BG Products — headquartered in Wichita, Kan. — in June received the U.S. Department of Commerce’s 2023 President’s “E” Award along with 10 other U.S. companies, for demonstrating a sustained increase in export sales over a four-year period.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo presented the awards to companies and organizations that made significant contributions to expand U.S. business in international markets.
“The award recipients being honored today have seen tremendous success in international markets and generated substantial economic growth here at home that benefits American workers, families, and local economies,” said Secretary Raimondo. “I am excited to recognize these businesses as prime examples of America’s global private-sector leadership.”
This year’s award winners recognized for their excellence in exporting are manufacturers and distributors of products and services ranging from grocery and health care products to heavy equipment and smart technology, and entities that help small and medium-sized businesses grow in global markets.
BG Products Senior Vice President & Managing Director of the International Trade Operation Division Dr. Aiden Dunleavy traveled to Washington D.C. to accept the award.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which recognizes the efforts of BG’s global network of partners in promoting our Made in the USA automotive products and professional services of the highest quality,” Dunleavy said in a press release. “We will continue to provide industry-leading support for our distributors and their customers, with a plan to assure innovation, customer satisfaction, and responsible environmental action.”
Dunleavy told KansasBizNews.com while BG sees itself as a “very Midwest company,” its brand position reached entirely new levels when it expanded to national exports in the late 1980s. He encouraged Kansas businesses interested in expanding internationally to seize the chance if possible.
“First, don’t be afraid and embrace those international opportunities,” Dunleavy said. “Think of a good strategy and talk to others who have done this. Second, reach out to the Kansas Department of Commerce, the US Commercial Service specialist in Kansas and the Kansas Chamber.”
President John Kennedy created the President’s “E” Award by executive order in 1961. It is the highest recognition a U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.
