The World Trade Club annually presents the Governor's Trader of the Year and Emerging Trader of the Year Awards to a firm or individual that has demonstrated outstanding achievements in international trade.
The Governor's Trader of the Year award has evolved since its inception in 1967 when it was the "Man of the Year" award. As more women entered the workforce, the award changed to the "Trader of the Year" award.
In 1996, Governor Lowry honored the World Trade Club and acknowledged the importance of international trade to our State by lending the name of his office to the award. In 1998, in order to recognize smaller businesses, the World Trade Club added a second award, the Governor's Emerging Trade of the Year.
This award recognizes a Washington State business that has demonstrated success and industry leadership through its innovation in products or services, its contribution to the local economy, and its service to the community.
Governor’s Emerging Trader of the Year
This award recognizes a small- to mid-sized Washington State business that has demonstrated recent innovation and success in international activities.
Judging Process and Criteria
Maturity in international trade activities
Foreign sales as percentage of total sales
Demonstrated success in international market development
Innovation in product or service
Contribution to Washington State’s economic growth
Contribution to the community (philanthropic commitment)
Application package presentation and organization
We are proud to celebrate the achievements of these Trader of the Year award recipients.
Past Recipients
Governor's Trader of the Year Award
1982
The Boeing Company
1997
Pacific Housing Materials
1983
John Spellman, Governor
1998
Physio Control Corp.
1984
John Fluke Manufacturing
1999
The Frank Russell Company
1985
Flow Systems
2000
StairMaster Sports Medical
1986
Expeditors International
2001
Vaughan Company, Inc.
1987
Microsoft Corp.
2002
RAHCO International, Inc.
1988
Pacific Lumber Shipping
2003
WESMAR Western Marine Electronics
1989
Tree Top, Inc.
2004
Starbucks Coffee Company
1990
Arrowac Fisheries, Inc.
2005
Itron, Inc.
1991
SUPERVALU International
2006
Intermec Inc.
1992
Zetron, Inc.
2006
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers
1993
North Star Ice Equipment
2007
Key Technology, Inc.
1994
Traveling Software
2008
PACCAR Inc.
1995
Eddie Bauer
2009
Mulvanny G2 Architecture
1996
Ederer Inc.
Governor's Emerging Trader of the Year Award
1998
Telect Inc.
1999
Da Vinci Gourmet, Ltd.
2000
Walker Bay Boats, Inc.
2001
Garry Struthers Associates, Inc.
2002
Lightel Technologies, Inc.
2003
Armstrong Lumber
2004
United Coatings
2005
Attachmate Corporation
2006
Sunstream Corporation
2007
Colmac Coil Manufacturing, Inc.
2008
NLight Corporation
2009
Sonosite Inc.
Governor's Award for Global Achievement
2001
Weyerhaeuser Company
This one-time, special award recognized the international scope and longevity of Weyerhaeuser's contributions to the State of Washington.
