FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2006

Columbus, OH -- Governor Bob Taft today recognized 29 Ohio companies and organizations with the Governor's Excellence in Exporting Award ("E" Award) and presented Edgetech I.G., Inc. of Cambridge (Guernsey County), with the 2006 Exporter of the Year Award.

"To succeed in today's global economy, Ohio businesses must look beyond our nation's borders and explore opportunities in foreign markets," Taft said. "These companies are growing and creating jobs here in Ohio as a result of aggressively selling their products throughout the world."

Established in 1985, the "E" Award recognizes Ohio companies that have increased sales volume through exports, increased Ohio-based employment as a direct result of export activity, or developed and implemented a strategy to expand their international sales. Since 1991, more than 300 companies have received the award. Each year since 1994, an Ohio company has been selected as "Exporter of the Year," based on its outstanding growth in the international marketplace and exemplification of the state's commitment to international trade.

Edgetech runs an elaborate network of overseas subsidiaries, representative offices, distributors and direct export operations around the world. Taft honored President Michael B. Hovan and Edgetech for its outstanding export sales, history of exporting and commitment to the Ohio exporting market.

"As a result of our 10 foreign trade offices and our finely organized missions abroad, the Ohio Department of Development remains an excellent resource for Ohio companies wanting to compete in the global marketplace," said Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson, who also serves as state development director.

Ohio is the seventh largest exporting state, and during the past five years, Ohio's exports have grown nearly 20 percent faster than U.S. exports overall. In 2005, Ohio companies exported $34.8 billion in goods, an increase of 11.5 percent over 2004. According to Global Trade Information Services' report, Ohio remains the only state in which exports have increased each year since 1998, and have grown faster than that of the U.S. in four of the last five years.

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Media Contacts: Mark Rickel, Governor’s Press Secretary at (614) 644-0957; or
Holly Pendell at (614) 466-1931 or Maria Smith at (614) 466-2382, ODOD.

Note: Please see attached list of 2006 “E” Award winners.

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