The President's “E” and “E Star” Awards

The President's “E” Award was created by Executive Order of the President to afford suitable recognition to persons, firms, or organizations which contribute significantly in the effort to increase United States exports.

The President's “E Star” Award, which was authorized by the Secretary of Commerce, affords continuing recognition of noteworthy export promotion efforts.

Winners of the “E” and “E Star” Award are authorized to fly the blue and white banner, to display the accompanying certificate of commendation which is signed by the Secretary of Commerce in the name and by the authority of the President, to wear and issue to employees an “E” or “E Star” lapel pin, and to refer to the award in their advertising.

History of the “E” Awards

During World War II, more than 4,000”E” Pennants were presented to war plants in recognition of production excellence. The famous flag with the big “E” emblazoned on it became a badge of patriotism in action.

President Kennedy revived the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America's exporters. Thus, the “E” Award Program was established by Executive Order 10978 on December 5, 1961. The “E Star” was authorized in l969 to recognize “E” Award winners for continued efforts in export expansion.

2013 “E” and “E Star” Awards Applications Now Being Accepted

How to Apply

Applications for the 2013 President’s E-Awards will be accepted between November 5, 2012 and January 21, 2013. There are two types of “E” Awards. The President's “E” Award for Exports is awarded to a firm or organization that has made significant contributions to the increase of American exports. The President's “E” Award for Export Service is awarded to organizations that may or may not export directly, but which assist or facilitate export activities.

The primary criterion for the President’s “E” Award for Exports is four years of successive export growth, usually accompanied by a rising percentage of export sales within total sales. The application should demonstrate export expansion that is measurable, innovative, sustainable, and has broad impact.

The primary criterion for the President’s “E” Award for Export Service is four years of contributions to export expansion. Applicants must detail results of their work to support the export growth of others. The application should demonstrate export expansion that is measurable, innovative, sustainable, and has broad impact.

Previous recipients of the President’s "E" Award may apply for the President's “E Star” Award for continued superior performance in increasing or promoting exports. “E Star” Award applicants should show four years of successive export growth since winning the “E” Award. Previous “E Star” Award recipients may apply for additional “E Star” Awards once they have four additional years of contributions to export expansion.

Applications must be reviewed by the local U.S. Export Assistance Center and approved for submission by the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Network Director. Applications should be submitted electronically.

Application Workshop Webinars:

We will host two webinars for potential applicants or trade specialists to review the application process and answer questions. Registration for the webinars is required. The webinars have been scheduled as follows:

“E” Award or “E Star” Award for Exports - Tuesday, November 27, 2012 @3:00 p.m. EST

“E” Award or “E Star” Award for Export Service - Thursday, November 29, 2012 @3:00 p.m. EST

To access the webinars you will need a computer with internet connection and an additional telephone line. To register for the webinar, please email Eawards@trade.gov

Questions about the E Awards program and completed applications can be emailed to Eawards@trade.gov

To further assist applicants, we have links to sample applications below.

Application

E Awards Program Manual