Hoeven to Present 2008 Exporter of the Year Award

Press Release

Hoeven to Present 2008 Exporter of the Year Award

Gov. John Hoeven will present North Dakota's 2008 Exporter of the Year Award to a North Dakota company Tuesday, March 10 during Global Business Connections in Fargo. The Exporter of the Year award will be one of two international business awards presented during the international business conference held March 10 and 11 at the Ramada Plaza & Suites.

"North Dakota's volume of trade has grown by 225 percent since 2000," Hoeven said. "That highlights the importance of our ongoing efforts to grow and diversify our economy, including our work to cultivate markets overseas for North Dakota products."

"This two-day conference brings together exporters of all experience levels and international business professionals from here in North Dakota and around the world who can add real value to our companies," Trade Office Executive Director Susan Geib said. It's really an opportunity for our business leaders to tap into many resources - all brought to them."

Bestselling author Ted Fishman will present Tuesday's keynote address. Fishman, a regular contributor for CBS News and other national news organizations, will discuss how small communities can thrive in the global marketplace. On Wednesday, keynote speaker John Johnson, president and CEO of CHS, Inc., will speak about his experiences in building a global business.

Hoeven also will announce the winner of North Dakota's International Business Resource Award which will be presented to an organization that has demonstrated excellence in helping North Dakota businesses succeed in the international marketplace.

Global Business Connections features panel discussions and break-out sessions with presenters including: Doug Burgum, chairman of Arthur Ventures and former Senior Vice President of Microsoft Corporation; Bill Owens, a North Dakota native, chairman and CEO of AEA Holdings Asia and former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Barry Batcheller, President & CEO of Fargo-based Appareo Systems.

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