U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker yesterday presented the Florida SBDC Network, which is headquartered at the University of West Florida, with the President’s “E” Award for Export Service at a ceremony in Washington, DC. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.
“[The] Florida SBDC has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. The “E” Awards Committee was very impressed with the Florida SBDC’s work to help first time exporters understand the export process and enter new international markets. The organization’s dedication to expanding export knowledge through its extensive pro bono work was also particularly notable. [The] Florida SBDC’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs,” said Secretary Pritzker in her congratulatory letter to the company announcing its selection as an award recipient.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2016, the Florida SBDC Network is a leading source of export assistance for small businesses in the state. Through the network’s International Trade Services, businesses that are new-to-export or are looking to grow through exports receive training and consulting that exposes them to profitable management practices and international marketing techniques.
Through a partnership with Enterprise Florida and the U.S. Commercial Service, International Trade Specialists prepare Export Marketing Plans (EMPs) for qualifying Florida-based manufacturers and service providers. Specialists spend approximately 100 hours on each EMP, creating a customized report with target market recommendations, overseas trade opportunities, and an action plan for market entry.
“It is an honor to receive the President’s “E” Award in recognition of the export assistance our network provides to hundreds of Florida’s small businesses each year,” said Michael Myhre, CEO and Network State Director for the Florida SBDC. “The Florida SBDC Network dedicates a considerable amount of resources to our International Trade Services and this award reflects the passion and dedication of our International Trade Specialists in helping businesses identify and pursue opportunities in the global marketplace.”
U.S. companies are nominated for the “E” Awards through the Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service office network, located within the Department’s International Trade Administration, with offices in 108 U.S. cities and more than 70 countries. Criteria for the award is based on four years of successive export growth and case studies which demonstrate valuable support to exporters resulting in increased exports for the company’s clients.
For more information about the “E” Awards and the benefits of exporting, visit www.export.gov.