The Honourable Michael F. Currie, Minister of Development and Technology, and Minister responsible for Prince Edward Island Business Development Inc., presented awards today to Roberta Brothers and Nicole Balderston, winners at this year's PEI Craft & Giftware Buyer's Market. During the tradeshow held in Charlottetown earlier this month, winners were selected in the following categories: Buyer's Choice, Best Booth and Best Product.
The Buyer's Choice Award is selected by buyers who attend the show and this year's recipient was Roberta Brothers from Ooh La! La Designs in Seal River, PEI. Roberta designs and creates a beautiful line of products that include a variety of charming garden hats and nightgowns.
After several years being away from the business to raise her two children, this was Roberta's first year exhibiting at the show. Her company also took home the Best Booth Award.
"I was totally impressed with a show of this calibre being hosted right here at home," said Brothers. "I didn't have to go far to gain new markets and exposure that otherwise I may not have tapped into. The organizers of this event should be commended for all of their hard work in order to make this show such a huge success. It's great to see all the talent we have here on the Island."
The final award, Best Product, was presented to Nicole Balderston from Baldermond's Oddities in Charlottetown. Nicole's uniquely designed ceramic tiles were a big hit at this year's show. Nicole begins creating her product by hand rolling the clay, cutting out the tile, carving the design and finally, glazing it to completion. Each tile has a different design that can range anywhere from faces, leaves, fish and pears.
This was Nicole's first serious attempt at selling her product and entering the wholesale side of the industry. "I really didn't know what to expect prior to the show, but it was a great starting point for me and my business," Nicole said. I thought the show was great and I learned a lot through the workshops that were offered during the event.
"I am very pleased to see the interest in this event continue to increase among, Island craft and giftware producers, local retailers, and off-Island retailers," said Minister Currie. "From our first show in 2001, we have clearly been able to demonstrate that our Island handcrafted products are in high demand and interest only seems to increase each year. The Buyer's Market Awards are designed to recognize superior effort and achievement and I am pleased to present Roberta and Nicole with this year's honours."
Over 350 buyers from across the Maritimes toured the 70-plus exhibits at the Buyer's Market. Only in its third year, the Island show is becoming well-established. This year's Buyer's Market not only saw an increase in exhibits and buyers, but direct wholesale sales increased by $100,000.
The PEI Craft & Giftware Buyer's Market was launched by the provincial government in 2001 as one of several initiatives designed to promote and enhance the Island's craft and giftware industry.