The Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2014 Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award, which is presented to a single Kansas business for excellence in international trade and marketing. The winner of the 26^th annual installment of the award will be announced in June of 2014 during Business Appreciation Month.

 Nominated companies will be evaluated on the totality of their international efforts. Qualifications include:

·         Number and/or percentage increase in jobs due to international activities

·         Innovations in global marketing

·         Number of countries exported to

·         Effective use of international distributors

·         Long-range international strategies and prospects for future growth

·         Commitment to the state and local community

·         Foreign language promotional materials and general promotional activities

·         Trade shows and/or international expositions

 “Exporting is critical to a strong Kansas economy,” said Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George. “Businesses that are competitive in international markets create good manufacturing jobs for Kansas workers. It’s important to recognize the outstanding work of Kansas exporters and their contributions to our economy.”

 Businesses can nominate themselves or be nominated by any other organization or individual. Visit KansasCommerce.com/Exporter to learn more about the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award and to download nomination forms. The nomination deadline is Monday, Jan. 27, 2014.

 Nominations can be emailed to April Chiang at achiang@kansascommerce.com or mailed or faxed to:

Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council

c/o Kansas Department of Commerce, April Chiang

1000 S.W. Jackson St., Suite 100

Topeka, KS  66612-1354

Fax: (785) 296-3490