2009-11-12 19:37:06 - The “E” Award is the highest U.S. Government recognition any U.S. entity may receive for supporting export activity.

FLAGSTAFF, AZ – Southwest Windpower was one of 21 companies that excel at exporting honored by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke on November 6 as recipients of the prestigious 2009 Presidential “E” and “E Star” Awards during a ceremony at the National District Export Council Conference.

The Presidential “E” Award was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, to

recognize persons, firms, or organizations that contribute significantly to increasing United States exports. The Presidential “E Star” Award recognizes continued superior performance in increasing or promoting exports. The International Trade Administration, which seeks to improve the global business environment and help U.S. firms to compete and win both at home and abroad, manages the award program that has recognized more than 2,500 firms since its inception.

“We celebrate the achievements of companies that have shown the foresight and ability to grow and prosper through a strong export strategy. Exporting U.S. manufactured goods and services plays an important role in rebuilding the American economy and creating jobs at home,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke commented at the award ceremony in Washington, DC. “With 95 percent of the world’s consumers living outside our borders, there is great potential to boost economic growth and to create new jobs in America through exporting.”

Southwest Windpower is the world’s leading manufacturer of small wind turbines and it continues to seek innovative approaches to exporting and building its business both domestically and internationally. “We nominated Southwest Windpower because of its continued market success and ingenuity in finding new outlets for sales across the globe,” says Sally Chambers, International Trade Specialist with the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Southwest Windpower’s products were historically supplied the off-grid markets, but in the fourth quarter of 2006, the company entered the utility-connected market introducing the Skystream 3.7, a revolutionary new wind system developed in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy. “Skystream is the first small wind generator designed specifically for utility-connected residential and commercial use,” says Frank Greco, CEO of Southwest Windpower. “In addition to residential applications, Skystream 3.7 has also become increasingly popu¬lar in the commercial sector. We see this product bringing continued worldwide growth the company, and with its unique design, becoming a market maker.”