Denver - (Feb. 21, 2017) - The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the World Trade Center Denver are now accepting applications for the 2017 Governor's Award for Excellence in Exporting. This award has been given to Colorado exporters annually since 1970 and recognizes economic growth through international business. Winners will be formally recognized on May 16, 2017 at World Trade Day, the region's premier international trade event.
The Excellence in Exporting award provides official recognition from the State of Colorado and can help local companies increase their competitiveness in international markets. The 2016 awardees were TEI Rock Drills & Ice-O-Matic.
"The recognition from World Trade Center Denver and the State of Colorado gives our employees a sense of pride and accomplishment in our efforts to increase the exports of our Colorado-built drilling machines," said Joe Patterson, Vice President of TEI Rock Drills.
"Being recognized for Excellence in Exporting was a real honor for everyone at Ice-O-Matic. We often get so caught up in the day-to-day effort that goes into supporting our many distributors around the world that we don't necessarily pause to fully appreciate what it is we have achieved. It has taken years of work for Ice-O-Matic to become a global player in our industry," said Dan Chilson with Ice-O-Matic. "We are exceptionally proud to be a Colorado manufacturer."
Colorado-based companies that have exported products or services for three years or more are eligible to apply. Applications are due on or before April 14, 2017. Access the 2017 Governor's Export Award application here. More information about OEDIT's export grant programs can be found here.
Awardees will receive two tickets to the 44th annual World Trade Day conference at the Colorado Convention Center. This year's World Trade Day theme is Containers to the Cloud: Trade as Goods, Services & Knowledge.
Awardees will also receive $500 worth of consulting services through the OEDIT's Global Consultant Network. The Global Consultant Network is a network of international consultants that connect qualifying Colorado companies to global opportunities and market education.
Colorado exported $7.5 billion in products in 2016, and an estimated $14 billion in services. The Excellence in Exporting Award recognizes this contribution to the state's economy by highlighting noteworthy accomplishments by Colorado exporters.
Questions about the application process can be directed to [email protected] or 303-592-5365, and learn more about World Trade Day here.