Sustained commitment to export expansion, support of trade missions key factors in receiving the award
The Maryland Department of Commerce received the 2021 President’s “E-Star” Award for Export Service on November 5 from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. This award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. Maryland Commerce last received this award in 1989.
The award was specifically given to Maryland Commerce’s Office of International Investment and Trade for making significant contributions to increase U.S.exports, as well as supporting nearly two dozen international trade missions for Maryland companies over the last four years. The U.S. Department of Commerce also recognized the creation of the Maryland Partners in International Trade program (MAPIT), which brings together key partners from local, state, and federal government and academia to raise awareness of existing export promotion programs, facilitate greater access and usage of the state’s ExportMD grant and FlexEx programs, and build new collaborative globally-focused programs.
“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor, and I am so proud of the work of our international team to not only grow Maryland’s exports, but to contribute to the growth of U.S. exports as well,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “We have made exporting a priority, creating innovative programs that help Maryland companies learn how to export and connect with new global partners and supporting our companies that attend international trade shows with grants and expert guidance. We have been able to work with hundreds of companies over the years to find new customers and partners for their products and services and we look forward to continuing this important work.”
In total, Secretary Raimondo honored 71 U.S. companies and organizations from across the country for their role in strengthening the U.S. economy by sharing American ingenuity outside of our borders. The ceremony was held to jointly recognize awardees from 2021 (32 entities) and 2020 (39 entities).
Companies and other organizations are nominated for the “E” Awards through the U.S. Commercial Service, part of the Department’s International Trade Administration. The “E” Award was created in 1961 by President John Kennedy to recognize excellence in American exporters. For more information about the “E” Awards and the benefits of exporting, visit www.export.gov
About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.
