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President George W. Bush congratulates the Hydra Platforms team with the "E" Award for Export Excellence. |
August 7, 2007 • In May, the U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez joined President Bush at the White House to present Hydra Platforms Manufacturing, Inc. of Rock Hill, S.C., with the Presidential "E" Award for excellence in exporting. Accepting the award were Garth McGiliewie Sr., chairman and founder of Hydra Platforms; Garth McGiliewie Jr., president, and Cynthia McGiliewie, treasurer. Hydra Platform manufactures bridge aerial access platforms.
"Exports create good high paying jobs here in South Carolina, and Hydra Platforms Manufacturing, Inc. is at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness," said Gutierrez. "I commend Hydra Platforms Manufacturing, Inc. for helping to grow new markets around the world."
The "E" Award is the highest honor the federal government can give an American exporting company. The award serves to recognize U.S. firms for their competitive achievements in world markets and their part in increasing U.S. exports abroad. This marks the 45th anniversary of the Presidential "E" Award, created by John F. Kennedy in 1961.
The President's "E" Award may be given to persons, firms, and organizations engaged in the marketing of products that make significant contributions to the expansion of the export trade of the United States. Hydra Platforms has approached the international market by researching and adapting its product to maximize its success in export markets.
Hydra Platforms has been a client of the U.S. Commercial Service Office in Columbia since the early 1990s when it first sought assistance in developing overseas contacts. Sr. Trade Specialist Jayne Woodward has worked extensively with the company to help it identify potential buyers for its platforms. Hydra has utilized numerous U.S. Commercial Service programs throughout the development of its export marketing plan including Commercial News USA, the Gold Key Service, International Partner Search, customized contact lists, catalog exhibitions and value added counseling.
