MONTGOMERY -- Governor Robert Bentley on Wednesday recognized eight Alabama companies for excellence in exporting goods, promoting exports, and successfully engaging in the global marketplace.
The Governor presented the seventh annual Governor’s Trade Excellence Awards during a ceremony at the State Capitol. The companies receiving the awards ranged from small and large businesses. What they had in common is that they all excel at delivering Alabama goods to consumers overseas.
“As our companies succeed, Alabama’s reputation in the global marketplace continues to improve. At the same time, our local communities benefit from companies that engage in business across the world – while keeping their roots here at home,” Governor Bentley said.
Last month, Governor Bentley announced exports form Alabama increased to $17.9 billion in 2011, the highest-ever total for the value of goods exported during a single year. This represented a 15.4 percent increase from 2011. Companies in the state shipped their products to 197 countries last year with the top five destinations being Canada, China, Germany, Mexico, and Japan.
Alabama Development Office (ADO) Director Greg Canfield said the international trade division at ADO is extremely active in connecting Alabama companies with potential trade partners. Canfield notes that “The companies honored today are an important part of the state’s engine for growth, retention and job creation. That is why exports are an important part of Accelerate Alabama, the state’s economic development strategic plan.”
The Governor’s Trade Excellence Awards program was established in 2005 to recognize Alabama manufacturers and service companies for excelling in global competition. The objectives of this program include identifying Alabama’s successful exporters, promoting exporters as role models to the Alabama business community to encourage greater involvement in the global marketplace, and increasing awareness of the impact of exporting on Alabama’s economy.
The awards program is coordinated by the Alabama Development Office and the Export Alabama Alliance. The program includes large, medium and small businesses as well as new-to-export companies from different parts of the state.
The recipients of the 2012 Governor’s Trade Excellence Awards are:
Alignment Simple Solutions- based in Pelham
AZ Technology- based in Huntsville
CentraLite- based in Mobile
Dunbarton Corporation- based in Dothan
Henderson Sewing Machine Co., Inc. - based in Andalusia
Kappler Inc.- based in Guntersville
MCM Custom Vehicles- based in Trussville
Mid-America Engine- based in Warrior