November 5, 2021
CARSON CITY, Nev. –U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Don Graves, today awarded the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), International Trade Division, the 2021 President’s “E” Award for export service at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.
“The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, International Trade Division, has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. The “E” Awards Committee was very impressed with your support of export promotion over the last 4 years for 152 small businesses, nearly half of which are from underserved business communities. The organization’s undertaking of numerous trade missions was also particularly notable,” wrote U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo in her congratulatory letter to GOED International Trade Director, announcing GOED’s selection as an award recipient. “GOED’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs,” Secretary Raimondo added.
“Exporting is crucial to the success of Nevada’s economy,” said Governor Steve Sisolak. “Exports of ‘Made in Nevada’ products and services help drive our global competitiveness and fuel the Silver State’s economy by creating higher paid jobs for Nevadans.”
“We have strived to assist Nevada companies in a variety of industries to reach new markets in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America and Africa,” said Pawel Pietrasienski, GOED Director of International Trade. “I am especially pleased that half the companies that have benefited from GOED international programs have been minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, or classify as other disadvantaged businesses,” Pietrasienski added.
Pietrasienski also credited support from his colleagues from the Department of Commerce, Reno and Las Vegas U.S. Commercial Service for their continuous support.
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About the “E” Awards
In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America’s exporters. Criteria for the award is based on four years of successive export growth and case studies which demonstrate valuable support to exporters resulting in increased exports for the company’s clients.
About the Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Created during the 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development is the result of a collaborative effort between the Nevada Legislature and the Governor’s Office to restructure economic development in the state. GOED’s role is to promote a robust, diversified and prosperous economy in Nevada, to stimulate business expansion and retention, encourage entrepreneurial enterprise, attract new businesses and facilitate community development.