2007 Export Awards
Governor Brian Schweitzer honored the winners of the Montana District Export Council's Governor's Excellence in Exporting Awards for 2007. Governor Schweitzer was joined by Steve Bixby, Chair of the Montana District Export Council, and members of the Montana District Export Council.
"Montana's exports reached a record high of $1.74 billion in 2007 and that accomplishment reflects the hard work and dedication of these organizations and individuals," said Governor Brian Schweitzer. "Our exporting community is strong and it keeps Montana on the move."
Recipients include:
Exporter of the Year: Montana Tunnels, Inc., Jefferson City
Export Marketing Program: Missoula Children's Theatre, Missoula
Export Advocate: Bob Deane, U.S. Export Assistance Center, Missoula
Pictured left to right: Mark Bisom, Bureau Chief-International Trade & Relations Bureau,
Department of Commerce, Michael McGill & Jonna Michaelson-Missoula Children's Theatre,
Tim Smith-Montana Tunnels, Inc., Bob Deane-U.S. District Export Center, Terri Elander-
Missoula Children's Theatre, Steve Bixby-Chair, Montana District Export Council.
Montana Tunnels Mining, Inc., is honored as the 2007 Governor's Excellence in Exporting 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 products.
Governor Brian Schweitzer and Tim Smith (General Manager) of Montana Tunnels, Inc.
Montana Tunnels Mining, Inc. is a 50/50 Joint Venture between Apollo Gold Corporation and Elkhorn Tunnels LLC, a gold mining and exploration company operating the Montana Tunnels Mine near Jefferson City, MT. Since the mine entered production in 1987, it has produced over 1.5 million ounces of gold, 28 million ounces of silver, 390 million pounds of lead and over 1 billion pounds of zinc. Export sales of gold, silver, lead and zinc contained in sulfide concentrates make up 96.5 percent of the company's revenue, with the balance being from the sale of gold ore. In 2007, zinc and lead concentrate export sales were nearly $75,000,000, a significant increase from 2006 export sales of under $10,000,000. Montana Tunnels Mining, Inc. is one of the major employers in Jefferson County, supporting 215 employees with an annual payroll of $9.8 million and providing a positive economic impact on many area businesses as well as the local tax base.
Missoula Children's Theatre received the Export Marketing Program Award for its excellence and innovation in efforts to develop and increase export sales. Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) has an internationally-renowned touring program, as well as an amazing and highly regarded community theatre. MCT has been touring now for 35 years, visiting nearly 1,200 communities annually in all 50 states, 4 Canadian Provinces and overseas. MCT tours communities of every size, but is especially welcome in smaller rural schools. These schools depend on MCT to provide a unique and rewarding theatre experience to students and families that might otherwise have no chance to take part in this type of cultural activity.
Jonna Michaelson (Tour Marketing Director), Michael McGill (Executive Director),
and Terri Elander (International and Public Relations Director) from the Missoula
Children's Theatre
The Missoula Children's Theatre tour consists of teams of two professional Tour Actor/Directors who arrive in a town with scenery, costumes, props, make-up and basic lighting... everything it takes to put on a play - except, the cast. This week-long residency begins with an open group audition and culminates in two public performances. Fifty to sixty local area students, grades K-12, are cast and well rehearsed throughout the week, learning lines, songs and choreography to perform as an ensemble in producing a full-length musical. During the 2007-2008 tour season, MCT will visit nearly 1,200 communities in 15 countries, involving over 65,000 school-aged children in an original musical theatre production. Much of the overseas work is contracted through various US Military offices, such as Air Force Youth Services, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), Army Entertainment and US Department of Defense Schools, but other clients include International Schools and PTO groups. MCT is particularly proud to serve the children of US military families and of the relationship it has with local Japanese communities in the Kumamoto prefecture--Montana's sister state. Mifune has hosted an MCT visit every year since 1994, making this the 15th anniversary of the partnership. They also visit the capitol of Kumamoto City and have toured to other cities around Japan. In these communities, the children enjoy the intensive, yet satisfying experience of rehearsing and performing MCT's shows in English. Through the support of the Montana International Trade Office and the JET program, MCT has been able to provide a unique, educational and entertaining "English language immersion program" to the students in Kumamoto and other prefectures throughout the years. They are an ambassador of goodwill, a unique Montana exporter and an example of Montana's world renowned creativity. During each of the past four years, MCT's export sales have increased nearly 13 percent.
Robert (Bob) John Deane , Interim Director of Montana's U.S. Export Assistance Center in Missoula received The Export Advocate Award. Mr. Deane was chosen for this award because of his tireless dedication in assisting Montana companies with the export of their products and services worldwide.
Governor Brian Schweitzer and Bob Deane.
Deane was appointed to and assumed his position as Interim Director of the Montana U.S. Export Assistance Center, while still attending to his duties as an International Trade Specialist in the Seattle Export Assistance Center. He approached his new position with intense commitment, not viewing his post as a temporary appointment, and Montana businesses have benefited greatly from his dedication. His strong work ethic and diligent attention to the needs of Montana export companies and the Montana District Export Council are admirable and make him a worthy recipient of this award.
