Atlantic Canada Craft Awards for Excellence is a major highlight to the event.
The Awards for Excellence, now in its 7th year, are the principle forms of recognition for leadership and excellence for professional craft and giftware producers and for those who are strong supporters of the industry in Atlantic Canada.
Awards were presented for Excellence in Product Design, Outstanding Retailer, Industry Leader of the Year and Outstanding Exporter of the Year. Several Island companies were nominated, and PEI took home three out of the four awards at this year's reception.
Irene Renaud from the PEI Crafts Council won the 2004 Industry Leader of the Year Award, while GNK Marketplace took home the award for Outstanding Exporter of the Year, and The Village Pottery took home the Retailer of the Year Award.
"The Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate those individuals and organizations that remain dedicated to this industry," said MLA Jim Bagnall, on behalf of Minister Mike Currie. "I congratulate all this year's nominees and winners."
ACTS was established in 1976 as a means of developing the craft & giftware sector in the region. The show has helped launch many Atlantic giftware producers over the years and continues to be one of Canada's premier craft trade shows. Originating in a small hotel ballroom in 1976, the event now covers three floors of the World Trade Centre.
ACTS is organized by the provincial governments of Atlantic Canada, providing a bridge between retail and wholesale for crafts and giftware producers. For more information, visit the Atlantic Craft Trade Show website at www.actshow.ca.