On Wednesday, the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) received the Presidential “E Star” Award, the nation’s highest honor for excellence in providing export programs and services. GDEcD was one of four organizations to receive an “E Star” Award for export service this year. The “E Star” award was presented to GDEcD’s International Trade division at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker presented the award on behalf of President Barack Obama.

“The President’s “E” Award winners are fantastic American businesses and organizations that have played a crucial role in strengthening and growing our economy through increased U.S. exports,” said Secretary Pritzker. “Congratulations to the Georgia Department of Economic Development for its export achievement, which helps the local community, Georgia and the nation remain competitive in the global marketplace.”

“This award underscores how Georgia’s trade division keeps our state a leader in the global economy,” said Kathe Falls, deputy commissioner of international trade at GDEcD. “Due to its record year in exports, Georgia is now the 11th largest exporting state based on dollar value of exports – this wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the dedication and support from Georgia’s international trade team.”

The president’s “E Star” and “E” Awards are the nation’s highest honor given to an export service organization. The “E” Award was originally created by executive order from President John F. Kennedy in 1961. The “E Star” Award is authorized to recognize previous “E” Award winners for their continued efforts in export expansion. Georgia’s international trade program first achieved “E” status in 1970 and was awarded its first “E Star” in 2007.

GDEcD’s International Trade division aims to match Georgia suppliers with international buyers. The division offers a variety of export promotion services to Georgia companies, in addition to utilizing the state’s international representatives in 11 strategic global markets. More than 14,500 Georgia companies exported $37.6 billion in goods and services to 230 countries and territories in 2013. In FY 2013, GDEcD’s International Trade division worked with 1,346 companies in Georgia. Work with these companies resulted in 420 export deals that were valued at $35.9 million.