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FSBDCN State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) - U.S.
Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today presented the Florida SBDC
Network with the President's "E" Award for Export Service at a
ceremony in Washington, DC. The President's "E" Award is the
highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant
contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.
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Michael Myhre, Florida SBDC CEO and Network State Director,
and Debbie Bernard, International Trade Specialist for the FSBDC at Palm
Beach State College (right), accept the award from Secretary Pritzker
(left)
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"[The]
Florida SBDC has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion.
The "E" Awards Committee was very impressed with the Florida
SBDC's work to help first time exporters understand the export process and
enter new international markets. The organization's dedication to expanding
export knowledge through its extensive pro bono work was also particularly
notable. [The] Florida SBDC's achievements have undoubtedly contributed to
national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create
American jobs,"
said Secretary Pritzker in her congratulatory letter to the company
announcing its selection as an award recipient.
Celebrating
its 40th anniversary in 2016, the Florida SBDC Network is a
leading source of export assistance for small businesses in the state. Through
the network's International Trade Services, businesses that are
new-to-export or are looking to grow through exports receive training and
consulting that exposes them to profitable management practices and
international marketing techniques.
Through
a partnership with Enterprise Florida and the U.S. Commercial Service,
International Trade Specialists prepare Export Marketing Plans (EMPs) for
qualifying Florida-based manufacturers and service providers. Specialists
spend approximately 100 hours on each EMP, creating a customized report
with target market recommendations, overseas trade opportunities, and an
action plan for market entry.
"It is an honor to receive the President's "E"
Award in recognition of the export assistance our network provides to
hundreds of Florida's small businesses each year," said Michael Myhre,
CEO and Network State Director for the Florida SBDC, who, alongside Debbie
Bernard and Katie Arroyo, International Trade Specialists for the Florida
SBDC at Palm Beach State College and the University of North Florida,
respectively, accepted the award on the network's behalf. "The
Florida SBDC Network dedicates a considerable amount of resources to our
International Trade Services and this award reflects the passion and
dedication of our International Trade Specialists in helping businesses
identify and pursue opportunities in the global marketplace."
 In
1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II
"E" symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to
America's exporters. Today, Secretary Pritzker honored 123 U.S. companies
with the President's "E" Award for their outstanding work to
reduce barriers to foreign markets and to open the door to more trade
around the world. Among the award recipients were Newberry-based
Endoscopy Replacement Parts, Inc., a client of the Florida SBDC at the
University of North Florida, and HornerXpress Worldwide, Inc., a training
client of the Florida SBDC at Fort Lauderdale. Other Florida winners were
Palladio Beauty Group and the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development
Corporation.
In 2015, U.S. exports totaled $2.23 trillion, accounting for
nearly 13 percent of U.S. GDP. Nationally, exports contributed to the U.S.
economy, supporting an estimated 11.5 million jobs.
U.S. companies are nominated for the "E" Awards
through the Department of Commerce's U.S. Commercial Service office
network, located within the Department's International Trade
Administration, with offices in 108 U.S. cities and more than 70 countries.
Criteria for the award is based on four years of successive export growth
and case studies which demonstrate valuable support to exporters resulting
in increased exports for the company's clients.
For more information about the "E" Awards and the
benefits of exporting, visit www.export.gov.
About
the Florida SBDC Network: The
Florida SBDC Network, the state's principal provider of business assistance,
is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2016. Since its
inception, the Florida SBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership
between higher education and economic development to provide emerging and
established business owners with management and technical assistance,
enabling overall growth, increased profitability, and economic prosperity
for the state. In 2014, the initiatives of the Florida SBDC Network
resulted in 42,664 jobs created, retained and saved; $5.8 billion in sales
growth; $140.2 million in capital accessed; $210.2 million in government
contract awards; and 952 new businesses started. A statewide network of
over 40 centers, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small
Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and
other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida
serving as the network's designated lead host institution. The Florida SBDC
Network is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs. For more
information, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.
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