Wisconsin companies that have successfully undertaken exporting initiatives will want to enter the annual Governor's Export Achievement Awards Competition. The awards will be presented at the 42nd Annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference, to be held May 9 in Milwaukee. Each year the Governor recognizes firms and organizations that have achieved extraordinary results in international sales or have contributed to Wisconsin's increased ability to compete in a global market.

Any agricultural, forestry, industrial, high technology or service enterprise successfully engaging in or assisting in the export of Wisconsin-origin products or services can be nominated. The awards are presented in categories based upon size and industry and include:

• Small and Large Agricultural Exporter - food, farm, or forestry products
• Small and Large Industrial Exporter - non-agricultural manufactured products
• Small and Large Service Exporter - services provided to customers in other countries
• Small and Large High Tech Exporter - scientific, medical, or other cutting edge products.

An Export Assistance Award is also presented to firms or organizations that provide international business services to customers in Wisconsin. These can include educational, financial, language, logistical, legal, or other service providers that have helped Wisconsin exporters succeed.

Applications can be obtained at commerce.wi.gov/ie/IE-ExportAwards.html or by calling (608) 267-0587. The deadline for submitting nominations to the Wisconsin Department of Commerce is April 7, 2006.

--Stanley Pfrang

The newsletter is issued electronically every other month.

Please send comments or questions to Barbro McGinn, editor.