Governor General Sir Patrick Allen has lauded the eight new manufacturers being honoured as National Bakery 2012 “Bold Ones” for their bravery, and congratulated them for their confidence, which he identified as an important component in nation building.

“Thank you for believing in yourselves,” said Allen, noting “This is not just about you, it is about the whole country. I know you are going to do well. I encourage you to make your companies and your products of the highest quality. I hope when you are successful you will also (each) mentor another company, and in so doing we will build Jamaica.”

The Governor General was speaking at last week’s launch of the Bold Ones’ Mobile Campaign, which he and his wife, Lady Allen, hosted at King’s House. The colourful ceremony saw a fleet of National Bakery trucks circling the lawn in front of King’s House, and the head of state symbolically unveiling the ‘flagship’ truck. He then took a tour of the individual trucks, meeting and talking with each of the 2012 Bold Ones.

Giant colour photos of the 2012 Bold Ones, their production lines and their products are featured on the sides of the National Bakery trucks, which will carry these ‘mobile advertisements’ across Jamaica as they traverse the island daily.

The 2012 Bold Ones were selected for sponsorship by National Bakery on the basis of their use of indigenous resources, the employment of at least five persons, having a compelling story and being less than seven years old. Candidates also had to be tax compliant.

Allen heaped praises on National Bakery chairman Gary “Butch” Hendrickson for conceptualizing the initiative.

In turn, Hendrickson noted that his company had been blessed and was happy to help new entrepreneurs.

“We do this on the basis that we believe in manufacturing,” he said, adding, “We promise to take you and expose your products on these ‘moving billboards’ across Jamaica.”

National Bakery operations manager Steven Sykes noted that the “Bold Ones” was in its second staging and was designed to support and encourage recently established Jamaican manufacturers to position themselves as world leaders.

Sykes noted that the Bold Ones had shown both courage and faith in their country, which in fact mirrored the values promoted by Allen in his inspiring I Believe Initiative.

“We hope you are heartened to see that Jamaicans are responding to your call to be bold and productive,” he told the Governor General.

The Bold Ones represent six parishes and span five industries: agro, food, garment, chemical manufacturing and health/beauty. This year’s “Bold Ones” are Pretti Slippery, Southside Distributors, Mango Valley Pride, Debz Foods Limited, Sue Tru Caribbean, Belcour Preserves, No Brand Chemicals and Patwa Apparel.

The promotional package of $28 million, which includes their exhibits at the upcoming JMA-JEA EXPO, is sponsored by Continental/National Baking Company.