At a May 14 ceremony in Washington, DC, the U.S. Department of Commerce honored Equilibar with the 2024 President’s “E Star” Award in recognition of the company’s continuing notable contributions to an increase in U.S. exports.
The “E Star” Award recognizes at least four years of additional export growth by American companies that previously received the President’s “E” Award, which is the highest recognition a U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.
“Equilibar has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in a congratulatory letter to the company, adding:
“The “E” Awards Committee recognizes Equilibar’s tripling of export sales since receiving the President’s “E” Award for Exports in 2019. The company’s development of new products and product modifications to meet the needs of export markets was also notable.”
The award was presented by Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Diane Farrell. Julie Detmering, Equilibar’s export compliance & shipping manager, and President David Reed, received the award on behalf of Equilibar.
“We’re honored to be one of only 13 U.S. companies receiving this prestigious award,” Reed said. “This award is a testament to the dedication of our employees and the innovative fluid control solutions they provide every day to our customers around the globe.”
The award dates back to 1961 when President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and recognize America’s exporters.
“Trade impacts the lives of every American worker, business and community,” Raimondo said. “I am proud to recognize this year’s President’s “E” and “E Star” award recipients for their efforts and contributions to increase economic prosperity across our country and further position the U.S. private sector as the partner of choice in markets around the globe. Equilibar’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.”
Equilibar’s Detmering appointed to NC District Export Council
Exports have always played an integral role for Equilibar, and the company is committed to working with researchers around the globe to advance technology that makes the world a better and more sustainable place.
Much of the company’s export growth has occurred under the leadership of Detmering, who has worked with Equilibar since its founding in 2007. Over the years, she has participated in dozens of courses, programs and conferences on exports and has received many recognitions in the field of export compliance.
Earlier this year, Detmering was appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to serve on the North Carolina District Export Council (NCDEC). 
The NCDEC is an organization that encourages and empowers companies throughout the state to successfully export products. Businesses that export goods promote overall US economic growth and create new, higher paying jobs for NC communities.
NCDEC members provide leadership and business experience to support export expansion efforts and to educate and promote awareness of export trade opportunities. They also promote greater exporting activity in local communities and advocate for small and medium-sized exporters.
Detmering advises companies starting out in exports to ask questions and take advantage of state and federal resources. “I started out not knowing much about export logistics,” she said. “Then I asked my UPS representative questions, and she referred me to an Export University class held at Asheville-Buncombe Technical College, hosted by the NC District Export Council. I began attending all of the trainings and webinars that the NC DEC and the EDPNC hosted and offered.”
She says she enjoys the varied aspects of exporting and networking with other companies. “It is always changing. There is always something more to learn. And the most amazing people work in exports and export compliance.”
To learn more about Equilibar’s fluid control technology, please contact one of our engineers.
More pictures from the ceremony in Washington!
Gina Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce, speaks to the “E” Award winners in Washington DC
Julie Detering and David Reed, center right, with representatives of two other NC companies being recognized–Sciencix and Argus Fire Control.
Julie Detmering, exports manager
David Reed in front of the Department of Commerce
