Vitamix® Corporation Honored with the President's "E" Award for Exports

Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke Presents Vitamix with the Highest U.S. Government Acknowledgment for Exceptional Export Success

CLEVELAND - The Vitamix® Corporation proudly announces it has received the prestigious President's "E" Award for Exports in recognition of the company's outstanding achievement in supporting export growth in the U.S. business community. It is the highest U.S. Government acknowledgment any American firm or organization can be presented for exceptional export success.

Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke presented Vitamix President, Jodi Berg, the "E" Award for Exports during a ceremony held in Washington, DC on Thursday, May 13. In addition to receiving a certificate signed by Secretary of Commerce Locke in the name and by the authority of the President, Berg was also presented with a lapel pin and a white pennant with a large blue "E" on it to fly over Vitamix headquarters, located in Olmsted Falls, Ohio.

"President Obama's National Export Initiative goal of doubling U.S. exports and supporting 2 million jobs over the next five years has raised the profile of the importance of exports to our nation's continued economic recovery," said Secretary of Commerce Locke. "Vitamix is being honored today for its achievement in enhancing export growth which helps strengthen our economy and create American jobs."

Locke continued, "I want to congratulate you on your achievement, and for supporting critical export-related jobs for American workers. President Obama's initiative was designed with one overriding goal: to get people back to work in jobs that that provide security, dignity, and a sense of hope for the future. It's businesses like yours with a proven record of success that are going to help us meet or exceed that goal."

According to Berg, "We are extremely honored to receive the President's "E" Award for Exports. International sales represent the fastest growing area of Vitamix's business, with our products currently being sold in more than 80 countries. We have had success exporting because there is not another product anywhere in the world that can turn fruits and vegetables into velvety smooth smoothies, piping hot soups, deliciously creamy frozen treats and so much more - with our level of quality, reliability and performance. People around the world want products they can rely on from a brand they can trust. Moving forward, we fully expect to strengthen and further expand the company's global reach as we continue to develop and produce high-performance, innovative blending equipment for the consumer market and foodservice industries worldwide."

To qualify for the "E" Award for Exports, a manufacturer must demonstrate a substantial increase in volume exports during a four-year period. Once a company has qualified for consideration, applicants are reviewed by the Interagency President's "E" Award Committee, which is composed of representatives of U.S. government departments and agencies involved in export-related activities. Those receiving favorable consideration are then forwarded to the Secretary of Commerce for final selection. Only 17 companies were selected to receive the award in 2010.

The famous "E" Award flag, considered a badge of patriotism in action, dates back to WWII. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy revived this "E" symbol of excellence to demonstrate the importance of improving the nation's export trade.