Nominations Sought for 2009 Governor's Export Achievement Awards

Wisconsin companies that have successfully undertaken exporting initiatives will want to enter the annual Governor's Export Achievement Awards competition. The 2009 awards will be presented on May 12, 2009 at the 45th annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference in Milwaukee.

Each year, the Governor recognizes Wisconsin firms and organizations that have achieved extraordinary results in international markets or have contributed to Wisconsin's ability to compete globally. The nomination deadline is 4:30 p.m. on April 10, 2009.

"During Governor Doyle's tenure, Wisconsin's exports have grown by over 80 percent," said Department of Commerce Secretary Dick Leinenkugel. "We look forward to recognizing the outstanding individual achievements of Wisconsin's exporters."

Nominations will be evaluated for innovation, effectiveness, and special effort in growing exports and enhancing employment, the economy, and the international prestige of Wisconsin. Nominations can be made by an employee of the firm or organization, or by a knowledgeable person from outside the organization.

Awards Categories include:

• Agricultural Exporter - food, farm, or forestry products
• Manufacturing Exporter - non-agricultural manufactured products
• Service Exporter - services provided to customers in other countries
• High Tech Exporter - scientific, medical, or other cutting edge products
• Export Assistance Provider - firms or organizations that do not have direct international sales, but provide assistance to Wisconsin exporters.

Nominees/Applicants will be evaluated in relation to other firms of similar size.
For entry information, go to www.commerce.wi.gov/IE/IE-ExportAwards.html or contact Stanley Pfrang, Department of Commerce, 608-267-0739, stanley.pfrang@wisconsin.gov.

-- Tony Hozeny