2016 President's "E" Award for Exports

Kutztown, PA — U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today presented RADIUS Corporation with the President’s “E” Award for Exports at a ceremony in Washington, DC. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

“RADIUS has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. The "E" Awards Committee was very impressed with RADIUS' innovative dental hygiene products. The company's pursuit of export markets as the key to its business growth was also particularly notable. RADIUS' achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs,” said Secretary Pritzker in her congratulatory letter to the company announcing its selection as an award recipient. 
 
RADIUS, established in 1983, is a certified women-owned consumer products company. It is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of specialty toothbrushes, toothpastes, and complementary personal care products, including travel cases and dental floss. RADIUS is a leader in the natural products industry in personal care and is renowned for its combination of innovative designs, premium materials, and eco-conscious manufacturing that redefines ordinary personal care products with the goal of enhancing the quality and enjoyment of everyday routines.
 
Today RADIUS is proud to be one of the only toothbrush manufacturers still operating in the United States that still manufacturers on its own injection molding and bristling machines. RADIUS is now certified women-owned and completely vertically integrated; designing, manufacturing, and inspecting all of its products by hand. RADIUS operates and manufactures in a restored feed mill in Kutztown, PA on solar powered machines. Parallel goals of promoting energy-efficient manufacturing and a focus on a clean and cutting-edge design presence sets RADIUS apart from the rest.
 
“RADIUS is incredibly proud and honored to receive the President's E-award for excellence and stewardship of exporting to other regions around the world. RADIUS was the only company in the state of Pennsylvania to receive this prestigious award and is excited to have been recognized as one of a select number of companies truly impacting and growing the American economy with the export of its quality products. In an era of massive imports into the United States, RADIUS believes supporting America's export economy is an incredibly important aspect of its business structure and will continue to grow in this area for years to come. The continued efforts of the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Commercial Service to aid American-made small businesses like RADIUS in exporting goods and services abroad and to create new trade agreements in an attempt to help sustain economic growth in exports is one example of what makes America great and we feel the support to the core of our business. We know we have support and that the more we export, the more jobs and skills it will bring to our local community and to USA overall. RADIUS has seen incredible exponential growth in its export channel and we truly believe that this is the way of the future. We believe that “made in the USA” is a true asset and the quality, uniqueness of design and craftsmanship of our products should be accessible to customers around the globe. We will continue on our mission to attain that goal,” CEO and President, Saskia Foley said.
 
In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America's exporters. Today, Secretary Pritzker honored 123 U.S. companies with the President’s “E” Award for their outstanding work to reduce barriers to foreign markets and to open the door to more trade around the world.
 
In 2015, U.S. exports totaled $2.23 trillion, accounting for nearly 13 percent of U.S. GDP. Nationally, exports contributed to the U.S. economy, supporting an estimated 11.5 million jobs.
 
U.S. companies are nominated for the “E” Awards through the Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service office network, located within the Department’s International Trade Administration, with offices in 108 U.S. cities and more than 70 countries.  Record years of successive export growth and an applicant’s demonstration of an innovative international marketing plan that led to the increase in exports is a significant factor in selecting the winners.
 
For more information about the “E” Awards and the benefits of exporting, visit www.export.gov.