Exports are a Critical Engine of Growth for the U.S. Economy WASHINGTON—President George W. Bush and Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today at the White House recognized 19 American organizations with ‘E’ and ‘E-Star’ Awards for their outstanding commitment to strengthening America’s global competitiveness. These organizations have helped with the creation of jobs and opportunities for American workers and families by expanding their export success.
“These award recipients are helping to keep America competitive in the global marketplace. I commend them for contributing to last year’s record in goods and services. Thanks to these companies and the thousands of others that compete in the global market, U.S. exports last year rose 12.6 percent over the previous year to more than $1.6 trillion making an important contribution to U.S. economic growth,” said Gutierrez.
“In order to maintain our global competitiveness, American companies need expanded access to foreign markets. With over 90 percent of the world’s consumers living outside the United States, it is vital that we create new export opportunities for American manufacturers, service workers, and farmers. Congress should approve the pending free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, South Korea, and Panama without further delay. FTAs solidify our relationships with key allies and level the trade playing field by lowering export barriers to products made by Americans. Congressional approval of these FTAs this year is necessary given our dependency on U.S. exports to provide a critical spark to the American economy.” The Presidential ‘E’ Award was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, to recognize persons, firms, or organizations which contribute significantly to increase United States exports. The Presidential ‘E Star’ Awards are awarded for continued superior performance in increasing or promoting exports. Only previous recipients of the ‘E’ Award are eligible. The period of consideration covers the most recent three years of export operation; it does not overlap any portion of the period covered by the ‘E’ Award; and the level of performance must exceed that for which the ‘E’ Award was given.
Award Recipients Aquathin Corporation, Pompano Beach, Fla. * - AQUATHIN® CORP. was founded in March of 1980 and formulated from a single concept to produce the most effective water purification system available. The company’s export sales increased from $1.5 million in 2003 to $2.4 million in 2005.
Background With offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration uses its global network and international resources to connect U.S. companies with international buyers worldwide. For more information on the U.S. Commercial Service, please visit www.export.gov.
**This release has been corrected from an earlier version.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
