New Jersey’s exports have been recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce with a President’s “E Star” Award for Export Service Excellence, which recognizes noteworthy export promotion efforts. The award was granted to the NJ Department of State’s New Jersey Business Action Center’s (NJBAC) Office of Export Promotion (OEP)

On Tuesday, May 14th, United States Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade in the U.S. Department of Commerce, Diane Farrell, presented the OEP, with the award at a ceremony in Washington, DC. This is the second time in six years the office has received the president’s “E Star” Award and third overall.

“The OEPs’ achievements have undoubtedly contributed to the national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create jobs,” said Gina M. Raimondo, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

“Over a single two-year period, our team has provided hands-on, detailed technical export assistance to small businesses in New Jersey, which has created more than $55 million of actual export sales and more than 1,100 jobs created or retained,” said NJ Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Tahesha Way, where the NJBAC’s OEP is housed.

“We are extremely proud of OEPs’ accomplishments and the guidance they provide, especially to New Jersey companies new to exporting from underserved and underrepresented communities,” said Melanie Willoughby, NJBAC executive director.

The OEP provides export guidance and services for New Jersey companies through technical support and as an organizer of trade show pavilions for a variety of qualified companies. This year, OEP will host 19 New Jersey companies new to exporting from underserved and underrepresented business communities at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City.

The NJBAC OEP works with small and mid-sized companies interested in expanding sales and their customer base through export. It also provides essential and equitable financial awards on a first come, first serve competitive basis, to eligible domestic New Jersey small businesses new to export, as well as those businesses who currently sell their goods and/or services to other countries. To learn more visit: NJ Department of State – NJ Business Action Center.

The New Jersey Business Action Center serves as the State’s liaison to the business community, offering free information, services, and resources across various areas such as business registration, financial programs, regulatory compliance, property selection, workforce training, and more. NJBAC comprises multiple offices, including Small Business, Business Advocacy, Export Promotion, and State Planning. Access to NJBAC services is available through NJ DOS – NJ Business Action Center or Business.NJ.gov: Your first stop for doing business in NJ or by calling 1-800-JERSEY-7.