For Immediate Release: August 12, 2005
DBEDT Release News 05-21

HONOLULU--The search continues in all island counties for Hawaii’s top exporters for 2004. The Exporter of the Year program is accepting nominations in six sectors:

From among the winners in these six categories, the Governor will name an overall outstanding Exporter of the Year.

"Part of our administration’s on-going business support effort has been on finding new export markets for Hawaii goods and services," said Governor Linda Lingle. "Once again, we want to recognize some of the outstanding leaders in the effort to diversify and expand this sector of our economy."

In addition, Outstanding Contributor to Exporting awards will be given to individuals and/or organizations that have been instrumental in helping promote exporting in the state.

Anyone may nominate qualified individuals and companies. Hawaii registered companies that export products/services to foreign and/or domestic markets will be eligible to submit an application. Nominees will be evaluated based on the following considerations:

• Nominees must be registered to do business in the State of Hawaii and be in good standing.
• Sustained profitability and sales growth.
• Expansion of company (plant capacity, product lines, employees, facilities, services, etc.).
• Exports sales – growth and expansion.
• Outstanding, aggressive and creative marketing, resulting in sustained volume of exports over a period of three years.
• The successful introduction of a new export-product.
• Development of a new market abroad for an existing product not previously exported.
• Opening of a new trade area previously closed to American companies or extremely limited because of competitive reasons.

Completed applications must be received by 4:30 p.m., Friday, September 30, 2005.

Recipients of the awards will be recognized by the Governor at an awards ceremony. The Exporter of the Year will receive an engraved award, a Governor's Proclamation, and the right to use the state’s Exporter of the Year logo for a period of three years.

Co-sponsoring this program with the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, is the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture. Supporting organizations are the U.S. Small Business Administration, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Hawaii Agricultural Leadership Foundation, and the Pacific Business News.

For more information and award rules, please contact DBEDT at:

Telephone: (808) 587-2584
Fax: (808) 587-3388
Address: P.O. Box 2359
Honolulu, Hawaii 96804

For more information, contact:
Dave Young
Communications
Phone: (808) 587-1212
Email: dyoung@dbedt.hawaii.gov