The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry has decided to go beyond trophies in its annual Exporter of the Year competition and has now added a cash prize and a package of expert services to help a winning company achieve even more success.

Ms Janine Myburgh, President of the Chamber, said there would be a cash prize of R50 000 and a R20 000 corporate identity makeover.
The third prize would be a year’s complimentary membership of the Chamber.

She said the competition was in its 25th year and the prizes would add extra excitement to what had become one of the highlights of the business year. Entries close on September 23.

“Over the years the competition has brought some very exciting companies to the public’s attention from Mark Shuttleworth’s software company to boat builders as well as companies which export a range of products to more than 50 countries but are not well known in the local market.”

She said the weak rand had made it possible for local exporters to be very competitive and indications were that this situation would continue. “South Africa desperately needs these companies which are bringing dollars into our economy. Without them we will never achieve the growth we need to create new jobs,” Ms Myburgh said.

There are eight categories in the competition, each with its own trophY

The main trophy is the Cape Chamber of Commerce Western Cape Exporter of the Year for excellence in exporting. Both small and large companies stand an equal chance of winning this prestigious award and R50 000 in cash.

The R20 000 corporate makeover will be provided by Fable Design, an Auric Consulting Company.

Other prizes are the Transet National Ports Authority trophy for firms working outside the engineering sphere. Transnet Port Terminals sponsors the trophy for companies in the engineering and manufacturing sector.

Credit Guarantee sponsors the trophy for the best small business exporter while the Cape Chamber Innovation Trophy goes to the company that builds sustainable revenue through creativity.

The Design Award goes to a company using local design as major component of its products while the Exporting to Africa Trophy goes to the company that best exports products and services to African countries.

Finally, there is a transformation trophy for the exporting company that has achieved the greatest transformation in terms of BBBEE criteria.

For more information contact Mary-Jean on 021 402 4300 or Mary-Jean@capechamber.co.za