Connecticut Firms Awarded White House Export Honors

Four Connecticut companies and organizations were recognized this month with White House awards for their contributions to expanding U.S. exports.

Thomaston-based manufacturer Element 119 was one of three Connecticut organizations to receive the President’s “E” Award, the highest export honor awarded to a person or U.S. entity.

Element 119, which makes ceramic composite coatings used in the automotive, aerospace, and marine industries, was named Regional Exporter of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2023.

“Element 119’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said at the May 14 awards ceremony in Washington, DC.

Company founder and CEO Andrew Zeppa said “these achievements are the result of the commitment to quality and the hard work of our entire team.”

Guilford medical equipment manufacturer Defibtech LLC and independent high school The Woodstock Academy were also recognized with the President’s “E” Award.

Robinson+Cole

Hartford-based law firm Robinson+Cole was honored with the President’s “E Star” Award for Export Service.

“Robinson+Cole has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion,” Raimondo said, noting the firm’s “broad impact within the business community to further expand U.S. exports.”

Robinson+Cole partner Jeff White, who chairs the firm’s manufacturing practice, accepted the award at the ceremony.

“Robinson+Cole has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion.”

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo

“Exporting is crucial to the success of the businesses we work with,” said White, who is also member of CBIA’s board of directors.

“Every day we see the growth of our clients’ businesses, due in large part to exporting. This growth has enabled our clients to add jobs and support their local communities as they expand their bottom line.”

Robinson+Cole was also awarded the President’s “E” Award for Export Service in 2019.