News Summary
Governor Kay Ivey awarded the Trade Excellence Awards to five outstanding Alabama companies in recognition of their international success and contributions to the state’s economy. This ceremony also marked the designation of May as ‘World Trade Month’, emphasizing Alabama’s significant export achievements and economic growth driven by local businesses. The awards highlight the state’s dedication to promoting Alabama-made products globally, with exports reaching $26.8 billion recently. This event showcases the importance of international trade for job creation and the overall success of Alabama’s export market.
Montgomery, Alabama – On May 7, 2025, Governor Kay Ivey awarded the 2025 Governor’s Trade Excellence Awards to five notable companies in Alabama during a ceremony held at the State Capitol. These awards recognize the international success and significant contributions that these businesses have made to the state’s economy.
The honorees include Central Steel Service, SEA Wire and Cable, Silver Ships, Special Shapes Refractory Company, and System Studies & Simulation, Inc. Each company was acknowledged for its efforts in promoting Alabama-made products on the global stage while aiding in economic growth. In addition to these awards, Governor Ivey also recognized Mercedes-Benz U.S. International for its role in enhancing Alabama’s reputation as a trade hub through their robust export activities.
In conjunction with the awards, Governor Ivey designated May as “World Trade Month” in Alabama, highlighting the importance of international trade in the state’s economy. Alabama’s exports reached a staggering $26.8 billion in 2024, demonstrating a nearly 30% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. This figure marks the second-highest total in the state’s history. In terms of reach, Alabama-made products found customers in 194 countries, propelled primarily by motor vehicle exports, particularly those produced by Mercedes-Benz.
The Trade Excellence Awards are given based on several criteria, including export sales relative to total sales, sustainable growth rates, effective marketing strategies, and a management team’s commitment to developing export capabilities. Notably, during this year’s ceremony, Mike Lee, associated with Page & Jones, received recognition for his leadership in international logistics and maritime trade within Alabama.
Silver Ships, one of the award recipients, reported that its export sales comprised 34% of its total annual sales in 2023 and rose to 7.5% in 2024. The company has been involved in international business for 27 years, specializing in the manufacture of aluminum workboats for foreign governments, which includes supplying vessels to countries like Montenegro and the Philippines.
Governor Ivey emphasized that the efforts of these exporters reflect Alabama’s competitiveness and dedication to engaging in the global market, which consequently leads to job creation within the state. This recognition of local companies aligns with the larger celebration of World Trade Month, which aims to affirm the vital role that exporting plays in boosting the U.S. economy.
In summary, the 2025 Governor’s Trade Excellence Awards serve not only to honor Alabama companies for their international accomplishments but also to shine a light on the overall success of the state’s export market. Through these recognitions, the state reinforces its commitment to fostering an environment conducive to trade and economic expansion.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WSFA: Ivey Honors Alabama Companies with Trade Excellence Awards
- Wikipedia: General Information
- Marine Log: Silver Ships Wins Trade Excellence Award
- Google Search: International Trade Alabama
- WAKA: Gov. Kay Ivey Honors Five Businesses for International Trade
- Encyclopedia Britannica: International Trade
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- Google News: Alabama Trade Excellence Awards
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
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