Nominations accepted for governor's trade awards

The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) is accepting nominations for the 27th Annual Governor's International Trade Awards, which honor Minnesota companies that have excelled in the international marketplace.

Award recipients will be recognized by Gov. Mark Dayton at an awards luncheon in March. Awards will be given for export achievement in the manufacturing or service industries and the agricultural commodities or processed food industries.

Any Minnesota-based company is eligible to apply. Applications are available online at www.tinyurl.com/TradeAwards. The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 17.

Applicants should provide a supporting narrative that shows:

· Significant international business activity.

· Growth in international business in at least the past three years, with continued likelihood of growth.

· Increased or steady employment in Minnesota through the expansion of international trade activity.

· Novel ideas or approaches to doing business internationally.

Companies large and small are encouraged to apply.

MTO, an office within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), is focused on increasing state export sales in foreign markets. MTO promotes international trade by providing export technical assistance, export education and training, and one-on-one consulting to Minnesota companies interested in selling manufactured goods and services in the international marketplace.

DEED is the state's principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and our services, visit us at www.PositivelyMinnesota.com.

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