HP Canada and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) today announced that M & R Machines (2000) Ltd., a Weyburn, Sask.-based maker of custom-designed farm equipment and repair, has won the $10,000 grand prize in the Canadian "Colour of Success" contest.

The "Colour of Success" contest was launched on Jan. 2, 2006 by HP Canada and CFIB in celebration of CFIB's 35th anniversary. The contest challenged CFIB members to illustrate in a 300-word submission how the use of technology has impacted their in-house marketing efforts to gain a competitive advantage in the Canadian market.

"As a family-owned and operated business with a staff of 15 people, winning the Colour of Success contest will enable us to extend our marketing power and grow our business within the farming community," said Joanne Miller, owner, M & R Machines. "Through digital imaging and printing technologies and software programs, we have been able to market and promote our business through brochures, direct mail pieces, signage and labels and ensure our website is always up to date."

M & R Machines Ltd.'s winning entry was selected out of more than 900 submissions from small and mid-sized businesses across Canada by a panel of judges from HP Canada, CFIB and Microsoft Canada. M & R Machines' submission demonstrated innovative use of a variety of technologies including colour printing technologies paired with digital cameras and publishing software, which the company uses to create custom, professional-looking catalogues, business cards, signage as well as full-scale engineered drawings for customers.

As the grand prize winner, M & R Machines receives a $10,000 HP Small Business Marketing Solution, which features an HP desktop PC and monitor, HP Color LaserJet 3800dn printer, HP Scanjet 4890 Digital Flatbed Scanner, HP Photosmart 817 Digital Camera, a variety of printing supplies and digital camera accessories, Microsoft(R) Office Small Business Edition 2003, and $5,000 in custom design agency services.

With the prize package, M & R Machines' Miller says her company will now be able to expand its marketing efforts to better serve the farming community locally, nationally and internationally, while keeping ahead of the competition.

"With today's advancements in technology, small businesses don't need big budgets to market themselves effectively," said Catherine Swift, president, CFIB. "The 'Colour of Success' contest was very well received by our membership and we're pleased to be able to bring this kind of opportunity to them and help keep them competitive in the Canadian marketplace."

"Falling technology prices, more choice and better availability have meant the cost of owning sophisticated in-house marketing capabilities is now within reach of virtually every organization intent on successfully and cost-efficiently reaching their audiences," said Geoff Kereluik, vice-president, SMB Group, HP Canada. "HP understands the unique needs of small and mid-sized businesses and is committed to delivering innovative, affordable solutions that can help them level the playing field against their larger competitors."

Second place in the competition has been awarded to Tompkins Jewellers, an independent jeweller based in Lethbridge, Alta. Tompkins Jewellers will receive a prize package that includes an HP Color LaserJet 3800dn printer, HP Scanjet 4890 Digital Flatbed Scanner, HP Photosmart 817 Digital Camera and Microsoft Office Small Business Edition 2003, and a variety of printing supplies and digital camera accessories, representing a total value of approximately $3,200.

More information about these contest winners, including their winning entries, is available at www.hp.ca/cfibwinners.

About CFIB

CFIB is a non-partisan political action organization that exists to promote and protect a system of free competitive enterprise, to strengthen the entrepreneurial culture in Canada, and to give independent business a greater voice in determining the laws that govern business and the nation. 2006 marks the Federation's 35th anniversary as an organization representing the interests of small- and medium-sized Canadian-owned enterprises. With over 105,000 members across the country, CFIB has grown to become the largest individual membership business organization in Canada. More information about CFIB is available at www.cfib.ca

About HP

HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, global services, business and home computing, and imaging and printing. For the four fiscal quarters ended April 30, 2006, HP revenue totaled $88.9 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com. Microsoft is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

(C) 2004 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

For further information: Editorial contacts: Angela Rea, HP, (905) 206-3493, angela.rea@hp.com; Judy Langford, CFIB, (416) 222-8022 ext. 241, judy.langford@cfib-fcei.ca; Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Co., 5150 Spectrum Way, Mississauga, ON, L4W 5G1, www.hp.ca

Source: newswire