BUSH ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL AND CONGRESSMAN TODD PLATTS
SPOTLIGHT TRADE IN PENNSYLVANIA
York Wallcoverings, America's Oldest and Largest Wallcoverings Manufacturer,
Receives Commerce Department Export Achievement Award

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Development Linda Conlin and Congressman Todd Platts (PA-19) today presented Carl Vizzi, President and Owner of York Wallcoverings, with the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Achievement Award. The award recognizes the company's export excellence and use of the Commerce Department's services to increase export sales and open new international markets.

"Congratulations to York Wallcoverings on its exporting successes," Conlin said. "Businesses like this one create many American jobs. That is why the Bush Administration is committed to helping U.S. firms access new markets. When U.S. firms increase their exports, they contribute to a stronger American economy and an increase in overall global economic prosperity."

"I am pleased to join the Department of Commerce in recognizing York Wallcoverings for the tremendous success of its products throughout the world," stated Platts. "York Wallcoverings is a wonderful corporate citizen in our community and I wish them continued success."

York Wallcoverings was presented with an Export Achievement Award in recognition of more than doubling its global sales in the past four years. The company has worked with the Commerce Department to expand its international network of distributors in the Middle East and South America. In addition, York Wallcoverings is considering expanding their business to trade with partners in Denmark, Hungary and Russia and will continue to work with the Commerce Department to meet its objectives in these markets.

"I am honored to accept this recognition on behalf of our 309 employees," Vizzi said. "From our associates in manufacturing to our international sales and marketing teams, I am pleased that the quality and design so successful in America has been warmly received around the world. We expect our international sales to continue increasing as we expand our distribution and seek out new opportunities and markets for wallpaper."

York Wallcoverings has been providing wallpaper from the same factory location in the historic Susquehanna Valley of Pennsylvania since 1895. Today, York Wallcoverings is the oldest and largest wallcoverings manufacturer in the United States, creating residential and commercial wallcoverings that can be found in more than 40 countries. In 2002, York produced 35 collections books and more than ten million rolls of wallcoverings.

The Office of Trade Development (TD) at the U.S. Department of Commerce offers U.S. businesses resources and services for all stages of the exporting process. With industry-focused experts to provide strategic research and analysis, TD helps small and large U.S. businesses access the global marketplace. TD also administers 1-800-USA-TRADE, a nationwide hotline available to companies seeking government export assistance and counseling.