Two companies -- one Canadian, the other American -- have been named joint winners of the 2008 cross-border business achievement award, the Canadian American Business Council (CABC) announced today.

“The award is given annually to two companies whose collaborative innovative thinking and successful problem-solving demonstrates the strength and importance of the business and trade relationships between Canada and the United States”, said Karen Phillips, Chair, Canadian American Business Council, Vice President, North American Government Affairs, CN.

The companies, Active Control Technology Inc. of Burlington, Ontario, and MeshDynamics Inc. of Santa Clara, California, came together in response to tough new safety rules in the United States following coal mining disasters there in 2006, in which rescuers had no way to communicate with miners trapped far below the surface.

Together, they had the necessary skills to find a solution. The Canadian company, Active Control, were experts in wireless communication systems for use in extreme environments; the American company, MeshDynamics, was a developer of advanced ‘mesh’ networking technology.

They joined forces to develop ActiveMineTM, an innovative and potentially life-saving underground wireless communication and locating system that is now being marketed for use in coal and hard rock mines as far away as China. The system enables two-way voice and data communications, as well as the continuous monitoring of mine production, personnel and equipment. The two companies have advanced ActiveMineTM beyond its initial conception as a safety net into a powerful mine productivity tool.

“Canada’s strong relationship with the US has made our partnership possible, enabling the joint development of a mine communications and tracking system that’s far ahead of its field,” said Steve Barrett, President and CEO, Active Control.

“By reaching across the border to partner with a Canadian company, we have opened up promising new opportunities for our technology in the mining sector,” said Byron Henderson, Vice President, Marketing, MeshDynamics.

The award was announced at a highlight luncheon wrapping up the 14th annual CABC policy forum. It was presented by the co-chairs of the CABC Advisory Board, the Hon. Michael Wilson, Canadian ambassador to the U.S., and by David Wilkins, U.S. ambassador to Canada.

Established in 1987, the CABC is the voice of the Canadian – American business community in Washington, an issues-oriented non-profit that puts forward the private sector perspective on issues that affect the two countries.

The Canadian American Business Achievement Award
The Canadian American Business Achievement Award is given to two companies, one Canadian and one American, whose joint enterprise demonstrates the magnitude of the business and trade relationship between Canada and the United States. The winners are chosen by an international panel of judges using exacting standards that examine sustained profitability, job creation, financial strength, environmental responsibility, corporate synergy, exceptional imagination and extraordinary innovation.

The Canadian American Business Council
The CABC is the premier voice of the Canadian American business community in Washington. Established in 1987 in Washington, DC, the Council is a non-profit, issues-oriented organization dedicated to elevating the private sector perspective on issues that affect our two nations. The Council's activities include high-level briefings on issues of current concern, assistance with practical trade and policy challenges, and providing significant networking opportunities and informative seminars. The CABC Advisory Board is chaired by the Honorable Michael Wilson, Canadian Ambassador to the U.S., and by the Honorable David Wilkins, U.S. Ambassador to Canada. The Advisory Board is composed of all former Ambassadors to Canada and the U.S., as well as former Congressman John LaFalce and former Minister Barbara McDougall. Find out more about us at www.canambusco.org

Each year the Council celebrates innovative cross-border partnerships through its prestigious Award for Canadian American Business Achievement.