U.S. Commercial Service
President's "E" Award for U.S. Exporters
The President's "E" Award was created by Executive Order of the President on December 5, 1961, to afford suitable recognition to persons, firms, or organizations which contribute significantly in the effort to increase United States exports.
The President's "E Star" Award, which was authorized by the Secretary of Commerce on August 4, 1969, affords continuing recognition of noteworthy export promotion efforts.
History of the "E" Awards
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.
How to Apply
2012 "E" Awards Applications Now Being Accepted
Applications for the 2012 President’s "E" Awards will be accepted between November 7, 2011 and January 23, 2012. There are two types of "E" Awards. The President's "E" Award for Exports is awarded to a firm or organization that has made significant contributions to the increase of American exports. The President's "E" Award for Export Service is awarded to organizations that may or may not export directly, but which assist or facilitate export activities.
The primary criterion for the "E" Award is four years of successive export growth, usually accompanied by a rising percentage of export sales within total sales. The application should demonstrate export expansion that is measurable, innovative, sustainable, and has broad impact.
Previous recipients of the "E" Award may apply for the President's "E Star" Award for continued superior performance in increasing or promoting exports. "E Star" Award applicants should show three years of successive export growth since winning the "E" Award.
Applications must be reviewed by the local U.S. Export Assistance Center and approved for submission by the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Network Director. Applications should be submitted electronically.
Application Workshop Webinars
We will host three webinars for potential applicants or trade specialists to review the application process and answer questions. Registration for the webinars is required. The webinars have been scheduled as follows:
- "E" Certificate for Exporters: November 29, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. EST
- "E" Certificate for Export Service (Service Providers only): November 30, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. EST
- "E Star" Award (Previous E Award Recipients): December 1, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. EST
- "E" Award Manual
- Fillable "E" Award 2012 Application
- Sample "E" Award for Exports Application
- Sample "E" Award for Export Service Application
To access the webinars you will need a computer with internet connection and an additional telephone line. For security reasons, the passcode will be required to join the call.
To further assist applicants, we have links to sample applications below.
Questions about the "E" Awards program and completed applications can be emailed to Eawards@trade.gov.
Application
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