2005 Export Awards
On December 7, 2005, Governor Brian Schweitzer joined with Kim Wild, Chair of the Montana District Export Council, and members of the Montana District Export Council in honoring three statewide winners of the Montana District Export Council's Governor's Excellence in Exporting Awards for 2005. The recipients include:
- Exporter of the Year (In recognition of a company's outstanding contribution to the state and national economy through export of Montana products or services):
- Pasta Montana, Great Falls
- Export Marketing Program (In recognition of a company's effectiveness in export marketing):
- Quake Industries, Belgrade
- Export Advocate (In recognition of outstanding achievements in assisting in the export of Montana products or services):
- Carey Hester, Montana Department of Commerce, Helena
Pasta Montana, the state's largest manufacturer of dried pasta, was chosen as Exporter of the Year in recognition of the significant contributions it makes to the state and local economy by the export sale and marketing of its product. In the past eight years, pasta exports from the state of Montana grew from under $22,000 to $11.6 million. Dried pasta now ranks as the 13th largest export commodity from the state. This growth has not only been remarkable but has proven sustainable. Located in Great Falls, the company employs approximately 75 people. In 2001, Pasta Montana was the recipient of the Export Marketing Program Award.
Governer Schweitzer and Anthony Flagg
The Export Marketing Program Award winner, Quake Industries of Belgrade, was recognized for excellence and effectiveness in its efforts to develop and increase export sales of its shooting sports slings for rifles and bows, accessories like BushwackerTM optic covers, and hunting equipment.
They currently export to 22 nations worldwide and nearly all of their annual revenue is comprised of business from outside of Montana. With eleven employees, the family owned business is responsible for infusing the Belgrade economy with over $1 million of new money per year.
Governer Schweitzer, Sarah Budd, and Bill Tippins
Export Advocate Award winner is Carey Hester of Helena who was chosen for his outstanding achievements in assisting Montana companies in exporting their products and services worldwide. Hester initiated and developed technical- training for Montanans through a series of export workshops after realizing that companies needed more than information and counseling.
These hands-on workshops empower Montana companies to effectively compete in global markets. He is the Senior International Trade Officer with the International Trade & Relations Bureau, Montana Department of Commerce where he has worked for eleven years. Hester was born in Helena and graduated from Carroll College in 1986 with a degree in International Relations.
Governer Schweitzer, Carey Hester and Kim Wild
The Montana District Export Council (MDEC) is an organization of volunteer leaders from statewide businesses, education institutions, and government organizations. The combined knowledge of the council members in international business provides a source of professional advice on exporting to local firms and individuals. The MDEC is closely affiliated with the US Export Assistance Center and the Montana Department of Commerce. Through these partnerships, the MDEC provides export counseling, resource referrals, educational seminars, and associated literature. MDEC members can help firms in their local area plan for their first export sale, or further expand existing export programs. The MDEC further liaisons with the Montana World Trade Center on programs of mutual interest.
