The President of the United States’ “E” Award for Export Excellence
The President’s “E” Award was created by executive order in 1961 to encourage U.S. companies to sell their products abroad. The “E” Award is divided into two categories. The “E” Certificate for Exports is awarded to a firm or organization that has made significant contributions to increasing American exports. The “E” Certificate for Export Service is awarded to organizations that facilitate exports through activities other than marketing of products, including financing, transportation, and other such services.
A second award, the “E Star” Award, was authorized by the Secretary of Commerce in 1969 to recognize “E” Award recipients for continuing export expansion efforts. The “E” and “E Star” Awards are the highest recognition any U.S. entity may receive for supporting export activity. Companies are nominated through their local US&FCS office.
The primary quantitative criterion for the “E” Award is four years of successive export growth, usually accompanied by a rising percentage of export sales within total sales. An applicant’s demonstration of creative or innovative marketing that shows the company’s commitment to breaking into foreign markets generally is a significant factor in making award decisions.
“E Star” Award applicants should show three years of successive export growth since winning the “E” Award and show how marketing activities or services to exporters have increased since receiving the “E” Award.
Background
During World War II, more than 4,000 "E Pennants" were presented to war plants in recognition of production excellence. The famous flag with the big "E" emblazoned on it became a badge of patriotism in action.
President Kennedy revived the World War II "E" symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America's exporters. Thus, the "E" Award Program was established by Executive Order 10978 on December 5, 1961. The "E Star" was authorized in l969 to recognize "E" Award winners for continued efforts in export expansion.
Winners of the "E" and "E Star" Award are authorized to fly the blue and white banner, to display the accompanying certificate of commendation which is signed by the Secretary of Commerce in the name and by the authority of the President, to wear and issue to employees an "E" lapel pin, and to refer to the award in their advertising.
For more information on the President’s “E” Award, please contact Lyn Doverspike at lyn.doverpsike@trade.gov
