2016 Governor’s Export Achievement Award Nominations Open

MADISON, WI. Dec. 18, 2015—The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) invites Wisconsin companies and organizations that have achieved exporting success to apply for a 2016 Governor’s Export Achievement Award.

The awards are open to companies of all sizes as well as to organizations that have contributed to the state’s ability to compete in the global economy.

The preliminary nomination process is simple, requiring only the submission of a short narrative (250 words or fewer) of the company’s recent exporting accomplishments. The online nomination form can be found at inwisconsin.com/exportawards. Entries should focus on the company’s innovative international strategy and export growth.

The deadline for preliminary nominations is 5:00 p.m., Jan. 29.

A panel of international trade experts will review all submissions and identify a group of semifinalists who will move on to the next stage of the competition, where they will be asked to submit a more detailed application.

“With the rise of purchasing power around the world, exporting is no longer a luxury for Wisconsin companies seeking to expand market share—it’s a necessity,” said Katy Sinnott, WEDC’s vice president of international business development. “The Governor’s Export Achievement Awards promote exporting by celebrating the positive results Wisconsin companies have achieved in international markets.”

Cynthia Brown, CEO of Chippewa Valley Bean, a 2015 Governor’s Export Achievement Award winner, also encouraged Wisconsin companies to apply. “Receiving a Governor’s Export Achievement Award has helped shine a light on Chippewa Valley Bean’s success in reaching customers around the world. Our company is the nation’s largest processor of dark kidney beans, and our global reach is a testament not only to the quality of our product, but also to the dedication of our highly skilled employees.”

Award winners will be recognized at the annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference in Milwaukee in May. Winners will receive recognition at the event, a custom video about their company’s exporting efforts, a trophy and more.

Any agricultural, forestry, industrial, high-tech or service enterprise successfully engaging in or assisting in exporting Wisconsin-origin products or services is eligible for nomination. Company employees or those with knowledge of a deserving company can submit an award nomination for consideration.

For more details on the award or to complete a nomination form, visit inwisconsin.com/exportawards or contact Patrick Roetker at Patrick.roetker@wedc.org.

About the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing Wisconsin’s business climate. WEDC nurtures business growth and job creation by providing resources, technical support and financial assistance to companies, partners and communities in Wisconsin. WEDC has four focus areas: business and industry development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship and innovation and international business development. Together with more than 600 regional and local business development partners, it represents a highly responsive and coordinated network. Visit www.inwisconsin.com or follow WEDC on Twitter  @_InWisconsin to learn more.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.