Columbus Firm Among Four Recognized for Exporting Excellence

JACKSON, Miss. (Press Release) –Gov. Phil Bryant presented four Mississippi companies with awards yesterday at the 2014 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Exporting event, which was held at the Country Club of Jackson. Designed to recognize Mississippi companies for their success in maintaining or increasing export sales, the awards recognized two companies in the service sector and two companies in the manufacturing sector.

“I am proud to honor these four homegrown companies for their excellence in exporting. Not only did these companies and their leaders think outside of the box when creating their innovative, high-tech products and services, they thought internationally,” Gov. Bryant said. “They are showing the world that Mississippi has what it takes for companies to grow and be successful while helping create jobs and improving the quality of life for individuals right here at home and around the globe. I thank them for their dedication to the state of Mississippi and congratulate them on this exciting day.”

Columbus-based BankTEL Systems, provider of financial accounting and cash management software, received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Exporting in the service sector. Hattiesburg-based BioSoil Enhancers, the sole manufacturer of SumaGrow, received the award in the manufacturing sector. SumaGrow increases crop quality and yields while decreasing chemical fertilizer inputs.

Gov. Bryant also presented the Governor’s Award for Export Achievement to Jackson-based Navagis and Pearl-based Trilogy Communications, Inc. Navagis, provider of Enterprise Visualization Management software, received the award in the service sector. Trilogy Communications, manufacturer of advanced technology coaxial cables, received the award in the manufacturing sector.

Nine additional companies received certificates of achievement at the event for their successes in exporting. These include Horn Lake’s Shannon Lumber International; Hyperion Technology Group from Tupelo; Flathau’s Fine Foods from Hattiesburg/Petal; Wood Industries, Inc., from Belmont; DeBeukelaer Cookie Company from Madison; Goldin Metals, Inc., from Gulfport; Griffin, Inc., from Byhalia; Quality Plywood, Inc., from Waynesboro; and TJ Beall Company of Greenwood.

“The companies honored with these awards play a large role in strengthening the state’s economy, as well as that of their local communities. Additionally, they epitomize the talent, innovation and pioneering spirit found in Mississippians throughout the state,” said Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Brent Christensen. “We congratulate these companies on their achievements and look forward to watching their continued growth and success.”

The 2014 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Exporting were sponsored by MDA and the Mississippi District Export Council.