On July 22, twenty-three West Virginia companies were honored for their successful international expansion by receiving the Governorβs Export Award. This accolade recognizes businesses that made their first sale to a new country in the past year. Among the winners, eight were first-time recipients.
Governor Jim Justice highlighted the importance of international trade to the state’s economy, noting that West Virginia exported over $5.6 billion to 145 countries in 2023. “Companies engaged in international trade significantly impact West Virginiaβs economy. Our small businesses create jobs and generate revenue through exports. Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you for contributing to West Virginiaβs success on a global scale,” said Gov. Justice.
West Virginia Department of Economic Development Secretary Mitch Carmichael praised the state’s diverse economy and the achievements of local businesses. “West Virginia has a very diverse economy with several thriving industries. Every time a West Virginia business expands into a new market, it should be celebrated. Itβs an incredible achievement that contributes significantly to the stateβs economy.”
Since its inception in 2002, the Governorβs Export Award program has honored over 2,200 businesses from more than 170 companies for selling products to nearly 200 countries. This year, awards were presented to businesses across 13 West Virginia counties for exporting goods and services to over 59 countries.
The award ceremony featured remarks from various state and federal officials, including Gov. Justice, Arun Venkataraman, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, and Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin.
Below is a list of the award-winning companies and their exports:
Berkeley County
- Mountaineer Brand LLC, Martinsburg: All natural menβs grooming products (Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, France, Ireland, Jamaica, Kuwait, Latvia, Norway, Oman, Seychelles, Spain, Switzerland, Turkiye, UAE)
- WOW Air Cargo, Martinsburg: Air cargo services (Austria, Djibouti, UK)
Cabell County
- Serucell, Huntington: Anti-aging skincare creams and serums (Canada)
- West Virginia Electric Supply, Huntington: Medium voltage arresters and fuses (Romania)
Hardy County
- Peacock Manufacturing Company, Wardensville: High-end custom cabinetry (Malaysia)
Jefferson County
- Metropolitan Executive Dogs, Inc., Kearneysville: Dog training services, including detection dogs (Canada, Germany, Greece, Switzerland)
Kanawha County
- CBS ArcSafe, Charleston: Remote operating systems for arc flash safety (Australia, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru)
- Die Rise Kill, LLC dba DRK Studios, Saint Albans: Specialty FX, Props, Masks/Prosthetics, Escape Room Development (Bulgaria, Cayman Islands, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Romania, Sweden)
- Echo-Lit, LLC, Charleston: Educational and Inspirational Art (Australia, China, Finland, Germany, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand)
- Tabletop Stronghold LLC, Saint Albans: Display/transportation cases and terrain sets for miniature tabletop games (Canada)
- Walhonde Tool, Inc., South Charleston: Precision tube and pipe alignment tools (Canada)
Marion County
- Lakota Software Solutions, Inc., Fairmont: Biometric software applications (Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Iraq, Mexico, Slovakia, UK)
Mercer County
- ESC Brands LLC, Bluefield: Personal and health care products (Azerbaijan, Namibia, South Africa)
Monongalia County
- FCX Systems, Inc., Morgantown: Power Conversion Equipment (Netherlands)
- RH&M Machine Co., Morgantown: Towable Backhoe; Machining and fabrication (Canada)
Morgan County
- Caperton Furnitureworks, Berkeley Springs: Wooden furniture (Argentina, Armenia, Barbados, Cameroon, Croatia, Ecuador, Egypt, Fiji, France, Greece, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Namibia, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Suriname, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan)
Ohio County
- Direct Online Marketing, Wheeling: Digital marketing and advertising (China, Mexico)
- TK Innovation Inc., Wheeling: Laminated shim stock and finished shims; CNC machining and CNC waterjet cutting (Canada, China, Israel, Mexico, UK)
Putnam County
- Kanawha Scales and Systems, Poca: Lances and Spare Parts Package (Jordan)
- MultiCoat Products, Inc., Fraziers Bottom: Waterproofing, concrete restoration, stucco, and pool restoration (Argentina)
Wetzel County
- Marble King, Paden City: Glass Marbles (Austria)
- Paul Wissmach Glass Co, Paden City: Handmade sheet glass for architectural and art uses (Kyrgyzstan)
Wood County
- Matheny Motors, Parkersburg: Truck Parts (Netherlands, UK)
Matt Pinner is a dedicated journalist for WVPrepBB.com, specializing in USA and crime news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for uncovering the truth, Matt brings timely and insightful reporting to his readers. His work on WVPrepBB.com keeps the community informed and engaged with the latest developments in national news and criminal justice.
