TROY – Automation Alley announced Tuesday that the technology networking organization has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious E Award for Exporting, the nation’s highest award to honor exporters. Automation Alley is the first non-profit trade organization in Michigan to receive the award.
The E Award is the highest honor the federal government can give to an American exporting company or organization. The award serves to recognize U.S. firms for their competitive achievements in world markets and their part in increasing U.S. exports abroad. The Presidential E Award was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.
“Automation Alley is helping to keep America competitive in the global marketplace,? said Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez. ?I commend them for contributing to last year’s record in goods and services. Thanks to Automation Alley 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.
A delegation of Automation Alley representatives, including L. Brooks Patterson, founder of Automation Alley and Oakland County executive; Ken Rogers, executive director of Automation Alley and Congressman Joe Knollenberg, received the award at a formal ceremony at the White House Tuesday afternoon, which included a private meeting with President George Bush.
“Today’s recognition from President Bush and Commerce Secretary Gutierrez confirms our commitment in assisting Southeast Michigan technology companies expand their global reach,” said Rogers. “Since we began our trade mission program back in 2001, we have assisted nearly 40 companies on trade missions to countries around the world.”
Automation Alley has conducted eight trade missions to date, and has generated more than $130 million in new business and economic development for company participants in the region. In addition, Automation Alley trade missions have also resulted in the creation of nearly 100 new jobs in Southeast Michigan.
“Receiving this prestigious award from the President of the United States is a truly great honor and certainly a moment none of us who were there at the White House will ever forget,” said Patterson. “This recognition is further proof that Automation Alley has attained status as one of America’s premiere technology corridors.”
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