Press Release

Automation Alley Honored with Presidential Export Award Exports are a Critical Engine of Growth for the U.S. Economy

U.S. Department of Commerce
Office of Secretary
Washington D.C. 20230
Contact:
Richard Mills / Ann Marie Hauser
202-482-4883

Washington D.C., TUESDAY, MAY 20, 200 Today Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez joined President Bush at the White House to present Automation Alley of Troy, MI with the Presidential E Award for excellence in exporting. 

Automation Alley is helping to keep America competitive in the global marketplace.  I commend them for contributing to last years record in goods and services.  Thanks to Automation Alley and the thousands of others that compete in the global market, U.S. exports last year rose 12.6 percent over the previous year to more than $1.6 trillion making an important contribution to U.S. economic growth, said Gutierrez. 

The E Award is the highest honor the federal government can give to American people, firms or organizations that have made significant contributions to the increase of American exports.  The Presidential E-Award was created by President John F. Kennedy, by executive order in 1961.

Automation Alley was founded by Oakland County Executive, L. Brooks Patterson, in 1999.  Todays recognition from President Bush confirms our commitment in assisting Southeast Michigan companies expand their global reach, as we are the first non-profit trade association in Michigan to ever receive the E Award, said Ken Rogers, executive director. Since we began our trade mission program back in 2001, we have successfully generated more than $130 million in new business and economic development for our company participants and the region. Our missions to countries across the globe have also resulted in the creation of nearly 100 new jobs in Southeast Michigan. Were proud of our contributions to the local economy and we look forward to assisting additional companies in their efforts to expand their businesses overseas.

Automation Alley is a technology business association driving the growth and image of Southeast Michigans economy through a collaborative culture that focuses on workforce and business development initiatives.  Since its founding in 1999, Automation Alley has expanded to include more than 875 businesses, educational institutions and government entities, covering an eight county area and the City of Detroit. Automation Alley promotes regional prosperity through business attraction services, exporting assistance, workforce development and technology acceleration.  For more information, please visit www.automationalley.com.

Background:
With offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerces International Trade Administration uses its global network and international resources to connect U.S. companies with international buyers worldwide. For more information on the U.S. Commercial Service, please visit www.export.gov.

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