U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves on Nov. 5 awarded the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development’s International Trade Division with the 2021 President’s “E” Award for export service at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
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, according to a Nov. 5 press release.
“The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, International Trade Division, has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. The “E” Awards Committee was very impressed with your support of export promotion over the last 4 years for 152 small businesses, nearly half of which are from underserved business communities. The organization’s undertaking of numerous trade missions was also particularly notable,” wrote U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo in her congratulatory letter to GOED International Trade Director, announcing GOED’s selection as an award recipient. “GOED’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.”
“Exporting is crucial to the success of Nevada’s economy,” Gov. Steve Sisolak said in a statement. “Exports of ‘Made in Nevada’ products and services help drive our global competitiveness and fuel the Silver State’s economy by creating higher paid jobs for Nevadans.”
Pawel Pietrasienski, GOED Director of International Trade, credited support from colleagues from the Department of Commerce, City of Reno and Las Vegas U.S. Commercial Service for support.
“We have strived to assist Nevada companies in a variety of industries to reach new markets in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America and Africa,” Pietrasienski stated. “I am especially pleased that half the companies that have benefited from GOED international programs have been minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, or classify as other disadvantaged businesses.”
The genesis for the “E” Awards began in 1961, when President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America's exporters.
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.
