SEMA News—October 2013
Presidential Export Award
SEMA was recently honored with the Presidential Export Award —or “E” Award—from U.S. Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank in Washington, D.C. The President’s “E” Award was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.
“E” Awards were presented to a total of 57 recipients this year. Criteria for the award is based upon four years of successive export growth and case studies that demonstrate valuable support to exporters resulting in increased exports for the member company’s clients.
One of the key initiatives of the SEMA international relations program is to help the association’s members grow their businesses in key overseas markets. Major components of SEMA’s program include international research to identify developing markets, working with international officials on legislative issues and creating opportunities for SEMA members to connect with international buyers.
To continue in these efforts, SEMA hosted a China Business Development Tour in Beijing, China, September 11–14, 2013.
SEMA was presented the “E” Award in large part because of its sustained commitment to export expansion. The award committee was particularly impressed with SEMA’s International Vehicle Measuring Program and the case studies that contribute to increased exports for member companies. |
News of SEMA winning this year’s “E” Award was posted on Commerce.gov, the website for the U.S. Department of Commerce. SEMA was recognized in the category of Export Service. This means that SEMA has shown four years of continued support of exporters. In 2012, U.S. exports hit an all-time high of $2.2 trillion, due in large part to the efforts of SEMA and the other “E” Award winners. | |
Tire Review Industry trade publication Tire Review was quick to point out that the President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition that any U.S. entity can receive for making a contribution to expansion of the U.S. export market. The magazine also recognized SEMA’s efforts to support the developing legal frameworks for emerging specialty-equipment markets, such as China and Dubai. |
Another industry trade publication, Aftermarket News, also noted SEMA’s efforts in winning the “E” Award. The magazine laid out details of SEMA’s international relations program to assist its members in growing their businesses in strategic overseas markets. |
Auto Service Professional
Commerce.gov
Aftermarket News
