The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today announced 44 winners of the GLOBE (Georgia Launching Opportunities By Exporting) Awards, a state-led awards program which highlights companies that have entered into a new international market in 2014.

“Today’s winners are true examples of how companies in Georgia can grow their business abroad,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. “The ability to remain competitive both domestically and internationally is key to staying ahead in an ever-changing economy. In just under a year, 44 companies collectively expanded into 214 international markets – this makes it clear that Georgia is the ideal place for business growth. We congratulate the GLOBE Award winners and value our partnership with them.”

The 44 GLOBE Award winners, representing 17 Georgia counties, expanded into 104 unique countries and territories.

Gov. Deal will recognize GLOBE Award recipients at the second annual Go Global reception, an annual networking event where Georgia companies can network with Georgia’s international representatives, on March 2, 2015 at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center.

The state has international representation in 11 strategic markets, including Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico and the United Kingdom and Ireland. Georgia’s international representatives will be available to meet with companies interested in international trade at the Go Global reception.

“Leveraging international trade opportunities is integral to economic development in Georgia. Companies in nearly every county in Georgia have utilized GDEcD’s international trade services to expand their business on a global scale,” said GDEcD Division Director of international trade Dawn Townsend. “Receiving a GLOBE Award not only provides a chance for companies to be recognized for their hard work, but it also demonstrates how companies in Georgia can grow their business internationally.”

The company with the largest number of new markets in 2014 expanded into 37 countries and territories. Among the winners, the most popular new markets were the United Kingdom, Australia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, United Arab Emirates and Colombia.

This year’s GLOBE Award winners include: