Three Jefferson County Businesses Honored with Export Award

August 28, 2020

Three Jefferson County businesses were among the 30 West Virginia companies that were recognized by state officials for exporting a good or service to a new country last year during a virtual ceremony on Aug. 26.During the event, each business received the Governor’s Commendation for International Market Entry Award, which is given to companies that made their first sale to a new country in the previous calendar year. “From the bottom of my heart and with the gratitude of all those across our great state, I congratulate each and every one of these 30 West Virginia companies,” Gov. Jim Justice said. “Keep making West Virginia shine for the whole world to see. I’m so proud!”

The Jefferson County businesses honored were:

C2M Consulting, LLC
City: Charles Town
Product/Service: Cybersecurity Management and Auditors
Country Product/Service Exported To: Peru, Ecuador, Columbia

Growth Media Productions
City: Shepherdstown
Product/Service: Television Programs and Feature Films
Country Product/Service Exported To: Canada, Fiji, Grenada, Philippines, South Africa, Kenya, New Zealand

Schonstedt Instrument Company
City: Kearneysville
Product/Service: Underground locators
Country Product/Service Exported To: Ghana, Lebanon, Nigeria

Exports are an important component of West Virginia’s growing economy. In 2019, the state’s exports were valued at $5.9 billion. “West Virginia businesses have been innovating and diversifying our economy for many years now and we want to recognize them for helping our state compete in the global marketplace and become an even better place for people to live, work, and play,” said West Virginia Department of Commerce Secretary Ed Gaunch. “Every time a West Virginia business expands into a new market, we share a little bit of what makes the Mountain State so special.”

Since 2002, more than 2,200 export awards have been presented to more than 170 companies for selling products to nearly 200 countries. This year, West Virginia businesses from 17 counties received the award for exporting goods and services to 60 countries. “It takes big ideas and a lot of hard work to reach a new market and everyone here at the Development Office is committed to helping our state’s exporters find success around the globe,” said Mike Graney, executive director of the West Virginia Development Office.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the award presentation was conducted in a virtual format and included congratulatory remarks from several state officials.