Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn presented Chicago-based Dutch Farms with a 2013 Governor’s Export Award on July 31. Dutch Farms received recognition as a “New Exporter.”
A distributor of refrigerated dairy, deli, bakery and meat products, Dutch Farms serves grocery warehouses and stores of every size. The company began exporting in 2008 and primary international markets include Asia/Asia-Pacific and Latin America/Caribbean. Its annual export sales are in excess of $1 million.
Dutch Farms was among a dozen companies to receive an exporter award at a reception held for all of the winners at the Union League Club of Chicago. The 2013 Governor’s Export Awards recognizes outstanding accomplishments in the export of Illinois goods and services around the globe.
“It’s important to recognize the contribution Illinois exporters are making to the economic health of our state,” Gov. Quinn said. “Small and medium sized companies like those honored today play a vital role in creating millions of jobs and driving economic growth in Illinois.”
Illinois is the largest exporting state in the Midwest and the fifth largest in the U.S. Exports from Illinois rose 5.1 percent to $68.1 billion in 2012 after soaring 30 percent in 2011. Direct exports account for nearly 10 percent of the gross state product.
“Illinois is known around the world for its high-quality products and strong work ethic,” said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Adam Pollet. “Finding new markets for Illinois products and services means more jobs at home.”
In the feature photo at top: Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn presents Karen VanProoyen, marketing director for Dutch Farms Inc., with the New Exporter Award.
