Governor’s Excellence in Exporting Awards- Nominations Sought

Do you know of a small business that has made a significant contribution to the state or national economy by exporting Montana products or services, marketing programs to increase export sales, or accessed a new international market?

Nominations are being sought for exemplary businesses throughout Montana to receive the 2003 State of Montana Governor’s Excellence in Exporting Awards. The Montana Governor’s Office and the Montana District Export Council (DEC) sponsor these awards. DEC is a statewide organization of exporters, export service providers, and trade associations organized to promote the export of Montana products and to provide assistance to firms seeking to expand international sales.

Awards will be presented in four categories: Special Award, recognizing firms or individuals that have made a significant contribution to the economy through export sales; Export Marketing Program Award, for excellence in marketing programs designed to increase exports; Certificate of Appreciation, for companies making a significant initial export sale or penetrating a closed or new international market; and Advocate Award, for an individual or organization that has supported, encouraged, and promoted exporting to small businesses throughout Montana. Nominees will be evaluated on the overall economic impact on Montana, export statistics for the past four years, percent of export sales to total sales, increase in export sales, solutions to export problems, and exporting commitment and vision.

Enclosed are the nomination forms and selection criteria for the 2003 Governor’s Excellence in Exporting Awards. If you need assistance with the nomination process, please contact:

Mark Peters, Director

Montana Export Assistance Center

406) 542-6656

Submit Nomination packages by April 18, 2003, to the Montana Export Assistance Center, % Montana District Export Council, P.O. Box 7487, Missoula, MT 59807.

Exporter of the Year

In recognition of a company’s outstanding contribution to the state and national economy through export of Montana products or services. Emphasis will be on export volume or increase of export sales and the contribution to Montana’s economy and job-creation.

Export Marketing Program Award

In recognition of a company’s effectiveness in export marketing. Outline individual marketing programs conducted in an effort to develop or increase export sales of Montana goods or services.

Certificate of Appreciation

In recognition of a company’s achievement in making a significant initial export sale of a Montana product of service. Emphasis will be on first time penetration of a closed or new international market or the first time export of an innovative product or service.

Montana Export Advocate Award

Given in recognition of outstanding achievements in assisting in the export of Montana products or services. Attach a narrative statement including the individual or firms efforts in fulfilling a commitment to support the export of Montana goods or services.

STATE OF MONTANA GOVERNOR’S EXCELLENCE IN EXPORTING AWARDS
Nomination Form

(Please contact Mark Peters 406) 542-6656 for a WORD version of this form.)

[ ] Exporter of the Year Recognition of a Montana firm(s) and/or individual(s) which have made a significant contribution to the state and national economy by export sale of Montana products or services.

[ ] Export Marketing Program Award
[ ] Firm with 1 to 100 employees
[ ] Firm with over 100 employees Recognition of Montana firm for excellence and effectiveness of individual marketing programs conducted in an effort to develop or increase export sales of Montana products or services.

[ ] Certificate of Appreciation Recognition of achievement in making a significant initial export sale of a Montana product or service or a first time penetration of a closed or new international market.

[ ] Export Advocate Recognition of outstanding achievements in assisting in the export of Montana products or services.

Nominee Information
1. Name of Organization:
Street Address:
City, State, Zip Code:
Telephone Number: Fax Number:
Name of President/Manager:

2. Type of Organization:

3. Subsidiary or Division of:
(If applicable, please explain under “Justification for Award” why subsidiary/division should receive the award rather than the parent organization.)

4. Total Number of Employees:
Number of Employees whose position directly attributes to exporting:
Total Membership (applicable to trade associations, chambers of commerce, trade clubs, etc.)

Major Products Exported:

Export Statistics:
Give international sales figures for each of the past four years, including the latest quarterly data (if applicable). Include shipments to Canada and Mexico (however, please exclude sales to Puerto Rico, Virgin islands, Alaska and Hawaii). If this information is required to be kept as confidential, please check the box below. Except to the extent required by law, no information or data for which the applicant/nominee has requested CONFIDENTIAL treatment will be disclosed to persons not involved in processing this application without the applicant’s prior written consent.

[ ] Confidential

YEAR TOTAL SALES EXPORT SALES % OF EXPORT SALES TO TOTAL SALES INCOME FROM LICENSING AGREEMENTS
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998

Key Exporting Problems
Check Key exporting problems encountered (discuss how you overcame these problems in “Justification” section that follows).

[ ] Obtaining foreign distribution [ ] Specifications
[ ] Packaging [ ] Delivery
[ ] Credit terms [ ] Pricing
[ ] Tariff barriers [ ] Dealer relations
[ ] Non-tariff barriers [ ] Corporate organization
[ ] Import quotas [ ] Product design
[ ] Foreign production [ ] Market research
[ ] Selecting export channels of distribution [ ] Foreign language requirements
[ ] Spare parts and/or servicing [ ] Others (specify)
[ ] Adverse competitive conditions

Justification for Award
(Note: use data that verifies this company as an important Montana exporter and submit narrative on separate attached sheet.)

(Note: use organization letterhead for continuation sheets.)

Certification by Nominee

I hereby certify that this application accurately represents the facts to the best of my knowledge.

Signature of Responsible Official Signature of Corporate Secretary or Other Responsible Official (if applicable)

Persons Recommending Award

Name (Please print or type):
Street Address:
City, State, Zip Code:
Telephone Number: Fax Number:

Signature Date

PLEASE RETURN BY April 18, 2003, TO: Mark Peters
Montana Export Assistance Center
% Montana District Export Council
P.O. Box 7487
Missoula, MT 59807