U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today honored 123 U.S. companies and organizations that export goods and services overseas during the 2016 President's "E" Awards ceremony. For the first time in the award's 54-year history, winners represent every state and the District of Columbia. Of this year's 123 honorees, 105 are small and medium-sized businesses, and 64 firms are manufacturers.
"Congratulations to the 123 companies in all 50 states being honored today for their achievements in exporting," said Secretary Pritzker. "These companies demonstrate the opportunity inherent in selling Made-in-America products to the broad customer base that exists outside our borders. Their success contributes to growth, job creation, competitiveness, and the success of the American economy."
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. In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II "E" symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America's exporters. Today's honorees -- the largest group to ever receive this award -- helped contribute to the United States' exporting $2.23 trillion worth of goods and services in 2015, and the estimated 11.5 million American jobs supported by exports.
The United States increased its exports to 58 international markets and attained record exports with 20 global partners in 2015.
This year, 73 companies and organizations were honored with the "E" Award for Exports for demonstrating a sustained increase in export sales over a four-year period. There were 28 companies and organizations that assisted and facilitated export activities and received the "E" Award for Export Service. The "E" Star Award for Exports, which recognizes previous "E" Awardees who have reported four years of additional export growth, was awarded to 17 firms. And, five companies were awarded the "E" Star Award for Export Service, which recognizes previous "E" Awardees that have shown four years of continued support of exporters since first winning the "E" Award. The 2016 "E" Awardees are: