Mayor Seeks Nominees For Annual Export Awards In Phoenix

Phoenix AZ

28 January, 2021

5:04 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Phoenix: January 26, 2021 Businesses growing the Phoenix economy in these challenging times deserve special recognition. Those growing export opportunities will be honored with the Mayor's Export Awards. Mayor Kate Gallego will announce the winners at the Phoenix Sister Cities Virtual Global Links Business Luncheon on April 15. Nominations are due Monday, February 1. By Eric Jay Toll for Phoenix Sister Cities The annual luncheon is being held virtually in conjunction with Phoenix Sister Cities Virtual Trilateral Trade Conference. The Trilateral Trade Conference brings together businesses in Phoenix; Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. to explore opportunities under the USMCA trade agreement. The Conference, April 15 and 16, will focus on topics including export nuts and bolts, supply chain technology and financing. Increasing exports is a crucial means of increasing the Phoenix economy and its job opportunities. Trade.gov data show that exports declined in early 2020, but have strengthened late in the year as the global market stabilized during the pandemic. Boosting exports from the current 9 percent of the Phoenix economy adds more capital for businesses to grow. Companies that export tend to have more stable jobs and offer higher wages in their sectors. This year, nominations for the Mayor's Export Awards are being accepted in four categories: One Phoenix person, team, company or organization will be awarded the Export Champion of the Year. This award recognizes efforts that tirelessly promote the value and importance of exports, constantly drive export awareness, advocate for sustained engagement on export-related matters and activities, and act as a significant driver for regional alignment on export plans and programs. A small or medium-sized business will be recognized by the Mayor as the Exporter of the Year. Both product producing or service delivery companies can be recognized for success in establishing exports as a key component of its overall business. The awardee serves as an inspiration to other companies that aspire to similar export success. Helping companies succeed with off-shore business is enhanced through work by the Export Service Provider of the Year. This Phoenix person, team, company or organization – either in the private or public sectors – has demonstrated an unwavering "all in" support of exporters and export-related programs and activities. The winners of this award are the "glue," "catalyst" or "facilitator" that, in many instances, operate behind the scenes to deliver key services. More than half of all Phoenix export trade is with neighbors Mexico and Canada. The Trilateral Trade Champion honors a Phoenix person, team, company or organization that tirelessly promotes the value and importance of export relationships with Mexico and Canada, constantly drives export awareness of cross-border relationships, advocates for cross-border trading partners, and is a significant driver for increasing opportunities for trilateral trade. Ambassador Melissa Sanderson, GlobalMed and American Airlines were honored in 2019. Nominations may be made by submitting a brief paragraph about the nominee and why they should receive one of these four awards. Nominations will be accepted by Rita Marko, Phoenix Sister Cities CEO/President, until the close of business on Monday, February 1. Phoenix Sister Cities is a citizen diplomacy organization that fosters relationships between the people of Phoenix and the city's ten sisters around the globe. More information may be found at PhoenixSisterCities.org. This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author's own.