2003 Export Awards
2003 STATE'S TOP EXPORTERS
GOVERNOR MARTZ RECOGNIZES SMALL BUSINESSES FOR EXPORTING
Montana Governor Judy Martz will honor the state's top exporters with the Governor's Excellence in Exporting Awards during ceremonies beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the Governor's Reception Room at the State Capitol in Helena on May 16, 2003.
Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation of Missoula has been named Montana's 2003 Exporter of the Year. Smurfit-Stone Container is an international company with plants and operations in Canada, Europe, Australia, Mexico, South America, and the Far East. Smurfit-Stone's Missoula mill employs nearly 500 workers and contributes nearly $39 million in wages and benefits to the local economy per year. The Missoula plant's main product is linerboard, which is a laminated paper stock used primarily in the manufacture of corrugated containers.
In 2002, Smurfit-Stone's Missoula mill shipped 15,358 tons of linerboard to Mexico and 74,033 tons of linerboard to Canada. Exports to Canada constituted 14 percent of total shipments from the plant; whereas, shipments to Mexico totaled 3 percent of total shipments for 2002. The mill's main export customers include box plants in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Baja California, Queretaro, and Nuevo Leon.
Smurfit-Stone's Missoula mill has been a good corporate citizen. In 2001, the mill was recognized as Montana's "Outstanding Corporation" for philanthropy by the Western Montana Fundraisers Association. The mill regularly donates to the state's Energy Share program, United Way fundraising efforts, and has contributed to the Ronald McDonald House, Missoula County Search and Rescue, Partners in Home Care-Hospice and various Little League organizations.
In 2002, the Missoula mill of Smurfit-Stone produced enough linerboard to circle the equator 28 times or make three round-trips to the moon. Log on to www.smurfit-stone.com to find out more about the company.
Simms Fishing Products of Bozeman has been selected to receive the Export Marketing Program Award - Over 50 Employees. Simms Fishing Products manufactures fly-fishing apparel including waders, accessories, rainwear, vests, shoes, and fleece wear. The company produces its main product line, waders, in Bozeman. This truly global company has developed a business strategy keeping good jobs in Montana, while still leveraging the cost benefits of doing business overseas. Simms Fishing Products employs 60 people in the Bozeman area with 28 of those jobs related to their export business. Simms exports their products to over 20 countries and has initiated an aggressive European marketing strategy over the past two years. Simms is already well known in the United States and hopes to become equally recognizable in Europe as well. Log onto www.simmsfishing.com to find the Simms Fishing Products retailer nearest you. This award is in recognition of the company's excellence and effectiveness of individual marketing programs conducted in an effort to develop or increase export sales of Montana products or services.
The Hunting Shack, Inc. of Stevensville has been selected to receive the Export Marketing Program Award - Under 50 Employees. The Hunting Shack is entering its 30th year of providing quality ammunition and gun care accessories to law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and around the world. The Hunting Shack has proven to be a great example of success through ensuring all the regulatory issues are addressed to make exporting easy. The company sells to buyers in the Philippines, New Zealand, and recently to the Columbian Air Force. Despite being involved in an industry laden with regulations, The Hunting Shack has successfully entered the export arena and is a great example for all Montana small businesses; no matter what the industry, Montana companies can and should seek out exporting opportunities. Log on to www.thehuntingshack.com to find out more about the company and its products.
The Governor's Excellence in Exporting Awards are presented annually by the Montana District Export Council (DEC) and the Governor's Office. The DEC is a statewide organization of individuals, including export service providers, federal and state agencies, businesses, universities, and trade associations working to promote the export of Montana products, and providing assistance to firms seeking to start or expand international sales.
