Home » 2019 Martha Layne Collins Governor’s Award winners announced

2019 Martha Layne Collins Governor’s Award winners announced

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The World Trade Center Kentucky (WTC-KY) has announced the four winners of the 2019 Martha Layne Collins Award for Excellence in International Trade.

WTC-KY now celebrates 27 years of honoring Kentucky companies for the Governor’s Award. Named after the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s 56th governor, this annual award is given to companies who were chosen for their accomplishments in international business and ability to successfully navigate global trade markets in order to positively benefit the state. Former Gov. Martha Layne Collins was instrumental in attracting numerous Japanese automotive makers and parts suppliers to Kentucky in the mid-1980s.

This prestigious award is based on the company’s success through outstanding commitment to and performance in international trade; evidence of executive management and organization-wide commitment to international business; uniqueness and creativity of international strategy/plan; and overall contributions to the local community through world trade. In addition to experiencing tremendous growth in Kentucky and other sites in the United States, export sales accounted for a significant portion of business growth.

The Martha Layne Collins Award was presented at the annual ceremony and gala held at The Elizabeth in Frankfort, Ky. to the following companies Dec. 12:

Micro Enterprise Recipient (0-10 employees ): New Frontier, Inc. – Morehead, Ky. 

New Frontier is Appalachia’s first outdoor clothing brand. We are strongly committed to spreading our Kentucky and Appalachian roots globally. By focusing on putting people first, crafting innovative, eco-friendly, clothing, we will continue to provide people with the highest quality gear for their everyday journey. We are optimistic in the sense that our Kentucky / Appalchian style will continue to spread & grow across the globe in years to come.

Small Enterprise Recipient (50 employees or fewer): Hallway Feeds – Lexington, Ky.

Hallway Feeds, founded in 1964, is a family-owned and handshake operated equine feed manufacturer. Hallway Feeds’ state of the art manufacturing facility produces premium equine feeds to serve horses in Kentucky, across the U.S. and around the world. Hallway Feeds has fueled 13 of the past 22 Kentucky Derby winners including the recent Triple Crown champions American Pharoah and Justify.

Medium Enterprise Recipient (500 employees or fewer): National Band & Tag – Newport, Ky.

National Band & Tag Company is a family-operated manufacturer founded in 1902, specializing in identification solutions. Most all of our products are made in America, but we sell our products worldwide to various industries including: poultry, cattle, lab animal research, dog and cat rabies vaccinations, wildlife conservation, and industrial applications.

Large Enterprise Recipient (greater than 500 employees): Champion Petfoods – Lexington, Ky.

Champion Petfoods, maker of award-winning ORIJEN and ACANA pet foods, has a 34-year reputation for innovation and leadership. We make biologically appropriate pet food from fresh regional ingredients that are never outsourced. Our foods are available in over 94 countries around the globe.

A special thank you to the sponsors of this year’s event: UPS as the Presenting Sponsor, Advantage Kentucky Alliance and LBX as Gold Sponsor, LGE & KU as Silver Sponsor, and all of our supporting sponsors, which include Alltech, Kentucky Distillers Association, Kentucky Department of Agriculture Kentucky Proud, Valvoline, Farm Credit Mid-America, Lectrodryer, and Greater Louisville INC.

For more information about the Martha Layne Collins Award visit our website at www.wtcky.org.