26 businesses recognized for entering new international markets

ATLANTA, March 9, 2016–At the annual Go Global Reception, Governor and First Lady Nathan Deal and the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) presented 26 companies with a GLOBE (Georgia Launching Opportunities By Exporting) Award. This state-led awards program highlights companies that entered into a new international market in the previous year. 'The ability to remain competitive both domestically and internationally is vital in our ever-changing economy,' said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. 'In just under a year, 26 companies expanded into 102 international markets – this makes it clear that Georgia is an ideal place for business growth. We congratulate the GLOBE Award winners, value our partnership with them and look forward to continuing our support in their future progress.' In 2015, the 26 GLOBE Award winners from 15 counties across the state collectively expanded into 102 new markets. A significant percentage of winners represent Georgia's fast growing small business industry. These companies contributed to the state's continued export successes. In 2015 Georgia exports topped $38.5 billion and reached 217 countries and territories. The Go Global reception is an annual event that allows Georgia companies to network with Georgia's international representatives from Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Ireland. 'Leveraging international trade opportunities is integral to economic development in Georgia. Companies in nearly every county in Georgia have utilized GDEcD's international trade services to expand their business on a global scale,' said GDEcD Deputy Commissioner of International Trade Mary Waters. 'Receiving a GLOBE Award not only provides a chance for companies to be recognized for their hard work, but it also highlights the opportunities we offer at the state level to help companies thrive in competitive markets.' Among the winners, a few of the most popular new markets included China, Italy and Malaysia. This year's GLOBE Award winners include:  Aventure Aviation Bell Plantation, Inc. MMJ Labs/Buzzy Pain Solutions Daniel Defense, Inc. Digital Element Discover Destinations Dustex LLC GF Health Products, Inc. Hydro Dynamics, Inc. Interactive Communications International Inc. KontrolFreek Master Wall Inc. MetalTech-USA Millennium Mat Company One-World, Inc. Poriferous LLC Pyrotechnic Specialties Inc. Red Brick Brewing Company Richland Rum SASCO Chemical Group, Inc. Savannah Bee Company ServiceCentral Technologies, Inc. Signature Pet Products Sustainable Corporate Network Synensys, LLC ZCorum     The following entities were sponsors for the 2016 Go Global reception: DIAMOND Atlanta Metro Export Plan Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce/ Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau The Dalton-Whitfield Joint Development Authority   GOLD Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Department Georgia Chamber of Commerce Savannah Economic Development Authority and World Trade Center Savannah The Development Authority of Clayton County SILVER Coweta County Development Authority Georgia District Export Council Griffin-Spalding Development Authority Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce PPi