2004 Export Awards
Lieutenant Governor Ohs
Honors Exporters and Export Advocates with the Governor's Excellence in Exporting Awards
Lieutenant Governor Karl Ohs announced the 2004 Governor's Excellence in Exporting Award winners at ceremonies held at the State Capitol in Helena. Awards were presented to four businesses and one industry advocate for their achievements in and dedication to exporting Montana products or services.
Holcim (US) Inc., a cement manufacturing plant located in Trident, MT, was named Montana's 2004 Exporter of the Year. Holcim produces cement and masonry at the Trident plan that is used in concrete for roads, bridges, housing and public buildings. The company ships approximately 150,000 tons of cement to Canada annually, which equates to approximately 47 percent of the cement produced at the plant. Holcim (US) Inc. is one of the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of cement and mineral components. The Trident facility is one of 14 manufacturing plants operated by the company in the United States.
Omega II Inc., a hot tub manufacturer located in Stevensville, MT was presented with the 2004 Export Marketing Program Award. Omega II has developed a niche market in Europe by providing high-quality hot tubs at competitive prices despite the relatively high transportation costs it faces in shipping its product across the Atlantic. Recently the company concluded a breakout mission to Ireland and the United Kingdom that garnered several new export accounts. As a result of the trade mission, Omega II hired eight new employees and anticipates adding ten more in order to meet the increased demand for their product. The company ships an average of two containers to London weekly and its export sales are approaching $750,000 for the year. Omega II hot tubs are currently sold in eight European countries including: U.K., Ireland, Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway, Finland and France.
Kaptain, Incorporated, located in Conrad, was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for its work in securing new export markets during 2004. Established in 1995, Kaptain Inc. manufacturers a portable, free-moving, and remote controlled mechanical roping steer for use in training horses for ranching operations as well as new ranch hands and cowboys competing on the national rodeo roping circuit. In 2004, Kaptain visited buyers in Australia and New Zealand on a Montana World Trade Center led-trade mission. As a result of the trip, the company was able to secure several export accounts and has since boosted its production in order to meet the increased demand for its product. [No photo available]
Renowned Montana artist Monte Dolack was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for his innovative approach to exporting art. A native of Great Falls, Monte Dolack grew up surrounded by the same sweeping vistas and Big Sky that inspired Charlie Russell. His love of Montana and his passion for the West's diverse landscapes and wildlife are evident in the images he creates and the commissions he accepts. Using art as a conduit, many Montana businesses have found new markets for products that lie outside the art world.
Dr. Fraser J. McLeay was presented with the 2004 Governor's Export Advocate Award. Fraser McLeay has served as Senior Manager of the Montana World Trade Center and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Montana since June 1998. As an employee of the World Trade Center, Fraser has assisted many Montana and regional businesses enter into and expand export markets. Recently he served as the project manager on Rocky Mountain Market program that introduced Montana products to select overseas markets resulting in increased sales, increased jobs, and increased awareness of what Montana has to offer the international community. Through his leadership, the Rocky Mountain Market program has become a model export promotion plan that others are now trying to replicate.
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.
