Presidential "E" Award
Dear clients and partners,
The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE is proud to announce that on June 6th, 2023, we were honored to receive the prestigious Presidential “E” Award for Export Service from U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, at the 62nd anniversary of the award ceremony in Washington D.C.
The award is the highest recognition a U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. A total of 24 U.S. companies and organizations from 14 states were presented with the President’s “E” and “E Star” Awards. Our ITC was one of four organizations that won the “E” award for Export Service and the only one located at a university.
I was deeply humbled to receive this award on behalf of the ITC; an award that serves to recognize a key role of our southern Illinois region in the global economy, as well as the hard work, passion and deep commitment to growth that coexists among business communities in downstate Illinois, particularly among rural and minority-owned businesses.
Our 2023 “E” Award nomination covered the ITC work and accomplishments during the period of 2019-2022, particularly during the height of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, when for the betterment of small businesses — especially those located in rural areas — the ITC creatively adapted to virtual formats, building strong industry relationships and ensuring business owners could survive and thrive in the world of exports during these very difficult times.
We are profoundly grateful for this recognition. However, this achievement was also made possible in large part by the continued support, trust and collaborative spirit of all of you, our loyal clients and partners. Thank you! The ITC is proud to support the outstanding communities of persevering, resilient, and energetic exporters from the southern Illinois region and make sure they can grow and succeed in international markets with our customized assistance and services.
Thank you, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo for your words of recognition to the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE, which motivate us even more to keep educating and connecting communities through trade:
"On Behalf of President Biden, I congratulate the Illinois SBDC ITC at SIUE on its distinguished achievements in exports, which is delivering tangible benefits for local economies, workers and their families. The world turns to the United States for innovative products and solutions thanks in part to U.S. businesses of all shapes and sizes that export. The Illinois SBDC ITC at SIUE serves as a model that will inspire enterprises and entrepreneurs everywhere.”
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo
We appreciate your continued support and allowing us to be of service to each of you. Read SIUE's featured news story or learn more about the "E" Awards.
Silvia T. Bowman
