Gov. Paul LePage presented Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences with the Maine International Trade Center's (MITC) 2012 Innovator of the Year award during the 33rd annual Maine International Trade Day at the Marriott at Sable Oaks in South Portland on Friday, May 31.

The award was one of four MITC International Trade and Investment Awards.

“Being named Innovator of the Year is a tremendous accolade for the Laboratory,” said Bigelow Executive Director Graham Shimmield. “We are extremely proud to be at the forefront in bringing the results of scientific discoveries from the ocean to society as a whole.

“This award is a testament to the promise for strong partnerships between innovation in ocean science and the private sector.”

Also honored were Portland-based Exporter of the Year EnviroLogix, a worldwide distributor of high quality diagnostic tools to agricultural science, grain commodity, and environmental industries; Service Provider of the Year TD Bank, which provides statewide commercial banking services and offers global financial services and consulting to internationally active businesses; and Foreign Direct Investor of the Year Emera, Inc., from Halifax, Nova Scotia, recognized for its ongoing commitment to Maine's energy sector.

Maine International Trade Day is northern New England’s largest annual internationally focused business event. Over 350 people, representing companies throughout New England and eastern Canada attended this year's program.

Highlights of the day included a welcome address by Gov. LePage, as well as keynote presentations by Iceland’s president Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, invited to Maine by Eimskip, the Icelandic shipping company that has recently named Portland as its North American headquarters, and Dr. John Quelch of of the Harvard Business School. Eimskip was a major sponsor of this year Maine International Trade Day.

The program also included a panel discussion about "Marketing's Changing Landscape," moderated by Matt Wickenheiser from Bath Iron Works, and featuring Mary DeLong, representing the Maine Office of Tourism; Thomas Moser, of Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers; Stephanie Volo, from Planet Dog; and Nicholas Wilkoff, from L.L.Bean.