Top Three Winners Announced in 2016 Atlanta Metro Export Challenge

ATLANTA, Sept. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 2016 Atlanta Metro Export Challenge, a JPMorgan Chase-powered grant program created to help businesses begin or expand their exporting programs, today announced its top three winners. Narrowed down from five finalists, the three winners received a combined $35,000 in additional grants to grow their export strategies.

Leading global supplier of aftermarket aviation parts Aventure Aviation took the first place prize of $20,000, which will go toward expanding the brand into new markets such as China and Ireland. Pure Air Filtration won $10,000 as the second place winner and intends to use the funds to grow its filtration technology manufacturing and services in Europe. United Sciences, a 3D scanning technology and services company, received $5,000 as the third place winner, which will further assist the company in engaging with its overseas customers.

An initial pool of 35 grant recipients, who each received $5,000, was ultimately narrowed down to five finalists after a judging round in a "Shark Tank"-style pitch competition. The public was then invited to participate in the process during an online voting phase from Aug. 22 through Sept. 14. The top three winners were selected through a combination of the judges' decisions and the public voting, then were announced at a luncheon at the Four Seasons Hotel in midtown Atlanta.

"Ninety-five percent of the world's consumers live outside of the United States, so we must encourage local businesses to sell internationally" said Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC). "We're excited to watch these winners utilize their grant funds to make more meaningful worldwide connections. Their success in the international marketplace will ultimately enhance our city's economy and global presence." 

"Over the past decade, Atlanta has climbed to 64^th from 71^st amongst the Top 100 U.S. metros for exports. In fact, export businesses can now be found in every single metro Atlanta county and in more than 80 percent of Georgia's 159 counties," said Dwayne C. Meeks, UPS South Atlantic district president and Atlanta Metro Export Plan (MEP) chairman. "For companies that may be considering Atlanta for an expansion or relocation, this competition, along with the Atlanta Metro Export Plan (MEP) demonstrates that our regions is serious about using our tools, resources and network to further our economy through exports." 

Launched in January, the Atlanta Metro Export Challenge is a key component of the Atlanta MEP, which aims to increase global trade in the region. The Atlanta MEP is being implemented by MAC, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the City of Atlanta, working in partnership with several other regional and local economic development agencies as well as public and private organizations. The MEP is a product of Atlanta's participation in the Global Cities Initiative ("GCI"), a joint project of The Brookings Institution and JPMorgan Chase that aims to help leaders in U.S. metropolitan areas reorient their economics toward greater engagement in world markets.

For more information about the Atlanta MEP and the region's export initiatives, visit www.atlantaexportportal.com.

About the Metro Atlanta Chamber 
The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) serves as a catalyst for a more prosperous and vibrant region.  To advance economic growth and improve metro Atlanta's quality of place, MAC is focused on starting, growing and recruiting companies to the 29-county metro Atlanta region.  The Chamber is also focused on growing the region's innovation economy by promoting and strengthening connections to drive Atlanta's innovation and entrepreneurial culture. MAC is committed to being an active voice for the business community, serving as an advocate for a competitive business climate and telling Atlanta's story. For more information, visit www.metroatlantachamber.com

SOURCE The Metro Atlanta Chamber

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