IMA Members Receive 2018 Governor’s Export Award
CHICAGO – Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced the recipients of the 2018 Governor’s Export Awards during a ceremony at the Union League Club of Chicago on May 24th. The Governor’s Export Awards are Illinois’ highest recognition of export achievement, honoring Illinois companies that have achieved excellence in exporting, as well as organizations that provide export assistance.
“Exports are a vital component of our economy and an important factor for continued economic growth. Illinois takes great pride in its export successes, which is why every year we recognize small and medium-sized businesses and organizations that work to promote export awareness for Illinois’ products and services,” said Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti. “Although Illinois is the largest exporting state in the Midwest and the fifth largest in the nation, we have much room to grow. Exporting is another way companies can succeed and grow their businesses here at home.”
Illinois’ export industry helps create high paying jobs here at home and contributes millions to the state’s economy. The State of Illinois is the number one exporting state in the Midwest and fifth in the United States. Last year alone, $65 billion worth of Illinois manufactured products were sold all around the world. Illinois’ exporting growth outpaced the national average by nearly 31 percent.
The 15 Illinois companies below were recognized under the following categories:
New Exporter
Chicago Comb Co.
EP Purification
Agricultural Service Exporter
Machinery Management Service, Inc
Export Awareness and Development
SBDC ITC at Champaign County
Export Continuing Excellence
Automated Design Corporation
Aqua-Aerobics Systems, Inc. (IMA Member)
Frigid Fluid Company
Middleby Marshall, Inc.
Vogel Tool & Die
Exporter of the Year
AIM Inc.
Denbur, Inc.
Engis Corporation
MacNeil Automotive Products Limited
Newmedical Technology, Inc.
Wahl Clipper Corporation (IMA Member)
DCEO’s Office of Trade and Investment, through a network of 7 regional foreign offices and staff in both Chicago and Springfield, provides technical support to Illinois companies ready to enter or expand into foreign markets. With financial assistance through the Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP) program, companies can participate in state coordinated trade missions, individual foreign market sales missions, achieve product compliance receive website localization assistance, and attend export training courses.
For more information on Illinois trade opportunities, visit exports.illinois.gov.
