ArDEC accepting nominations for annual awards recognizing Arkansas exporting success
by August 10, 2021 8:05 am 360 views
The Arkansas District Export Council (ArDEC) is accepting applications for the 2021 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade, recognizing the exporting success of small, medium and large Arkansas companies.
Asa Hutchinson will present the awards during the council’s annual gala banquet at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock on Oct. 13.
ArDEC will accept applications through Aug. 27. Apply at this link.
Clint Lazenby of Rogers is the founder and CEO of Legacy Retail and an ArDEC member. He said this year, ArDEC specifically seeks to honor Arkansas companies that have excelled in exporting or have developed a strategy to maintain or increase sales and workforce through exporting despite the pandemic.
“We want to share how even in times like these, a good export strategy can help diversify business risk and be a sustaining segment of the business,” he said.
The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade originated in 2010 by joint efforts of ArDEC, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, U.S. Commercial Services and Arkansas World Trade Center.
“The fact we won an award created a great deal of positive recognition for us in our community,” said John Sinclair, owner of El Dorado-based Lycus Ltd. and a 2017 winner of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade. The company makes ultraviolet light absorbers for plastics, coatings, adhesives, cosmetic product protection and other personal care applications. “It has been the basis for networking with the Department of Commerce and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for resource information and assistance, and it has also provided a forum for networking with like exporters. Lastly, it has allowed me to share our experiences with local companies who also export.”
Rudy Ortiz, manager of client services at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, is ArDEC chairman. He said he encourages Arkansas businesses to consider exporting as an opportunity for increased sales and revenue and job growth and community involvement.
“Special [awards] consideration will be given to those corporations who have not only survived but thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic through wise pivoting and creative, thoughtful management enabling maintenance of a full workforce,” he said.