Memphis-Based Orgill, Inc. Receives President’s E Award for Exports

Orgill, Inc. was among a small group of U.S. companies and organizations recently honored with a 2014 “E” Award for Export excellence by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker.

President John F. Kennedy created the President’s “E” Award in 1961 to recognize persons, firms, and organizations that contribute to expanding U.S. exports. The E Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for significant contributions to increasing American exports, according to the U.S Commerce Department.

“These are fantastic American businesses and organizations that have played a crucial role in strengthening and growing our economy,” said Secretary Pritzker during the annual E Awards presentation ceremony, which was held on May 27^th.

Memphis-based Orgill, Inc. is the world’s largest independently owned hardlines distributor providing retailers across the United States and Canada, and in more than 60 countries throughout the world, access to over 75,000 products and industry-leading retail services.With five domestic distribution centers representing over three million square feet of warehouse space, one Canadian distribution center, and three export consolidation facilities, Orgill distributes hardware and home improvement products to hardware, home improvement and building material retailers of all types and sizes.

“We are incredibly honored to be among the group of companies to receive this award,” said Ron Beal, Orgill president and CEO. “It is truly gratifying to know that Orgill is able to contribute to strengthening our nation’s economic standing in the global marketplace.”

This year, Orgill was among just 47 entities to receive the “E” Award for Exports, which is given to companies that demonstrate a sustained increase in export sales over the course of several years.

“By selling Made-in-America goods and services internationally, U.S. business can grow faster, hire more employees, pay higher wages, and help spread American ideas, innovation and values. Last year, exports supported 11.3 million jobs, with U.S. goods and services exports reaching a record $2.3 trillion,” added Secretary Pritzker.

Founded in 1847, over the past two decades, Orgill, Inc. has emerged as the fastest-growing hardlines distributor in the United States and has annual sales in excess of $1.6 billion.

“Our ability to successfully grow our export sales is not only a testament to the fine group of individuals we have dedicated to servicing our international customers but also a testament to Orgill’s ability to help our customers grow their businesses and become more successful in their markets, whether that is in Tennessee or half way around the world,” said Jerry Cardwell, Orgill’s Senior Vice President in charge of export sales. Both Cardwell, and Orgill, Inc. board member Joe Orgill, were on hand in Washington D.C. to receive the award from Secretary Pritzker (image attached).

For more, information about Orgill, visit www.orgill.com.

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