District Export Council Conference Recognizes Excellence in Exporting

Exporters from around the country are set to discuss current trade issues and best practices for exporting at the upcoming National District Export Council (DEC) Conference, November 3-5, in Washington, D.C. This year’s conference theme is “Global Competitiveness and the Opportunities for U.S. Exporters,” and will highlight how companies—large and small—can survive and thrive in today’s economy through exporting.

“Exports will be a key driver of future economic growth and jobs,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said in a recent address. “With 95 percent of the world’s consumers living outside our borders, we have a golden opportunity to expand our export opportunities.”

Secretary Locke will be joined at the conference by United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Karen Mills, and Export-Import Bank Chairman and President Fred Hochberg to reinforce the Obama administration’s commitment to trade promotion.

President Obama’s economic agenda centers on getting Americans back to work. A multi-agency effort will be an integral part of the solution in expanding markets for American-made goods and services.

Another conference highlight will be the announcement of the president’s “E” and “E Star” Award winners. The Presidential “E” Award was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, to recognize persons, firms or organizations that contribute significantly to increasing United States exports. The Presidential “E Star” Award recognizes continued superior performance in increasing or promoting exports.

District Export Councils are groups of international business professionals, appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, who support the mission of the International Trade Administration’s U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service by encouraging and supporting exports in their local communities. The Virginia-D.C. and Maryland-D.C. DECs are jointly hosting this year’s conference.

For more information about the National DEC Conference, please visit http://www.decconference.com.