Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—June 3, 2015. Congresswoman Robin Kelly announced today that the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Governors State University received the President’s “E” Award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The “E” Awards are the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.
“The President’s award recognizes the hard work of GSU’s Illinois SBDC International Trade Center in increasing U.S. exports, and honors its critical role in job creation for constituents in this district and efforts to help grow our local economy,” Congresswoman Kelly said.“Congratulations to the IllinoisSBDC International Trade Centerfor its export achievement, which helps the local community, Illinois and the nation remain competitive in the global marketplace.”
The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center provides export promotion service for small and medium-sized businesses, including counseling, market research, and training in logistics and export finance.
Hongxia (Mary) Ma, Director of GSU’s trade center, said the President’s “E” Award represents a milestone for the Center. “We are so grateful for the great support from the federal and state governments and local business communities. We will continue to enhance our high-impact professional export services to create more economic impacts and new jobs in Chicagoland,” she said.
The award program was established in 1961, when President Kennedy revived the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America’s exporters. In addition to Governors State University, President Obama honored only 44 other U.S. companies with the President’s “E” Award.
U.S. exports of goods and services hit an all-time record of $2.34 trillion in 2014, accounting for 13.4 percent of the U.S. GDP, compared to 7.5 percent 30 years ago. Nationally, jobs supported by exports reached more than 11.7 million last year.
Companies are nominated for the “E” Awards through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service office network, located within the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA). Factors in selecting winners include four years of successive export growth and demonstration of an innovative, international marketing plan that leads to an increase in exports.
Source: robinkelly.house.gov
