LYONS, SD — U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker recently presented Rosenbauer America’s South Dakota division with the President’s “E” Award for Exports at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. 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.

“Rosenbauer South Dakota has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. The “E” Awards Committee was very impressed with Rosenbauer South Dakota’s innovative firefighting technologies. The company’s customization of its product line to meet client needs in export markets was also particularly notable. Their 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.

Rosenbauer America is one of the leading manufacturers of fire apparatus in North America. They provide state-of-the-art fire apparatus for fire departments all over the world. In North America, Rosenbauer incorporates the international strength and innovation of a global company with top American manufacturing firms and employees nearly 700 people in the U.S. alone.

“Exporting continues to be the foundation of our sales growth, and we are honored to receive the “E” Award,” said Harold Boer, president of Rosenbauer America. “Over the years our export sales have increased steadily and helped us to secure our position in the fire industry as a fire apparatus supplier for the world.”

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.