Dunavant wins presidential award for export excellence

MEMPHIS, TN, May 18, 2015 — Dunavant Logistics Group, LLC was recognized by the United States Department of Commerce as the recipient of an “E” Award for Excellence in Exporting.

The “E” Awards, established by the Executive Order in 1961, are the highest recognition any U.S. entity may receive for supporting export activity. Dunavant Logistics Group, LLC received the award at The White House presentation in Washington, D.C.

The selection is a testament to Dunavant Logistics Group, LLC’s national export expansion efforts, as the President’s “E” Award for the “Export Service” category is given to organizations that facilitate export efforts through financing, transportation, or market promotion.

“The President's ‘E’ Award winners are outstanding American businesses and organizations that have played a crucial role in strengthening and growing our economy through increased U.S. exports,” said Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. “Thank you for showing the world that America is, and will remain, open for business. Congratulations to Dunavant Logistics Group, LLC.”

Secretary Pritzker continued, “The ‘E’ Awards Committee was very impressed with Dunavant Logistics Group, LLC’s dedication to helping first time exporters understand the export process and enter new international markets. The company’s innovative work to grow exports within the cotton industry was also particularly notable. Dunavant Logistics Group, LLC’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs. Exports are critical to our nation's competitiveness in the global marketplace and solidify our country's economic leadership across the globe.”

U.S. exports of goods and services hit an all-time record of $2.34 trillion in 2014, accounting for 13.4 percent of U.S. GDP, compared to 7.5 percent 30 years ago. Nationally, jobs supported by exports reached an all-time high last year with more than 11.7 million jobs, up 1.8 million since 2009.

“We are honored to receive such national recognition,” said William B. Dunavant, III, CEO and President of Dunavant Enterprises, Inc. “I accept this honor on behalf of our team members' hard work and dedication to serving our customers."’

American companies are nominated for “E” Awards through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service office network, located within the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. 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 overall winners.

For more information about the “E” Awards and the benefits of exporting, visit www.export.gov.

ABOUT DUNAVANT LOGISTICS GROUP, LLC.

Founded in 1928 and headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., Dunavant gained more than 50 years of experience in logistics and supply chain management as one of the largest global commodities distributors in the world. In 2010, the company expanded its established logistics model beyond commodities to other industries including the automotive aftermarket, chemical, food and beverage, paper and packaging, and retail. With solutions within the four main service verticals — global, freight, distribution, and consulting — Dunavant provides the knowledge, experience, and technology necessary to ensure supply chain efficiency and effectiveness for its customers.

For more information, visit Dunavant.com.