From left: Robert Rissland and Michael Ueltzen, senior executives from The Republic Group, receive their award from Congressman Moran. Also pictured are Commercial News USA Publisher Gregory Sandler and George Tyler, Senior Vice President, The Republic Group.
Congressman Moran Presents Exporter of the Year Awards to The Republic Group

The Republic Group (TRG) of Arlington, VA, the overall Think Global/Commercial News USA 2007 "Exporter of the Year" award winner, recently received its awards during a recent ceremony at the Capitol Hill office of Virginia Congressman James P. Moran.

ThinkGlobal Inc., publisher of Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Commerce Department, made Exporter of the Year awards to companies from throughout the U.S. in 15 industries. Privately-held TRG was named Exporter of the Year in the Electrical/Electronic category and subsequently chosen as the Overall Exporter of the Year winner for 2007. Published bi-monthly, Commercial News USA reaches approximately 400,000 readers in 176 countries worldwide.

To be eligible for the award, companies must currently be exporting from the United States. Winners were chosen based on the total number of documented export deals completed in 2006, the total percentage increase in sales in 2006 compared to 2005, exports as percentage of total sales, a company's commitment to exporting, a company's commitment to customer service, and innovation and originality in marketing products or services.

"Local and regional economies are strengthened by the efforts of companies like The Republic Group to find new markets and new customers," said Congressman Moran. "The Republic Group has shown a great commitment to world trade, which has led to increased sales. Their efforts are indicative of the opportunities awaiting American businesses in the international marketplace."

Since its inception in 1958, The Republic Group has focused almost exclusively on the international marketplace. "For nearly 40 years, we at TRG have considered the entire world as our 'sandbox,'" said Mike Ueltzen who joined TRG in 1968 and became president and CEO in 1992. "As times and customs changed, we have often needed to reinvent the way we do business overseas. We have always been a 'gazelle' company, gladly leaving the heavy lifting to the 'big guys.' That's how we are able to stay one step ahead of them every time."

TRG's two core business units are its Environmental Systems Division and its Electronic Components Division, both of which pursue global market opportunities by utilizing an extensive network of in-country representatives and contacts. Today, exports make up over 90% of TRG's $35 million annual revenue.

"In today's expanding global economy, exporting has become more and more important to expand sales opportunities," said Gregory Sandler, publisher of Commercial News USA. "The Republic Group's success demonstrates just how significant the opportunities are for American manufacturers and service providers. I'm pleased to recognize Mike and his company with our overall Exporter of the Year award."

More information about the Exporter of the Year awards is available online at www.exporteroftheyear.com.

With its network of offices across the United States and in more than 80 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. For more information, visit www.export.gov.