Awards for innovation

A lineup of companies trading with the United States will be honoured in the inaugural American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand Awards for Innovation and Success, to be announced on August 16.

The awards are supported by United Airlines and the Business Herald, which will announce the finalists in each category at the end of this month. Categories include imports, exports, investment and tourism.

Sir Gil Simpson, founder and chief executive of software developer Jade Corporation, will be keynote speaker for the awards ceremony. Mike Hearn, executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand, said the awards also celebrated the US' standing as New Zealand's second largest trading partner. Trade between the two was worth over $7.6 billion last year.

"We are proud to recognise the commitment to innovation and passion for business success of companies that generate this enormous level of success," Mr Hearn said.

Tickets for the ceremony and dinner, to be held at the Sheraton Auckland, can be purchased from the chamber. Phone 09 309 9140 or e-mail alison@amcham.co.nz