Diesel Specialists, Recipient of the 2016 Presidential “E” Star Award for Exports

In May 2016, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker presented Diesel Specialists (DBA Diesel Parts Direct) with the President’s “E” Star Award for Exports at a ceremony in Washington, DC. The President’s “E” Star Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

A total of 123 U.S. companies and organizations were presented with the “E” and “E” Star Awards at the May 17, 2016 ceremony, recognizing their chievements in exporting.

Recognizing Excellence in Exporting

In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America's exporters. This year, Secretary Pritzker honored 123 U.S. companies with the President’s “E” Award for their outstanding work to reduce barriers to foreign markets and to open the door to more trade around the world.

In 2015, U.S. exports totaled $2.23 trillion, accounting for nearly 13 percent of U.S. GDP. Nationally, exports contributed to the U.S. economy, supporting an estimated 11.5 million jobs. 

U.S. companies are nominated for the “E” Awards through the Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service office network, located within the Department’s International Trade Administration, with offices in 108 U.S. cities and more than 70 countries.  Record years of successive export growth and an applicant’s demonstration of an innovative international marketing plan that led to the increase in exports is a significant factor in selecting the winners.