Exports of American goods and services constitute a critical foundation of the U.S. economy. Numerous studies have shown that exports are a key component of economic growth. In order for this growth to continue, however, U.S. governmental policies that encourage exports are essential. These policies include commercial diplomacy that promotes U.S. goods and services in foreign markets, aggressive combatting of foreign trade barriers to U.S. exports, and enactment and enforcement of trade agreements that advance the state of American exports.

The National District Export Council, which is an organization that represents 1300 companies in the 60 District Export Councils throughout the United States, is the voice of the American small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) exporter. It seeks to advance the interests of American exporters by advocating for those governmental policies that will result in the increase of global competitiveness for American manufacturers thus resulting in jobs, economic development and rising wages in the U.S. In the current climate of economic uncertainty, U.S. exports can and should lead the way to increased prosperity for the American worker and American manufacturers as a whole. 

The Trump Administration has signaled its desire to expand American exports. While by Executive Order President Trump on Monday formally withdrew the United States as a signatory to the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), the Administration seeks to begin separate bilateral trade negotiations not only with the former 11 TPP partner countries but also with other countries as well. The National District Export Council stands ready to do its part by working with the new Administration as it crafts new trade agreements that will open foreign markets and level the playing field for American goods and services.

NEWS PROVIDED BY PRNewswire/Lenox Corporation

One-of-a-Kind Crystal Bowls from Lenox will be the Official Inaugural Gifts From the American People

BRISTOL, Pa., Jan. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For the eighth consecutive inauguration, Lenox Corporation has created the official Inaugural gifts from the American people, given to the President and Vice President of the United States. On January 20, 2017, Lenox on behalf of the American people will present the custom-made, one-of-a-kind engraved crystal bowls at the Inaugural Luncheon following the swearing-in ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol. Lenox offered these stunning gifts to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), and the design was approved by the committee.

"It is my pleasure to accept Lenox's official gift for the 58th Inaugural Ceremonies," said U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugurations. "Lenox has once again created a thoughtful and beautifully-crafted gift fitting of this historic occasion, and I look forward to presenting it to the President and Vice President on behalf of the American people."

After working on this project for more than five months with master glass-cutter Peter O'Rourke, Timothy Carder, Lenox Vice President of Design, handed over the stunning pieces of craftsmanship to Senator Roy Blunt at an intimate ceremony held earlier today on Capitol Hill in the Rules Committee Hearing Room.
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The inspiration for the bowls comes directly from the work of Pierre L'Enfant and Andrew Ellicott who created the layout for the plans of the city of Washington, and defined the borders of the District of Columbia. The bowl for the President features an illustration of the White House on one side overlooking the Jefferson Memorial on the opposite side. For the Vice President there is an image of the Capital overlooking the Lincoln Memorial, and each bowl has a compass rose cut into the base with the points of the compass aligned correctly with the buildings. The bowls are made of lead crystal and are 12 inches in diameter and will be placed on top of black cherry wood bases that bear an inscription of the date and occasion engraved into silver-plated plaque.

"Lenox is honored to have been the first American china to be used in the White House and to have been selected as the designer and manufacturer of choice for the past 28 years to produce the Inaugural Commemorative Gift for the President and Vice President of the United States of America," said Katrina Helmkamp, CEO of Lenox Corporation.

​For 99 years, Lenox has created fine china dinnerware for the White House as well as the vice president's official residence, over 300 U.S. Embassies and more than half of the governors' mansions. Lenox became the first American china to be used in the White House in 1918 when President Wilson commissioned the company to create a 1,700-piece service bearing the presidential seal in raised gold. Over the years, Lenox has created new state services for five additional presidents - Roosevelt, Truman, Reagan, Clinton and George W. Bush -  that reflect not only the style of the day, but the timeless beauty of Lenox's renowned ivory china.

About Lenox Corporation
Founded in 1889, the Lenox Corporation is the largest manufacturer, designer and marketer of tabletop products in the United States.  Lenox markets products under the Lenox, Reed & Barton, Dansk, and Gorham brands.  Lenox's products which include dinnerware, stemware, flatware, giftware, and seasonal products are sold around the world through fine department and specialty stores, as well as online. For more information, please visit the Lenox website: www.Lenox.com.  

Source 

Bartolomeo is a respected and recognized leader in both the Greater Philadelphia region and the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (A/E/C) industry as a whole. During his time on former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, Bartolomeo’s efforts directly contributed to greater measures regarding the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible extraction and use of unconventional natural gas reserves in Pennsylvania.

As past chairman of the Board of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) for seven years, Bartolomeo was instrumental in accelerating global business growth for companies in the Greater Philadelphia Region. Under his direction, the WTGCP assisted companies in generating more than $1 billion in increased export sales, creating more than 12,500 jobs. The growth and success of the WTCGP during his tenure reflects his dedication and support for the organization, earning Bartolomeo the Philadelphia Business Journal’s “Outstanding Director” Award in 2014.
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Under Bartolomeo’s leadership, Pennoni has grown to more than 1,200 employees in over 30 offices across the country. Offering a variety of planning, design and construction services, the firm is committed to delivering projects that are innovative and resilient, that are cost-effective throughout their duration of use and meet stringent standards of quality. Across all market sectors, Pennoni works with project owners, end users, stakeholders, and teaming partners to develop solutions that help to close the ever-widening infrastructure gap, truly making Pennoni a “Partners For What’s Possible.”
 
Bartolomeo joined Pennoni in 1986 and has more than 40 years of engineering experience. Bartolomeo holds a bachelor’s degree in civil and urban engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. 
 
Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 150,000 civil engineers worldwide and is America’s oldest national engineering society. For more information, visit www.asce.org.

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