The Awards date back to World War II, when more than 4,000 "E Pennants" were presented to war plants in recognition of production excellence. The famous flag with the big "E" emblazoned on it became a badge of patriotism in action. Bearing a similar honor and distinction, it is now awarded by the President of the United States for excellence in exporting.

At the suggestion of Secretary of Commerce Luther H. Hodges, President John F. Kennedy revived the World War II "E" symbol of excellence to dramatize the importance of improving the nation's balance of payments through expansion of our export trade.

The President's "E" Award was created by Executive Order of the President in 1961 to afford suitable recognition to persons, firms, or organizations that contribute significantly in the effort to increase U.S. exports.

The Executive Order also authorized the "E" Certificate of Service, which may be awarded to persons, firms, and organizations that may or may not export directly, but assist or facilitate export efforts through financing, transportation, market promotion, or other export-related services.

Non-manufacturers such as banks, utilities, export firms, chambers of commerce, trade associations, and individuals that promote and assist exporting may receive this Award.

In 1969, the President's "E Star" Award was authorized by the Secretary of Commerce to afford continuing recognition of noteworthy promotion efforts by "E" Award recipients.

To qualify for an "E" Award, a manufacturer must show evidence of a substantial increase in volume of exports over a four-year period. Exports should constitute a significant portion of total product sales and/or be materially in excess of the industry's average percentage. The company also should demonstrate breakthroughs in especially competitive markets, introduce a new product into U.S. export trade, or open a new market.

The President's "E Star" Award recognizes continued superior performance in increasing or promoting exports. Only recipients of the "E" Award are eligible, and the level of performance must exceed that for which the Award was given.

The President's "E" Award Committee - chaired by the Commerce Department with representatives from the Departments of Agriculture, Interior, and Labor, the Small Business Administration, the Maritime Administration, and the Export-Import Bank of the United States - weighs the merits of applicants, considering all aspects of the applicant's trade promotion program, in addition to the major requirements listed above.

Applications must be submitted through the nearest Export Assistance Center of the Department's International Trade Administration. EAC trade specialists are available to advise and assist applicants.

When an "E" Award application is received at the Commerce Department in Washington, it is reviewed, and, if found to be complete, is submitted to various federal regulatory agencies for clearance. The applicant authorizes U.S. Government departments, agencies, and commissions to provide the Commerce Department with information pertaining to the applicant for purposes of determining the applicant's eligibility for the award. The purpose is to prevent possible embarrassment to the U.S. Government.

After all regulatory responses are received, the President's Award Committee considers each application on its individual merits. Those receiving favorable consideration are forwarded to the Secretary of Commerce for final selection.

"E" Award winners receive a certificate signed in the name of the President by the Secretary of Commerce, a lapel pin with the President's "E:' and a white flag with a blue "E" to fly over their plant or office. "E Star" winners receive a similar certificate and pin, along with a pennant emblazoned with a blue star.

Award ceremonies may be held in conjunction with trade events, such as conventions, seminars, annual association meetings, and trade shows. Some firms arrange for employees to participate in the ceremony, perhaps providing them with individual pins or hosting a luncheon. Presentations are made by the President and on his behalf by Senators, members of Congress, federal officials, and other high-level officials.

Winners are encouraged to use the "E" emblem in a variety of ways to obtain further recognition. Reproducing the pin or the pennant on stationery, advertisements, postage meters, premiums, or other items informs the public about the honor.