News Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2007

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that the Ohio Department of Development's International Trade Division is currently accepting nominations for the 2007 Governor's Excellence in Exporting Awards ("E" Awards). Each year, "E" Awards are presented to companies and organizations of all sizes that have shown a strong commitment to increasing exports of Ohio goods or a heightened awareness of exporting as a vital component of the state’s economy.

"Ohio firms export more than $37.8 billion in products worldwide, making it the nation's eighth largest exporting state," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves at Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "The "E" Awards recognize and honor the outstanding contributions our exporting business community has on the world marketplace and Ohio's economy. I encourage all Ohio exporters to apply for the 2007 "E" Award."

Since 1991, more than 300 companies have received the "E" Award. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding export performance, which can include significant growth of export sales, significant dollar volume of export business, overcoming obstacles or challenges in exporting and support of exporting in Ohio. In addition, the "Exporter of the Year" award will be presented to one Ohio company that exemplifies the state's commitment to international trade. The 2006 Exporter of the Year Award was presented to Edgetech I.G., Ltd., located in Cambridge (Guernsey County). Companies or organizations that received the award in 2006, 2005 and 2004 are not eligible to apply in 2007.

"E" Award applications and qualification guidelines can be accessed at http://www.odod.state.oh.us/itd or obtained by calling the Ohio Department of Development's International Trade Division at (800) 848-1300, ext. 6-5017 or (614) 466-5017. The application deadline is May 11, 2007.

A Statehouse luncheon to announce the 2007 "E" Award winners will be held in July 2007.

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Media contact: Maria Smith at (614) 466-2382