CICERO — Exporting is a big part of business for a Cicero firm and the federal government is taking notice. Air Innovations is among the 48 companies that U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross recognized with a 2019 Presidential Award for Export Achievement, also known as the President’s “E” Award for Exports. Ross honored the […]
CICERO — Exporting is a big part of business for a Cicero firm and the federal government is taking notice.
Air Innovations is among the 48 companies that U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross recognized with a 2019 Presidential Award for Export Achievement, also known as the President’s “E” Award for Exports.
Ross honored the firms during a May 23 ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The President’s “E” Award was created in 1961 by an executive order and is the “highest recognition a U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports,” the U.S. Commercial Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, said in a news release.
“Air Innovations has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. The ‘E’ Awards committee was very impressed with Air Innovations’ measurable year-over-year growth in exports. The company’s sales into 48 countries were also particularly notable. Air Innovations’ achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs,” Ross said in his congratulatory letter to the company announcing its selection as an award recipient.
Air Innovations is a manufacturer of specialty HVAC units for use in a variety of commercial applications in industries from aerospace and semiconductors to pharmaceuticals, hospitals, and wine cellars. These units are designed to meet a variety of specifications that typical commercial HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) units cannot maintain.
“Export products are an essential part of our growth as a company,” Mike Wetzel, president and CEO of Air Innovations, said in a company release. “Our long-term strategy is dependent on consistent expansion of our export market. We are grateful to receive this recognition of our commitment to export products made in the United States.”
This year’s award recipients are based in 25 states. Of the 48 honorees, 41 are small and medium-sized businesses, while 26 firms are manufacturers, per the Commerce Department.
It’s not the first time the federal government has honored Air Innovations for its exporting activity.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on May 1, 2018 honored the company as the New York winner of 2018 Small Business Exporter of the Year Award.
The SBA held the presentation at Air Innovations, which operates in a facility at 7000 Performance Drive, off East Taft Road in the town of Cicero. It has 59 employees.
Air Innovations had also been selected as the SBA’s region II 2018 Small Business Exporter of the Year. The SBA’s region II includes New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
American companies are nominated for “E” Awards through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service office network, located within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.
“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 overall winners, per the Air Innovations release.