Deal honors international trade leaders’ statewide impact

Gov. Nathan Deal, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), presented 24 businesses with GLOBE (Georgia Launching Opportunities By Exporting) Awards at the 2017 Go Global reception. The state-led awards program recognizes companies that entered into a new international market in the previous year.

“The Go Global event highlights innovative businesses and the enormous impact trade has on Georgia’s economy, while providing industry leaders an opportunity to network and strengthen relationships with international partners,” said Deal. “These businesses contribute heavily to Georgia’s success in exports and significantly bolster the state’s economy by reaching new markets. In 2016, total trade between Georgia and the world exceeded $121.7 billion and exports exceeded $35.5 billion. With our strong international presence, Georgia is ready and able to support companies looking to achieve new levels of success while reinforcing Georgia’s position as a leader in global commerce.”

The fourth annual Go Global reception allows Georgia companies to network with the state’s international representatives from 11 strategic markets including Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Ireland. The top markets among this year’s winners include Australia, Japan, Latin America and the United Kingdom.

“It is because of the dedication of this year’s GLOBE Award winners that Georgia is able to tout another year as a leader in international trade,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “International business and trade are both extremely vital to Georgia’s economy, and I am proud of the important work that these companies have done to keep us competitive in the global economy.”

The 24 GLOBE Award winners from 15 counties collectively expanded into 129 new markets in 2016. Of the winners, 75 percent are classified as small businesses, employing less than 100 employees.

“Leveraging international trade opportunities is integral to economic development in Georgia. Companies in nearly every county in Georgia have utilized GDEcD’s international trade services to expand their business on a global scale,” said GDEcD Deputy Commissioner of International Trade Mary Waters. “Receiving a GLOBE Award not only provides a chance for companies to be recognized for their hard work, but it also highlights the opportunities we offer at the state level to help companies thrive in competitive markets.”

The 2017 GLOBE Award winners are: 

         AMK9 – West Point

         American Panel Corporation – Alpharetta

         Aventure Aviation – Peachtree City

         Bell Plantation, Inc. – Tifton

         CentricsIT – Norcross

         Crider Foods – Stillmore

         Ecolink Inc. – Tucker

         GF Health Products, Inc. – Atlanta

         Global Atlanta – Atlanta

         Heat Technologies Inc. – Atlanta

         Hydro Dynamics, Inc. – Rome

         Innovative Supplies Worldwide, Inc. – Columbus

         Interactive Communications International Inc.  – Atlanta

         MuniRem Environmental LLC – Duluth

         One World Inc. – Tucker

         OptiLedge LLC – Newnan

         PolyCase Ammunition LLC – Savannah

         Quantum Aviation Solutions – Athens

         Richland Rum – Richland

         SASCO Chemical Group, Inc. – Albany

         Savannah Bee Company – Savannah

         The Seydel Companies – Pendergrass

         Vayando – Atlanta

         Zcorum – Alpharetta

GDEcD also unveiled a new interactive trade map, which provides users with detailed information regarding Georgia’s top trade partners around the world. You can explore the map here.