Gov. Nathan Deal, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), presented 40 Georgia businesses with GLOBE (Georgia Launching Opportunities By Exporting) Awards at the 2018 Go Global reception at the Atlanta History Center. This state-led awards program recognizes companies that entered into new international markets in the previous year. Deal also announced that Georgia has expanded its representation to a 12th international market, Peru.
“The Go Global event highlights the importance of international partnerships for maintaining our competitive edge and generating new investments across the state,” said Deal. “Georgia businesses offer a diversified variety of exports including chemicals, plastics, poultry, paper and aerospace products, which provide the foundation for long-term growth in the international marketplace. In the last decade, Georgia’s exports to Peru have increased by 42 percent and expanding representation to this market will continue to strengthen this relationship. I applaud all of our Go Global Award winners for cultivating new international connections and for having such a tremendous impact on Georgia’s economic success. With our strong international presence, Georgia is ready and able to support companies looking to achieve new levels of success through global commerce.”
The fifth annual Go Global reception also provided an opportunity for Georgia companies to network with the state’s international representatives from 12 strategic markets including Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, the United Kingdom and Ireland. The top markets among this year’s winners include Australia, Japan, Latin America and the United Kingdom.
The 40 GLOBE Award winners, representing 15 counties, collectively exported to 84 new markets in 2017. Six award winners exported to Columbia, the most common new market, for the first time. Of the winners, 73 percent are classified as small businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
“Congratulations to all of our 2018 GLOBE winners, whose recognition highlights the innovative products and services that Georgia companies offer to international customers,” said GDEcD Deputy Commissioner of International Trade Mary Waters. “Exporting is not easy, and I applaud the dedication to global opportunities shown by these firms, and exporters all across the state. Our team looks forward to further bolstering Georgia exports in the coming year.”