Escalade® Receives Presidential Award For Export Growth

EVANSVILLE, Ind., May 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Escalade Sports, a global leader in the sports and outdoor recreation market, announced that it was recognized as a recipient of the President's "E" Award for Exports by the United States Department of Commerce for its achievement in making significant contributions to the increase of U.S. exports. The President's "E" Award – the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports – was presented during a ceremony at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 18.  U.S. Representative Larry Buschon M.D., 8^th District Indiana, presented the award to Escalade's employees during a ceremony conducted at its Evansville, Indiana headquarters on May 28.

United States Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker, noted that Escalade Sports was selected for the "E" Award for Exports due to its sustained commitment to export expansion.  Specifically, the "E" Awards Committee was impressed with Escalade's utilization of multiple export markets to support growth and stability in addition to its introduction of new sports and outdoor recreation equipment to foreign markets. The "E" Awards Committee also recognized that Escalade's achievements have contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.

"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 Pritzker. "By selling Made-in-America goods and services internationally, winners are creating jobs in Indiana and their local communities. Congratulations to Escalade Sports. Exports are critical to our nation's competitiveness in the global marketplace and solidify our country's economic leadership across the globe."

Representative Bucshon stated, "Escalade Sports embodies the spirit of this award, as it produces many high-quality American sporting and gaming products that range from basketball hoops, to table tennis equipment, to archery supplies.  The company's exports not only help show the world what amazing products are made here in America, but also keep Americans employed and help expand our economy."

"We are honored to receive The Presidential "E" Award by the U.S. Department of Commerce," said Robert J. Keller, President & CEO of Escalade, Inc.  "This award reflects the dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of our employees to grow the Escalade business, not only in the U.S., but also around the world.  We expect exports to play an even greater role in our future growth."

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. Secretary Pritzker honored 45 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.

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. 

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.

Escalade's products are available at sporting goods dealers and independent retailers nationwide. For more information, visit www.EscaladeSports.com.  

About Escalade Sports
Escalade Sports is the global manufacturer and distributor of sports and outdoor recreation products.  Leaders in their respective categories, Escalade Sports' brands include STIGA^® and Ping-Pong^® Table Tennis, Bear^® and Trophy Ridge^® archery, Accudart^® and Unicorn^® darting, Goalrilla^®, Goaliath^® and Silverback^® sports training equipment and residential in-ground basketball goal systems and Woodplay^® and Childlife^® premium playground play-sets. Headquartered in Evansville, IN with warehousing and distribution centers in Olney, IL, Gainesville, FL, Raleigh, NC and Rosarito, Mexico, Escalade Sports products are available at sporting goods dealers and independent retailers nationwide.  For more information on Escalade Sports, its brands, instruction manuals, game rules, retailers, warranty, replacement parts or customer service, please call 1-888-784-4288 or visit www.escaladesports.com.

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SOURCE Escalade, Inc.

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