EXPORT MONTANA
OFFICE OF TRADE & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
2004 MONTANA GOVERNOR'S
EXCELLENCE IN EXPORTING AWARD
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.
Exporter of the Year - Holcim (US) Inc., Trident
Holcim produces cement and masonry 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.
Export Marketing Program Award - Omega II Inc., Stevensville
Omega II, a hot tub manufacturer, 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.
Certificate of Appreciation - Kaptain, Incorporated, Conrad
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.
Certificate of Appreciation - Monte Dolack, Missoula
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.
Export Advocate Award - Dr. Fraser J. McLeay, Missoula
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.
Past Export Award Winners
2009 Winners
2008 Winners
2007 Winners
2006 Winners
2005 Winners
2004 Winners
2003 Winners
2002 Winners
2001 Winners
2000 Winners
Pre 2000 Winners
