Nominations Now Being Accepted for the Governor's International Trade Awards

St. Paul – The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) at the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is accepting nominations for the 36th annual Governor’s International Trade Awards.

The Governor’s International Trade Awards honor Minnesota companies that have shown exceptional growth and success in foreign markets. In addition to honoring individual recipients, the award recognizes the tremendous positive impact that exports and trade have on the state’s overall economy.

“Minnesota companies exported over $20 billion worth of goods to countries around the world last year, boosting our economy and representing our state across the globe,” said Governor Tim Walz. “I am honored to recognize Minnesota businesses that have excelled internationally despite the global challenges of the pandemic.”

“Exports of goods supported more than 119,000 jobs in Minnesota,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “The programs and services of the Minnesota Trade Office ensure that businesses in Minnesota can compete and be successful in the international marketplace.”

“Minnesota exporters have persevered through months of uncertainty and disruptions,” said MTO Executive Director Gabrielle Gerbaud. “The most recent export data shows a promising trend for growth in 2021.”

Nominations for the Governor’s International Trade Awards will be accepted until Friday, July 30, 2021. Recipients will be recognized at an awards ceremony on Friday, October 15, 2021.

Additional information, as well as nomination instructions, can be found on the DEED website here.

About the Minnesota Trade Office

The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) provides export assistance and promotion programs to Minnesota’s manufacturers and service providers interested in entering or expanding sales in international markets. Programs and services focus primarily on assisting small and medium-sized companies, including export technical assistance, export education training, export expansion grants and trade promotion activities.

The MTO also works to attract Foreign Direct Investment by helping foreign companies explore the advantages of expanding or relocating in Minnesota. In addition, the MTO serves as Minnesota’s Office of Protocol and as the state’s liaison to the local diplomatic community, the Minnesota Consular Corps.

DEED is the state's principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website or follow us on Twitter.