HOUSTON - Two local companies and the world-renown Texas Medical Center were honored for excellence in exporting at the Greater Houston Partnership's World Trade Gala. The Partnership's World Trade Division presented the Robert A. Mosbacher, Sr. Award for large manufacturer to TAS, Ltd., the Jesse H. Jones Award for small/medium manufacturer to KEM-TRON Technologies, Inc. and the Lifetime Achievement Award in Exporting to the Texas Medical Center.
The gala recognizes Houston-area members of Congress for their work in promoting the area as a center of global commerce and to celebrate the Partnership's role as one of the founding cities of the World Trade Center Association. The region has become a center of international trade. Texas is the nation's top-ranked exporter, with $117.3 billion in activity in 2004, and Houston makes up 34 percent of that total. This is an area where companies engaging in international commerce can grow, profit and succeed, said Jim Edmonds, chairman of the Partnership's World Trade Supervisory Board and chairman of the Port of Houston Authority. "We have the business climate, workforce and infrastructure to create and sustain opportunities for exporters."
TAS earned the Mosbacher Award for demonstrating gross sales of more than $20 annually and for demonstrating innovative exporting methods and contributions to the development of the Houston region''''s international business community. The company provides modular energy solutions for the power, process and HVAC industries.
KEM-TRON, recipient of the Jones Award demonstrated gross sales between $5 million and $20million each year from exports of manufactured products. It, too, was honored for innovation and ongoing support of the international business community. The company designs, manufactures and supplies solid separations and polymer application equipment. KEM-TRON holds the patent for a multifunctional linear shaker, providing new solutions for solids separation.
"These are but two of the more than 2,700 Houston companies reporting international business activities last year," said Keith Miceli, senior vice president of the Partnership's World Trade Division. "Their success reinforces Houston's standing as an international business powerhouse."
The Lifetime Achievement Award in Exporting was presented to the Texas Medical Center (TMC) for their commitment to research, knowledge, technological innovations and providing quality patient care. With more than 65,000 employees looking after more than 5 million patients in 2004, TMC combines the best of science and research with the best care and compassion. More than 42 member hospitals and patient facilities make up the TMC. "The healthcare services sector is critical to our economic vitality," said Eddie Goldsberry, chairman of the Excellence Award Committee. "The Medical Center is truly an international destination that offers patients the best care and treatment in the world, and Houston has the resources that are necessary for these institutions to keep building upon their achievements."