Let’s celebrate our successes, together.

If you’re looking for a way to grow your company and are considering exporting, we can’t encourage you enough. More than 95% of the world’s population lives outside of the U.S., and 1 billion people are expected to join the global middle class in the next decade. This is an incredible opportunity for growth-minded Wisconsin companies. In fact, some are already taking advantage, achieving extraordinary results, and elevating Wisconsin’s competitiveness in the global economy.

Since 1981, the Governor’s Export Achievement Awards have recognized companies that have found incredible success abroad. These companies not only raise Wisconsin’s international profile but also pave the way for other companies, establishing best practices and providing tactics for success.

If your company—or someone else’s—excels at exporting, submit a nomination for the next Governor’s Export Achievement Awards. See our Frequently Asked Questions below for the submission deadline and nomination details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Governor’s Export Achievement Awards?

The Governor’s Export Achievement Awards recognize companies and organizations that have achieved extraordinary results exporting their products and/or services or whose exemplary export practices contribute to Wisconsin’s ability to compete in a global economy.

What criteria are the basis for selection?

Award winners are chosen based on measurable export growth, innovative approaches to exporting, and the overall significance of their contributions to the state economy and trade development in Wisconsin.

Can I nominate a company other than my own?

Yes. Anyone may nominate any Wisconsin company that exports a product or service. The same person may submit more than one nomination, as long as a separate nomination form is filled out for each.

What does nominating a company involve?

All that’s required is to fill out a short form with the name and contact information of the company being nominated, plus an explanation of up to 250 words of how the company excels at exporting, by the nomination deadline of July 31.

What happens once a nomination is submitted?

Each nominated company will be evaluated and a group of semifinalists will be selected, each of whom will be sent the Application Instructions to be submitted by the July 31st deadline.  Winners will be selected in August and announced publicly at the Awards Ceremony on October 3rd.

What prize do the winners receive?

Each winner will receive a plaque and additional publicity by WEDC, including a custom video telling the company’s export story. View videos about last year’s winners below.

2023 Export Award Winners

Badger Technology Group

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Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin

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MacDonald & Owen Lumber Company

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S3
AeroDefense

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Previous Award Winners

Two folks who received a Governor’s Export Achievement Award.

2022 Award Winners

3 Videos
A group of people on a global trade venture.

2020 Award Winner

1 Video
A person operating a machine at Gambler Johnson.

2019 Award Winners

3 Videos
A canning line at Gehl Foods.

2018 Award Winners

2 Videos

Governor’s Export Achievement Awards Application

Describe the nominee’s recent exporting accomplishments, focusing on measurable export growth, an innovative approach that sets the nominee apart from other exporters, and any significant contribution to the overall Wisconsin economy. (Maximum: 1,000 characters or approx. 250 words) *