News

Washington, D.C. – Today, at the 2025 Annual Conference, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) presented twelve of its customers with its Exporter of the Year Award, celebrating their exceptional contributions to the U.S. economy by supporting jobs and fostering innovation.

“The twelve recipients of the Exporter of the Year Award represent the tenacity and innovation of American businesses,” said Acting President and Chairman James Cruse. “EXIM is committed to supporting American exporters win globally by offering a suite of financing tools and continuing our work to increase the global competitiveness of American exports.” 

The recipients of this year’s awards are:   

R.C. Bigelow Inc. 
Fairfield, Connecticut-based R.C. Bigelow is a family-owned business that specializes in over one hundred varieties of tea. Exporting since 1986, and an EXIM customer since 2008, R.C. Bigelow has utilized EXIM insurance to support more than $69 million in shipments.

“Our international sales represent 3% of total sales, and we have experienced a considerable amount of growth since working with EXIM. Bigelow Tea’s international sales have grown more than 200% in the last five years.” - Mike Penaflor, International Sales & Marketing Representative 

West Paw, Inc. 
Established in 1996 and based in Bozeman, Montana, West Paw Inc. specializes in healthy treats and eco-friendly beds, toys, and apparel for cats and dogs. Since becoming an EXIM customer in 2011 and exporting since 2000, West Paw has achieved $5.2 million in lifetime volume and $15.3 million in premiums, with their primary markets being Norway, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Today, their products are now available in over 6,000 retailers across 40 countries. 

Divers Supply Inc. 
Based in Gretna, Louisiana and established in 1988, veteran-owned business Divers Supply Inc. distributes commercial diving equipment including helmets, welding equipment, and decompression chambers. An EXIM customer since 2014, Divers Supply has Leveraged EXIM insurance to ship to thirteen buyers in seven countries. 

“We are up to over 40% of our sales thanks to EXIM offering terms of payment to foreign companies. Thank you for helping us solve the payment issue for out-of-the-country customers.” - Robbie Mistretta, Vice President 

Nature's Sungrown Foods LLC 
Located in San Rafael, California, Nature’s Sungrown Foods was established in 1999, and specializes as a wholesaler of various food products including dairy, meat, canned and packaged food. Sungrown Foods has been an EXIM customer since 2021, utilizing EXIM insurance to export products. to companies across the world including Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Germany.

Manhattan Electric & Hardware Corporation 
Beginning as a South Florida electrical supplier in Hialeah, Florida, Manhattan Electric quickly expanded its operations and added an export department in 1997. In 2000, Manhattan Electric started using EXIM’s export credit insurance to expand its exports, with an expected expansion into several Caribbean and Central American markets. 

“Exporting has fueled our growth, enabling us to expand our reach while maintaining exceptional service in the electrical supplies industry.” - Manny Lopez, Jr., Sales Manager 

Giles & Kendall Inc. 
With 263 employees, Huntsville, Alabama-based Giles & Kendall Inc. was founded in 1939 and has manufactured cedar oil for the past 86 years. An EXIM customer since 2009, Giles & Kendall has used EXIM insurance to ship to 11 buyers in eight countries including the Netherlands, France and Spain. 

Summit Almonds LLC 
Summit Almonds, headquartered in Orangevale, California, specializes in the distribution and exporting of U.S. tree nuts, primarily almonds, but also walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and pistachios. Summit Almonds has been an EXIM customer since 2013, utilizing EXIM’s Working Capital Guarantee Program to support export sales that make up 80% of the company’s business, which includes end users in more than 85 countries. 

“Summit Almonds is truly honored to be recognized by the Export-Import Bank of the United States as an Exporter of the Year. This award reflects the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the strength of our global partnerships. EXIM’s support – particularly through the Working Capital Guarantee Program – has been instrumental to our growth, enabling us to meet international demand with confidence. We are proud to represent American agriculture abroad and deeply grateful for this recognition and EXIM’s continued partnership.” - Dale Darling, Founder and President 

Legs 4 Life LLC 
A small business based in Asheboro, North Carolina, Legs 4 Life specializes in the manufacturing and retail of men’s and women’s compression socks and footwear. Since becoming an EXIM customer in 2014, Legs 4 Life has seen export volumes of up to $2.5 million with South Korea being a major market.

Richloam Tobacco Company 
Richloam Tobacco Company, based in Keysville, Virginia, has been in operation since 2004 and has been in the tobacco farming industry for four generations. An EXIM customer since 2018, Richloam has leveraged EXIM’s Working Capital Guarantee Program to maintain its superior quality tobacco in foreign and domestic markets. 

“EXIM, along with First Bank & Trust, has been key to growing the business from humble beginning to where we are today. Without EXIM, this would not have been possible, and I owe a debt of gratitude to the Bank.” - Michael Bailey, President 

The Steco Corporation 
Founded in 1957 and based in Little Rock, Arkansas, The Steco Corporation is a small business that manufactures and distributes lubricating cutting fluids under the brand name Tap Magic. Since 2016, Steco has used EXIM insurance to ship to seven buyers in four countries. 

Malco Products 
Based in Barberton, Ohio, Malco Products is a manufacturer and supplier of automotive care, fuel additives, and various cleaning products, and has 270 employees. A fourth-generation family business, Malco has been an EXIM customer since 2013, utilizing EXIM’s export credit insurance to ship to a diverse portfolio of markets including South Africa, El Salvador, Costa Rica, the United Arab of Emirates, and South Korea. 

“We were introduced to EXIM through the Ohio Department of Development, which has been a valuable partner in supporting our international growth efforts. Their team helped connect us with EXIM’s resources, including export credit insurance, which has played a key role in expanding our global footprint and managing risk as we grow in new markets.” - Stuart Glauberman, President 

Ecore International Inc. 
With roots tracing back to the 1800s, Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based Ecore International manufactures recycled flooring products specializing in rubber and wooden products. Becoming an EXIM customer in 2010, Ecore has reported $87 million in shipments while utilizing EXIM insurance, with nearly 230 buyers in 29 countries across the globe.

ABOUT EXIM:  

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the nation’s official export credit agency with the mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. To advance American competitiveness and assist U.S. businesses as they compete for global sales, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. As an independent federal agency, EXIM contributes to U.S. economic growth by supporting tens of thousands of jobs in exporting businesses and their supply chains across the United States. Learn more at www.exim.gov. 

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