Pennsylvania's Successful International Trade Program Earns Presidential Award

News provided by

Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development

May 16, 2011, 11:00 ET

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania's Center for Trade Development earned the President's "E" Award today for making significant contributions to the national export expansion effort and creating American jobs.

"This award is a testament to the effectiveness of our program and the economic impact of Pennsylvania exports nationally," Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker said. "Our Center for Trade Development continues to be a valuable asset to Pennsylvania businesses looking to expand into international markets."

The award was presented by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke at a ceremony today in Washington, D.C. In the award letter, Locke said that the Center for Trade Development has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion and noted that the development of the Center's performance measures to chart the growth of clients is "impressive."

This is the fourth award the Pennsylvania Office of International Business Development has received in the 2010-11 calendar year.

From 2008 to 2010, the Center for Trade Development directly generated more than $937 million in new export sales for Pennsylvania companies, supporting more than 10,250 jobs and bringing an estimated $53.3 million in new state tax revenue.

The Center for Trade Development, housed within the Department of Community and Economic Development's Office of International Business Development, helps Pennsylvania exporters expand their reach, capacity and capability to sell into new markets by providing clients with access to market research, partner search services, grants, and a full schedule of international trade shows and missions.

Pennsylvania businesses can use DCED's free, interactive virtual trade advisor by searching keyword "virtual trade advisor" at www.newpa.com. The advisor offers information about market statistics, trends, trade regulations, lead-generation and potential grants and financing, as well as local points of contact.

For more information about Pennsylvania's economic development services, visit www.newpa.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

Media contact: Jamie Yates, 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development