Published in Prairie Business – May 29, 2014
A local company was among 65 U.S. firms that received a national award Wednesday for contributing to the expansion of U.S. exports.
CH Trade received the President’s “E” Award for Export Services, which recognizes companies that assist and facilitate export activities.
The Fargo company handles international sales and distribution for Midwestern manufacturers, as an outsourced sales department.
Its clients manufacture a variety of products, including hay processing and wood grinding equipment, water circulation units and exercise equipment. CH Trade offers services such as marketing, logistics, translation and after-sales support.
“The ‘E’ Awards Committee was very impressed with CH Trade’s broad base of services provided to exporters. The company’s work to support trade events was also particularly impressive,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker wrote in a congratulatory letter.
CH Trade was founded in 2003 by Chris Harris, who had worked for Microsoft Business Solutions and ICL/Fujitsu.
“It is crucial for American manufacturers to develop international markets, but many companies do not have the manpower or expertise to do this themselves,” Harris said in a news release. “Our mission is to make connections and foster demand internationally for our clients’ products.”
The “E” Awards were created by President John F. Kennedy. This is the 52nd anniversary of the awards presentation. The ceremony is a highlight of World Trade Month, according to the Department of Commerce.
Last year, U.S. exported goods totaled $1.6 trillion. Minnesota companies exported $20.7 billion in 2013, and North Dakota exported $3.7 billion, according to the U.S Commercial Service in North Dakota, according to the U.S. Census Bureau database.