President George W. Bush joined Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez at the White House to present Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc. (Jonesboro, Ar., www.hytrol.com) with the Presidential “E” Award for excellence in exporting.
“Exports create good high paying jobs here in Arkansas, and Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc. is at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness," said Gutierrez. "I commend Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc. for helping to grow new markets around the world.”
The “E” Award is the highest honor the federal government can give to an American exporting company. The award serves to recognize U.S. firms for their competitive achievements in world markets and their part in increasing U.S. exports abroad. This marks the 45th Anniversary of the Presidential E-Award created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.
“Hytrol has a rich 60-year history of success in the material handling industry,” said Gregg Goodner, president of Hytrol. “For the past 15 years, we have strived to expand beyond the domestic market to become a global player in the industry. Our employees, our distributors and suppliers understand that this is an important part of our long-term strategy. We have worked as a team to achieve this goal. We want to be known as a world-class provider of material handling equipment, proudly located in Jonesboro, Arkansas.”
The President's "E" Award may be given to persons, firms, and organizations engaged in the marketing of products that make significant contributions to the expansion of the export trade of the United States.
"Hytrol Conveyor Company is a model example of a business that understands the global economy and what it takes to compete in the marketplace," said U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln. "Hytrol has been a source of pride for Arkansans for sixty years, and I am pleased its outstanding work has been recognized by the prestigious President’s "E" Award. This honor is a product of the hard work and commitment of the people of Hytrol. It is also a testament to the vision established by Tom Loberg, a dear friend who built a company that understands good business and values its employees and the services they provide."
“Hytrol is a recipient in recognition of the company’s achievement in export growth in the U.S. business community and in the efforts to increase sales and protect U.S. jobs through the export of products,” said Dan Fischbacher, Director of International Operations. “This is the first “E” Award that has been approved for an Arkansas company in more than ten years. By maintaining its total manufacturing operation in Arkansas, Hytrol is contributing to the stability and security of the community and Northeast Arkansas. Dedicated workers are one of the keys in maintaining the company’s importance in its export business.”
“We must give credit where it is due, “ said Goodner. “A special thanks to our employees, without their dedication this could never have been possible.”