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Kansas Department of Commerce - Trade Development Division / 1000 SW Jackson Street / Suite 100 / Topeka KS 66610 U.S.A. /
Phone: 785.296.4027 / Fax: 785.296.5263 / ksintl@kansascommerce.com
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Each year, the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award is presented to a Kansas company for exceptional international marketing success. This award encourages the growth of the state’s international commerce by showcasing successful exporters as role models to the Kansas business community. The recipients are good examples of how exporting is a significant catalyst for company growth and diversification.
In 1989, Governor Mike Hayden instituted the Exporter of the Year Award. It became part of the Kansas Cavalry award presentation ceremony in the early 1990’s. Now in its nineteenth year, the award is co-sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce (Commerce) and the Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council (KITCC), a trade organization whose goal is to encourage Kansas companies to export. Raising corporate awareness of global markets in the Kansas business community is a goal of both organizations.
The program brings statewide recognition to Kansas companies committed to expanding sales in international markets and showcases those exporters as role models to other Kansas companies seeking similar success.
Exporting boosts economic activity and enhances the image of Kansas overseas. The award shows a commitment to partner with our employers to help their products reach across new borders to create more good jobs in Kansas. It recognizes our export leaders and acknowledges their contributions to the economic vitality of Kansas.
The Governor's Exporter of the Year Award winners and their peers have helped Kansas emerge as a competitor in the international marketplace. Kansas' exports reached $ 8.6 billion in 2006. Today, more Kansas businesses are exporting their products to more foreign countries than ever before. The Exporter of the Year Award is dedicated to thanking employers for helping to put Kansas on the world map.
Past Winners
2007 The Bradbury Group
2006 Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
2005 BG Products, Inc.
2004 Tramco, Inc.
2003 American Crane & Tractor Parts, Inc.
2002 Butler National Corporation
2001 Landoll Corporation
2000 Innovative Material Systems
1999 Cobalt Boats
1998 Glendo Corporation
1997 Pioneer Balloon Company
1996 Roto-Mix Inc.
1995 Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.
1994 Kreonite
1993 Interconnect Devices, Inc.
1992 Peabody Tectank, Inc.
1991 Didde Web Press Corporation
1990 M-E-C Company
1989 Wenger Manufacturing, Inc
The state looks for the best example of a successful exporter in the state of Kansas. The first step in the process is for companies to be nominated for the award. Chambers of commerce, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to nominate companies that have excelled in the area of international trade. Companies may also nominate themselves.
Nominations are accepted through January. In March, KITCC selects the finalists for the award. In May, the finalists give a presentation about their company history and export initiatives/successes to the Council. In June, the Governor announces the winner at an awards ceremony. Onsite recognition, at the winner’s place of business, follows during the summer.
Evaluation criteria include:
- Number and/or percentage increase in jobs due to international activities
- Innovations in global marketing
- Effective use of international distributors
- Long-range international strategies and prospects for future growth
- New product lines introduced internationally
- Network of distributors, agent/representatives, international offices, or subsidiaries developed
- Trade shows and/or international expositions displayed at or attended
- Joint ventures established Foreign language promotional materials and general promotional activities developed
- Number of new export markets