News Releases for September 2003
September 8, 2003
Contact: Amanda Mack (701) 237-0986
Kathy Ibach (701) 328-2200
Hoeven Presents WCCO Belting, Inc. With Exporter Of The Year Award
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today presented WCCO Belting, Inc., a global supplier of agriculture and industrial specialized rubber products, of Wahpeton, with the Third Annual Exporter of the Year Award at the Governor’s International Trade Conference. Hoeven presented the award to Tom Shorma, president of the company, on behalf of the North Dakota District Export Council (DEC) and Export North Dakota.
“International trade is good for our manufacturers, it’s good for our farmers and it’s good for North Dakota,” said Hoeven. “It is my privilege to recognize WCCO Belting, Inc. as the exporter of the year. WCCO is helping to set the standard for the exchange of goods worldwide.”
WCCO Belting, Inc. is one of seven North Dakota businesses that applied for the award this year. The business was ultimately chosen for the diversity of international markets to which it sells its products. WCCO Belting, Inc. exports to 13 countries including England, Kazakhstan, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia and Saudi Arabia. Also, WCCO Belting, Inc. attributes the creation of 40 new jobs since 2001 primarily to international trade. Other award criteria that the business met include percentage of revenue generated as a result of exporting, innovative business practices in international market development, and a willingness to provide assistance to other North Dakota businesses that want to export.
A committee of three members of the North Dakota DEC reviewed applications and selected the winner based on award criteria. Members of the North Dakota DEC are experienced international business people in the state who are appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to promote and encourage exporting.
E-mail comments to the Governor
