06 May 2004: The Southern Queensland Exporting to the World awards were launched in Toowoomba on Wednesday, 5 May 2004.
The launch was held in the warehouse of 2003 overall and agribusiness winners, Pacific Seeds.
During the launch, Pacific Seeds International Manager, Nick Gardner encouraged businesses to enter in 2004.

"Winning the Southern Queensland exporting to the World Awards last year brought many benefits to the company, not the least of which was the internal benefit within Pacific Seeds," he said.
"There was a discernible impact on the staff morale and the pride that we all attained in receiving this recognition."

"The recognition that Pacific Seeds received within Toowoomba was also considerable."
"We have been here a long time and employ between 125-175 on a seasonal basis within the city. We and our staff received good feedback from our neighbours, families and friends."

The award, which was announced last year has also added to the company's profile.
"Our customers have been genuinely impressed by Pacific Seeds' success in these area," Mr Gardner said.

"… this sort of award has given us improved credibility in their eyes."

A number of congratulatory messages were also received following publication of the result in a number of trade journals, both in Australia and internationally.

Present at the launch were representatives of the Queensland Department of State Development and other state government departments as well as sponsors of the awards and past winners. State Members for Toowoomba North, Kerry Shine, and Toowoomba South, Mike Horan also attended.

Mr Gardner again encouraged local export businesses to enter this year's awards.
"The very exercise of sitting down and completing the entry documents makes you focus clearly on your business and what makes export desirable, possible and worthwhile," he said.

"It makes you think "is what I'm putting down on paper here a credible, sustainable export business and what do I wish we could do better."
"In speaking specifically to those businesses that are contemplating entering the awards for the first time I would say give it a go."

Entries for the awards close July 30 with winners announced in late August.

Caption: Pacific Seeds International Team - 2003 winners of the Southern Queensland Exporting to the World Award at the launch of the 2004 competition.