20 May 2011
Magic Time International, a food distributor based in Doral, received the Presidential “E” Award for expanding its exports consistently over four years.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke presented the award in Washington, D.C. to Magic Time President Wissam Amoudi and his daughter, Areej.
Magic Time now distributes U.S.-made food products such as canned, boxed and bottled goods, cereals, salad dressings, snacks, spreads, and beverages to more than 35 nations worldwide. It plans to expand into 80 to 100 nations within the coming years, according to the company’s Web site .
Exports and export growth already have helped create 16 jobs at the company, Commerce officials said in announcing the export award.
Most shipments are sent out from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, the company said.
To expand its sales overseas, Magic Time has been working with Commerce’s Export Assistance Center in Miami, part of the U.S. Commercial Service. The Assistance Center has helped the company with export counseling, trade shows, market research, and business matchmaking.
President John F. Kennedy established the “E” awards in 1961 to honor America’s exporters. A total 27 companies were presented this year’s awards May 16 during World Trade Week ceremonies in Washington.
The U.S. Commercial Service nominates companies for “E” Awards through its office network in 108 U.S. cities and more than 75 countries. Candidates must show four years of successive export growth, usually accompanied by a rising share of exports within total sales. An innovative marketing plan for exports also is a key factor to nominations.
An “E” Award Committee, with members from the Commerce, Labor, State and Transportation departments and from the U.S. Export-Import Bank, review the nominations and choose the annual winners.
This year’s honors come as the Obama administration aims to double U.S. sales abroad, partly by helping existing exporters expand to more markets.
For more information on Magic Time International, visit www.magictime-intl.com.