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International Trade Center Honored as Presidential “E” Award Recipient for Export Achievements

International Trade Center Honored as Presidential “E” Award Recipient for Export Achievements

39 American Companies and Organizations Receive Highest U.S. Honor for Export Success

CHAMPAIGN, IL, October 26, 2020 – The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce that its International Trade Center of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC has been selected as a recipient of the 2020 President’s “E” Awards for Export Service, the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S exports.

“The International Trade Center has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion, said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in his congratulatory letter to the organization. “The “E” Awards Committee was impressed with your organization’s achievement of increases to the export sales of clients working with the International Trade Center. The organization’s client assistance in multiple languages was also particularly notable. The International Trade Center’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.”

The International Trade Center (ITC) of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, led by Mariel Huasanga, a Certified Global Business Professional and seasoned exporter, provides assistance with international trade and exporting.

“Mariel Huasanga and the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center provide exceptional service and support to existing and new Illinois exporters,” said Mark Petrilli, State Director of the Illinois SBDC Network. “Clients of the ITC benefit from Mariel’s tremendous expertise, deep experience and extensive knowledge of international markets and exporting regulations, in addition to her sincere passion to help them succeed.”

The International Trade Center offers information, counseling and training to existing and new-to-export companies interested in pursuing international trade opportunities. Services include evaluation of company’s readiness to export, access to foreign market information, documentation assistance, automated trade leads, linkages with trade representatives, and more.

“Our International Trade Center is one of only eight organizations in the country to receive the “E” Award for Export Service in 2020,” said Don Elmore, Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC. “Mariel Huasanga’s impact on our International Trade Center, and our organization as a whole, has been incredibly important since she joined us in 2018. She has helped numerous companies improve their international trade operations with her expert counseling and guidance, including helping them secure important resources such as STEP grants, which help companies increase their exports. Most recently, Mariel has helped two area businesses gain valuable recognition through the Illinois District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration and America’s SBDC.”

In total, Secretary Ross honored 39 U.S. companies and organizations from across the country with the President’s “E” Award for their role in strengthening the U.S. economy by sharing American ingenuity outside of our borders.

“Our organization is convinced of the importance of exporting as a critical driver of economic growth, especially for small businesses,” said Mariel Huasanga, International Trade Center Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC. “We are honored and humbled to receive this recognition – and it inspires us to continue providing the best support and guidance to potential and current exporters in our region to successfully enter and compete in foreign markets. We are grateful to our clients who trusted us as a key partner in developing and implementing their export strategy; and to our local, state and federal partners.”

American companies and organizations are nominated for “E” Awards through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service office network, located within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Record years of successive export growth and an applicant’s demonstration of an innovative international marketing plan that led to the increase in American exports are significant factors in selecting the overall winners.

“I’d personally like to thank Don Elmore, our SBDC Director, and our host, the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, led by Carly McCrory-McKay, for their strong and ongoing support for our center to continue expanding and improving to better serve our clients,” Huasanga stated. “I also thank Elizabeth Ahern, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service office in Peoria, for supporting our nomination and for her valuable partnership.”

About the “E” Awards

In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America’s exporters. Criteria for the award is based on four years of successive export growth in one or more international markets.

For more information about the “E” Awards and the benefits of exporting, visit www.trade.gov.

 

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SBA Administrator Linda McMahon Visits Champaign

Through our Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC and in partnership with University of Illinois Research Park, we were honored to host U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Linda McMahon in Champaign today, September 24.

This visit is a continuation of the Administrator’s nationwide SBA Ignite Tour dedicated to highlighting SBA programs that help entrepreneurs start businesses, grow their companies, and create jobs in the local community.

We highlighted small businesses in our community, including Serionix, AirScout, Petronics, and Reconstruct – all located in EnterpriseWorks at University of Illinois Research Park.

In addition to showcasing small businesses, we also talked about our local entrepreneurial ecosystem and the services / programs we have in place to help small businesses succeed, including services through the SBDC / International Trade Center and programs like University of Illinois Research Park’s Shared Services Program and the City of Champaign’s Small Business Incentive Program.

View photos here.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration: The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Press:

International Trade Center Awarded Governor’s Export Award

CHAMPAIGN, IL, May 30, 2018 – The International Trade Center of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC proudly accepted the Export Awareness and Development Award at the 2018 Governor’s Export Awards, held at the Union League Club of Chicago on May 24th.

The Governor’s Export Awards are Illinois’ highest recognition of export achievement, honoring Illinois companies that have achieved excellence in exporting, as well as organizations that provide export assistance.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition,” said Craig Rost, Executive Director of the Champaign County EDC. “Our International Trade Center plays a critical role in growing our regional economy by helping companies export their products and identify areas for international trade opportunities.”

The International Trade Center is dedicated to providing resources, advising, and training to existing and new-to-export manufacturing companies in Central and East Central Illinois. By developing and expanding their international trade, it helps make our Illinois economy stronger and more competitive, increases company profits through exports, and sustains and creates new jobs.

Since its inception in 2013, the International Trade Center has assisted 78 clients, held 20 export training workshops, seminars and events with 415 attendees, and increased export sales by $54 million. Additionally, 19 clients have benefited from the Illinois State Trade Export Promotion Program (ISTEP), receiving nearly $80,000 in foreign travel reimbursement.

“Kathie Cravens and the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at the Champaign County EDC have provided remarkable support and guidance for area firms seeking to expand their export sales or to explore international trade as a way to expand their existing markets,” said Mark Petrilli, Illinois SBDC State Director. “The experience, expertise and knowledge provided to these businesses has been invaluable and has dramatically increased exports in Illinois.”

EP Purification, a Champaign company that manufactures innovative and environmentally sound systems for the purification of water and air, was awarded the New Exporter Award. Dr. Sung-Jin Park, co-founder and CTO, was in attendance to accept the award. The New Exporter Award highlights companies that have begun exporting products or services within the last three years.

Illinois’ export industry helps create high paying jobs here at home and contributes millions to the state’s economy. The State of Illinois is the number one exporting state in the Midwest and fifth in the United States. Last year alone, $65 billion worth of Illinois manufactured products were sold all around the world. Illinois’ exporting growth outpaced the national average by nearly 31 percent.

About the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC:

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is part of America’s Small Business Development Center Network, the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States, and provides information, confidential business guidance, training and other resources to startup and existing small businesses.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is funded through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce, and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation; with additional support provided by EDC of Decatur and Macon County and the Midwest Inland Port. Learn more at http://www.cusbdc.org/.

View photos here.

2018 Innovation Celebration Winners Announced

CHAMPAIGN, IL, March 30, 2018 – Over 300 people gathered at Parkland College for the 13th Annual Innovation Celebration on the evening of Thursday, March 29th to recognize those individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions, taken risks, and provided leadership to ensure the continuing economic success of Champaign County, the ongoing success of the University’s economic development mission, and the growth of entrepreneurial talent and energy in our community.

Innovation Celebration is not merely an award for accomplishment, but a benchmark of success for those outstanding individuals, organizations and corporations who are nominated and selected to receive this prestigious award.

Innovation Celebration is hosted by the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the University of Illinois, Parkland College, and community sponsors. For more information, visit www.innovationcelebration.com.

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Social Venture Award
Serve as change agents by creating and implementing sustainable solutions to reshape society, benefit humanity, and address social concerns.

Salt & Light

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Student Startup Award
Formed by students in the last three years and demonstrates a commitment to continuing success through entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy.

Mesh++

Entrepreneurial Excellence: New Venture Award
Formed in the last three years, and demonstrates a commitment to continuing success through entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy.

SNOOZ

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Paul Magelli Advocacy Award
Actively engage, encourage, coach and mentor entrepreneurs in the community, and provide extensive support to help them achieve success.

Stephanie Larson
Carly McCrory

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Management Award
Demonstrates expertise in assembling resources, creating an organization, and working to build and implement effective action plans.

Cindy Somers – Spherion Staffing

Innovation: Economic Development Impact Award
Has made a significant economic development impact in the community and continues to demonstrate their commitment to Champaign County.

Busey

2018 Innovation Transfer Award—University of Illinois
Recognizes an individual or group from the University of Illinois whose research has resulted in either a discovery or a work with the potential for significant societal impact.

Dr. Donna Cox – Advanced Visualization Lab at National Center for Supercomputing Applications

2018 Alexis Wernsing Innovation Award—University of Illinois
Recognizes an individual or team from the University of Illinois that has channeled their experience living with a disability into positive change through the creation of new products, environments, or protocols that enhance quality of life.

Mark McCarthy – Access Illinois

2018 Innovation in Engagement Award—Parkland College
Recognizes an individual or group at Parkland College who has shown support of the college’s community engagement mission.

Adam Porter – Perimeter Road Sound Recordings

The EDC was pleased to work with the following sponsors of our 13th annual Innovation Celebration: the University of Illinois’ Technology Entrepreneur Center, Research Park, Office of Corporate Relations, and Office of Technology Management, along with Parkland College, Lodgic Everyday Community, Carle, Serra Ventures, Surface 51, Singleton Law Firm, City of Champaign, Ramshaw Real Estate, Litania Sports Group, Pixo, Hatch Ag Group, IllinoisVENTURES, Huawei R&D USA, Aqueous Solutions LLC, Personify, AARP, Hanson Financial, Community Solutions Incubator at the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, II-VI EpiWorks, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, and Busey.

A special thanks to Five Foot Productions for producing the videos.

 

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Press:

Businesses, individuals feted at 13th annual Innovation Celebration – The News-Gazette

13th Annual Innovation Celebration held in Champaign – FOX 55/27 Illinois

Here’s who won awards at this year’s Innovation Celebration – Smile Politely

View award acceptance speeches:

Salt & Light

Mesh++

SNOOZ

Stephanie Larson & Carly McCrory

Cindy Somers – Spherion Staffing

Busey

Dr. Donna Cox – Advanced Visualization Lab at National Center for Supercomputing Applications

Mark McCarthy – Access Illinois

Adam Porter – Perimeter Road Sound Recordings

Decatur, Champaign EDCs Announce Partnership

From the press release:

DECATUR, IL, April 19, 2017 – Businesses in the Decatur area now have local access to the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States. Officials from the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Decatur – Macon County and Champaign County EDC announced the expansion of the Illinois Small Business Development Center and International Trade Center.

“Strategic relationships with quality organizations like the Champaign County EDC will bring additional resources to benefit businesses in the Decatur community,” said Ryan McCrady, President of the EDC of Decatur – Macon County. “This will also help improve the economic development opportunities in all of Central Illinois. Combining the unique assets of Macon and Champaign counties will create a formidable presence with respect to business attraction and expansion in the region.”

The Champaign County EDC hosts the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in the region, and with the new partnership these services will be offered on a regular basis through the Decatur EDC. Led by Don Elmore, the SBDC assists in job creation, supports entrepreneurship, business start-up, expansion, productivity, and works to sharpen small business management in the region. The EDCs and partners accomplish this through one-on-one counseling, technical assistance, training seminars, information provision, networking opportunities and business development and real estate expertise.

Expanding the reach of small business development initiatives beyond Illinois, similar partnerships in regions like Florida play a vital role in fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth. Just as the Champaign County EDC champions small business support, counterparts in Florida, such as those affiliated with https://exprealty.com/us/fl/orlando/, contribute to the fabric of local economies by providing essential resources and expertise. hrough collaborative efforts between economic development organizations and real estate professionals, communities flourish, businesses thrive, and families find not just houses, but the spaces where memories are made and futures are forged.

The vast exporting capabilities of the Midwest Inland Port bring the need for additional services to be offered locally through the International Trade Center (ITC). ITC provides support in evaluating a company’s readiness to export, shipping and logistics, compliance regulations, international business planning, and more. Headed by certified International Trade Specialist, Kathie Cravens, ITC is uniquely qualified to provide a wide range of assistance in all aspects of international trade and export assistance. From in-depth advice on international trade techniques to export processes and international market opportunities, the ITC can play an advisory role at no cost.

“The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is thrilled to provide business development and international trade services through the EDC of Decatur & Macon County and the Midwest Inland Port,” said Craig Rost, Executive Director of Champaign County EDC. “Our counties comprise a regional workforce and business environment in Central Illinois – working together will develop new business and employment growth in our communities and enhance an already strong regional workforce, which in turn will attract new employers to our counties.”

Decatur based manufacturing company T/CCI has been utilizing the services of the International Trade Services for several years. “At first, I was driving to Wisconsin for exporting seminars,” said Shirley Leevy, Inventory/Logistics Manager for T/CCI. “The requirements and forms to export are constantly changing and a company needs expert guidance to stay up-to-date on what you need to know and what you need to meet to export your company’s goods. Having accesses to these resources in Decatur will be a huge benefit to local businesses and will save the expense in both money and time from traveling elsewhere for the training seminars.”

An Illinois SBDC “Starting Your Business in Illinois” workshop will be held at the Decatur EDC office on May 11th from 9-11 AM, and on May 25th from 2-4 PM. Attendees must RSVP by contacting carly@champaigncountyedc.org or 217-359-6261.

Both the SBDC and the ITC will have regularly scheduled appointment sessions at the Decatur EDC office. The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is funded through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce, and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation; with additional support provided by EDC of Decatur and Macon County and the Midwest Inland Port.

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Press:

Macon and Champaign County EDC Announce Partnership [VIDEO], Now Decatur

Partnership will boost Macon County businesses, Herald&Review

Decatur Businesses Working to Succeed Together, Fox Illinois

Decatur Businesses Working to Succeed Together, Springfield News Channel 20

Champaign & Decatur EDC’s Work Together To Expand Small Business Development Services, WILL

New project helps launch small business, WCIA 3 News

 

 

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