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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATIVE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER HONORED WITH PRESIDENT’S “E” AWARD FOR EXPORT SERVICE

Camarillo, CA - June 8, 2023 - Economic Development Collaborative Small Business Development Center (EDC SBDC) has been recognized for its outstanding achievements in exports with the prestigious President's "E" Award for Export Service. The award was presented to EDC SBDC the 62nd anniversary of the "E" Awards ceremony held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

Established in 1961 by President Kennedy, the President's "E" Award symbolizes excellence in exporting and serves as the highest form of recognition bestowed upon individuals or entities in the United States for their significant contributions to the expansion of U.S. exports. In subsequent years, the Secretary of Commerce authorized the "E Star" Award to provide ongoing recognition for notable export promotion efforts.

American exporters are nominated for the prestigious "E" Awards through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service office network, which is part of the Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration. This year, a total of 24 esteemed U.S. companies and organizations from 14 states were honored at the ceremony. EDC SBDC was one of only four companies and organizations received the “E” Award specifically for Export Service for assisting and facilitating export activities this year.

Image Caption: “E” Award official logo. Winners of the “E” and “E Star” Awards are authorized to fly the blue and white banner and to display the accompanying certificate of commendation, which is signed by the Secretary of Commerce in the name and by the authority of the President.

EDC SBDC has been honored with the esteemed President's "E" Award for exceptional contributions to national export expansion efforts and demonstrated commitment to supporting minority-owned businesses. As the Los Angeles SBDC Network lead for international trade consulting across Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties, EDC SBDC provides no-cost access to specialized business assistance, training and resources. The growing multi-lingual team of experienced advisors help local firms identify and take advantage of trade opportunities, provide a strategic approach to global markets and use global markets as a catalyst for innovation and growth. EDC SBDC has become one of the only local economic development organizations in the state to facilitate significant business access to the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), which provides financial awards to state and territory governments to assist small businesses with export promotion and development.

Representing Economic Development Collaborative Small Business Development Center in Washington D.C., EDC SBDC Director Dr. Ray Bowman accepted the President's "E" Award, showcasing EDC SBDC’s commitment to fostering economic vitality and regional prosperity.

Image caption: United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo (left) presenting the President's "E" Award for Export Service on behalf of the President to EDC Small Business Development Center Director Dr. Ray Bowman (right).

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo expressed her congratulations to EDC SBDC for its exceptional achievements in exports, remarking, "On Behalf of President Biden, I congratulate Economic Development Collaborative Small Business Development Center on its distinguished accomplishments in exports are delivering tangible benefits to 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. Economic Development Collaborative Small Business Development Center serves as a model that will inspire enterprises and entrepreneurs everywhere.” 

EDC SBDC is honored to receive the prestigious President's "E" Award for Export Service and expresses gratitude to President Biden and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo for acknowledging the importance of expanding U.S. exports. EDC President/CEO, Bruce Stenslie emphasizes, “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity through the expansion of U.S. exports. Furthermore, the award highlights the exceptional efforts of our talented team and the remarkable achievements of the companies we assist.”

Image caption: Names and job titles listed in order from left to right. Daniel Pische, National Director of Trade Finance at U.S. Small Business Administration(SBA), Claire Ehmann, Deputy Associate Administrator for the Office of International Trade, Lucas Coleman, Director at World Trade Center San Diego, Dr. Ray Bowman EDC Small Business Development Center Director, C.E. "Tee" Rowe, President/CEO of America's Small Business Development Centers; Chairman of the Foundation for Small Business Development, Silvia Torres Bowman, Director of the International Trade Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, James T. Minor, 10th Chancellor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Steve Sullivan, Senior International Trade Specialist at SBA.

About Economic Development Collaborative (EDC):

Founded in 1996, Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) is a private nonprofit organization that operates with funding from the County of Ventura, the 10 cities in the county, and key private-sector companies. Its mission is to provide a pathway to business growth, economic prosperity, and a high quality of life for all. Through a partnership with the Small Business Development Center, EDC serves as a regional asset for economic vitality in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles counties, offering businesses, community partners, and civic leaders the resources necessary for success. Leveraging public and private funds, EDC has emerged as a key player, providing business consulting, funding, and strategic initiatives that support the regional economy.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tracie Schneider

Communications and Marketing Manager

tracie@edcollaborative.com

805.279.4534

See the U.S. Secretary of Department of Commerce Press Release HERE