Arkansas Governor’s Trade Award Set for May 30

The Arkansas District Export Council (ArDEC) will present the 2018 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade to Arkansas companies demonstrating excellence in exporting on May 30, 2018 at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock, Ark. Governor Asa Hutchinson will be in attendance.

“Trade is vitally important for Arkansas,” said Hutchinson. “Increasing exports of Arkansas-made and Arkansas-grown products results in two excellent outcomes. It produces extra capital for companies to invest in their facilities and creates new employment opportunities for Arkansans.”

The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade originated in 2009 by joint efforts of the Arkansas District Export Council, the World Trade Center Arkansas, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the U.S. Commercial Services and the Arkansas Governor’s office.

The ArDEC is currently accepting applications for the Governor’s Award to recognize the exporting excellence and successes among Arkansas small, medium and large enterprises.

ArDEC is looking to award companies whose exporting story includes developing innovative approaches to international business, consistently growing market share and expanding its global presence.

“We look forward to recognizing a new group of local companies and celebrating their success and contribution to the Arkansas economy,” said ArDEC chair Lenka Horakova. “In addition to applying for the awards we invite companies to take advantage of the opportunity to sponsor this event which is highly anticipated throughout the state’s business and trade community.”

In addition to self-nomination, companies may nominate Arkansas-based manufacturing or agriculture companies actively selling in international markets. The winners of the award will be presented with a trophy during the awards luncheon and profiled throughout the year as the winner of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade.

The luncheon also presents an opportunity for Arkansas business leaders to exchange ideas and solutions in international business and trade.

The ArDEC is a non-profit organization comprised of members of Arkansas’ exporting community. ArDEC members are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce and actively encourage manufacturers across the state to consider exporting as a realistic opportunity for growth. The ArDEC strives to tear down barriers to exporting, by providing guidance, training and connections that make the prospect of entering new markets less daunting.

The mission of the World Trade Center Arkansas is to grow trade and increase Arkansas exports by connecting Arkansas businesses to the world through international trade services. For more information and valuable updates, please follow the Center on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the World Trade Center Arkansas newsletter.