The Commercial Service helps thousands of businesses expand their exports. Here are just a few examples of what some Midwest firms and organizations have accomplished with our assistance. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Export Achievement Certificate recognizes companies that are business clients of the U.S. Commercial Service, and that have used our services to make their first export sale or open new foreign markets.
(If you are interested in joining the ranks of these successful exporters, just click on the Tell Us About Yourself link on the left side of this page, and an International Trade Specialist will contact you regarding your first steps to global business.)
2009 WINNERS
Photo 1: ProStuff of Rockford, Illinois, manufactures starting gates used in world class bicycle BMX and mountain bike racing events. The firms product was used in the Beijing Olympic games and will be used in the world championships in Singapore in 2010, as well as the London Olympic games in 2012. ProStuff's exports increased from a base of zero in 2006 to the point where they now export to 38 countries, representing export sales of nearly 1 million dollars to date. ProStuff also reports that they have outstanding confirmed export PO's of another 1 million dollars at present to be filled in the next year. The rapid rise of the firms exports has allowed them to retain 5 jobs and to add four more jobs in the last two years. In addition, the firm plans to add another 3-4 jobs in the next year due to the strength of their pending export sales. US Department of Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary Ro Khanna presented an Export Achievement Certificate to ProStuff in September 2009. The Commercial Service in Illinois provided export assistance to ProStuff including China specific advice on export finance, standards and regulatory support, IPR guidance, and shipping and logistics assistance. In addition, Commercial Service introduced ProStuff to service providers that offered business contract assistance.
Photo 2: Fuel Tech, Inc. is a leading technology company engaged in the development, commercialization, and application of state-of-the-art nitrogen oxide reduction (NOx) technology with installation on over 550 units worldwide where coal fuel, natural gas, municipal waste, biomass, and other fuels are utilized. They are also a leading technology provider in energy efficiency improvement programs for fossil-fuel fired (mostly coal and oil) plants. An Export Achievement Certificate was presented to Fuel Tech, Inc. by Ro Khanna, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Domestic Operations on September 23, 2009 in recognition of their huge success in the NOx control market in China with the collaboration of the U.S. Commercial Service in Libertyville, China, and Hong Kong.
Photo 3: Miner Elastomer Products Corporation (MEPC) has focused its export development utilizing Gold Key Services around the world in the mining industry with its introduction of a Mining Truck Suspension System that requires very little maintenance over the life of the suspension. TecsPak Elastomer Bumpers and Suspension systems are used in all types of products from Fitness Equipment to Agriculture Equipment. TecsPak technology offers the most cost effective solution for applications where control of motion is required. An Export Achievement Certificate was presented to MEPC by Ro Khanna, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Trade Promotion and the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service on Sept. 23, 2009. Click here for Press Release.
Photo 4: Arbortech Corporation provides engineered wastewater treatment technology and services that meet the needs of firms in many industries. Arbortech’s patented technology helps customers achieve environmental compliance through the use of their green product which reduces the use of harmful chemicals while reducing operating costs, particularly energy usage. An Export Achievement Certificate was presented to Arbortech Corporation by Congresswoman Melissa Bean on April 27, 2009.
Photo 5: Rauland-Borg Corporation is an industry leader in nurse call and school intercom systems. Rauland-Borg Corp. used the Commercial Service's Gold Key Service extensively, both to conduct market research at hospitals overseas, as well as to meet with potential distributors of Rauland’s products. Through his Gold Key meetings, as well as additional information and assistance provided by the Commercial Service, Mr. Selch has expanded Rauland’s distributor network to Vietnam, India, and throughout the Middle East, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE & Oman. An Export Achievement Certificate was presented to Rauland-Borg Corp. by Congressman Mark Kirk on April 27, 2009.
Photo 6: Rust-Oleum Corporation of Vernon Hills, IL is the premier supplier of paints and coatings for rust prevention and decoration in the U.S. and Canada and is expanding worldwide. John Simons, Director of International Sales, was presented with the U.S. Commercial Service's Export Achievement Certificate by Congressman Mark S. Kirk (IL-10) at the International Trade Business Forum in Grayslake, IL on April 27, 2009, an event cosponsored by Lake County Partners. Rust-Oleum's export business has grown dramatically over the past four years as a result of their focus on global opportunities. This decision resulted in a dramtic increase of $12 million in new sales, a 70% increase during that timeframe. Mr. Simons and his team receive export assistance from International Trade Specialist Robin Mugford, Libertyville Export Assistance Center. Mr. Simons also serves as member of the Illinois District Export Council, an appointment made by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
Photo 7: X-Cel X-Ray Corporation manufactures a complete line of high-frequency and adjustable x-ray units including designs for veterinarians, orthopedic surgeons, general radiology and industrial x-ray systems. X-Cel’s medical technology helps customers in many countries to receive a higher standard of care. The firms products have now been sold to more than fifteen countries around the world. An Export Achievement Certificate was presented to X-Cel X-Ray Corporation by Congresswoman Melissa Bean on April 27, 2009.
2008-2007 WINNERS click here
