Featured Trade Event

U.S. Exporters Honored at White House Ceremony

by Laura Walach

On May 20, 2008, President George W. Bush and Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez presented the “E” Award to 19 American organizations at a White House ceremony. The award is for contributions in promoting and increasing U.S. exports.

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President George W. Bush speaks from the South Lawn with a backdrop of U.S.–made products. Bush delivered remarks in recognition of World Trade Week on Friday, May 23, 2008, at the White House. (White House photo by Eric Draper)

“These award recipients are helping to keep America competitive in the global marketplace,” said Gutierrez. “Thanks to these companies and the thousands of others that compete in the global market, U.S. exports last year rose 12.6 percent over the previous year to more than $1.6 trillion, making an important contribution to U.S. economic growth.”

President John F. Kennedy presented the first “E” Award in 1961. This award is the only one given by the federal government to companies, organizations, and people for helping increase exports. A companion award, the “E Star,” was first presented in 1969. That award is given to companies that have already received an “E” Award and have continued to show excellence in promoting exports.

The 2008 “E” Award recipients included Automation Alley in Troy, Michigan; Dredging Supply Company Inc. in Reserve, Louisiana; FedEx Corporation in Memphis, Tennessee; Health Enterprises Inc. in North Attleboro, Massachusetts; Home Instead Senior Care in Omaha, Nebraska; It Straps On Inc. in Covington, Louisiana; Johnsonville Sausage in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin; Massachusetts Export Center in Boston, Massachusetts; Neutrex Inc. in Houston, Texas; NOW International in Bloomingdale, Illinois; Seattle University, Albers School of Business and Economics Global Business Edge Program in Seattle, Washington; Separation Systems in Gulf Breeze, Florida; Treatment Products Ltd. in Chicago, Illinois; and Vitamec USA Inc. in Van Nuys, California.

“E Star” Awards were presented to Aquathin Corporation in Pompano Beach, Florida; Environmental Dynamics Inc. in Columbia, Missouri; Port of Houston Authority in Houston, Texas; Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Division of International Trade in Richmond, Virginia; and Voss Industries Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio.

Laura Walach is an intern in the International Trade Administration’s Office of Public Affairs.