FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2008

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced the Ohio Department of Development's Global Markets Division - formerly known as the International Trade Division -- is accepting nominations for the 2008 Governor's Excellence in Exporting Awards.

Since 1985 the Excellence in Exporting Awards program has recognized companies and organizations of all sizes that have demonstrated outstanding performance in exporting or heightened awareness of exporting as a vital component of the State's economy. The Exporter of the Year award goes to one Ohio company that exemplifies the State's commitment to international trade.

"Ohio continues to solidify its standing as a national leader in exports through the hard work of our businesses and the dedicated people who run them," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "The Governor's Excellence in Exporting Awards program is a stellar showcase for these businesses that have the vision and drive to excel in today's global marketplace."

Thirty-one businesses from throughout Ohio won the Governor's Excellence in Exporting Award in 2007; the 2007 Exporter of the Year was Marathon Sensors Inc., located in West Chester (Butler County).

Ohio is the eighth-largest exporting state in the nation, and is the only state with exports that have increased each of the past 10 years. Ohio exported $42.3 billion in products to more than 216 countries and territories in 2007, a 12-percent increase over 2006. The Global Markets Division initiated more than 530 export projects in 2007.

Applications and eligibility guidelines may be found at www.development.ohio.gov/itd. The deadline for submitting applications is April 30.

A luncheon ceremony to announce the 2008 Governor's Excellence in Exporting winners will take place July 29 in the Statehouse Atrium.

The Global Markets Division promotes the export of Ohio products and services to strengthen Ohio's economy, advance its leadership position in the global marketplace, and promote Ohio as a location for foreign direct investment. The Global Markets Division has 51 people in its Columbus headquarters and worldwide operations.

For more information about Ohio's Global Markets Division go to http://www.development.ohio.gov/itd

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Media contacts: Kelly Schlissberg at (614) 466-4133 or Kimber Perfect at (614) 466-2609