Submitted by Gerri Miller

MONTGOMERY — Gov. Bob Riley recently recognized eight Alabama companies for excellence in exporting.

Increasing Alabama exports has been a goal of Gov. Riley’s administration. In 2004, Gov. Riley launched a state initiative called “Export Alabama” to open trade opportunities for Alabama companies. This effort partnered the Alabama Development Office, the Export Alabama Trade Alliance and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to promote the growth of exported goods and services from Alabama companies.

“Alabama’s exporting success is grounded in our manufacturers’ ability to produce high value products and services for their customers in global markets. In order to further that growth, we must do everything we can to open new opportunities worldwide,” said Gov. Riley.

Riley has said Alabama was ranked as the fourth fastest-growing exporter of goods in the U.S. for 2006. Exports to 179 countries increased by 28.5 percent over the previous year. The total value of manufactured goods shipped in 2006 was $13.8 billion up from $10.8 billion in 2005 and $9 billion in 2004.

“The development of sustained export growth is the key to the future prosperity of Alabama’s economy. The eight companies being recognized today are top achievers and this award reflects their commitment to being innovative enough to compete on quality and service in the global marketplace.” Gov. Riley remarked.

The recipients of this year’s Governor’s Trade Excellence Award are:

AIRINC, Fairhope;

Alabama River Pulp Co. Inc.. Perdue Hill;

Digium Inc., Huntsville;

EC (Electric Controls Systems Inc., Birmingham;

Page Jones Inc., Mobile;

Prozone Water Products Inc., Huntsville;

Thomasville Lumber Co. Inc., Thomasville; and

Vulcan Engineering Co., Helena.

For more information, contact Hilda Lockhart, international trade division manager, at (334) 242-0442.