Rep. Tulsi Gabbard joined U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker in awarding two Hawaii companies — Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority and Hawaii Tourism Authority — the President’s “E” Award.
The “E” Award is the highest honor the United States government can give to an American exporter and export service provider. Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority and HTA were two of 123 U.S. companies and organizations recognized at Monday’s ceremony.
This year marks the 54th anniversary of the “E” Awards presentation. For the first time in the award’s 54-year history, winners represent every U.S. state and the District of Columbia. Of this year’s 123 honorees, 105 are small and medium-sized businesses, and 64 firms are manufacturers.
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy created the “E” Awards to recognize companies supporting the expansion of U.S. exports. The President’s “E” Award recognizes persons, firms, or organizations which contribute significantly in the effort to increase U.S. exports.