SAVANNAH, GA - U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today presented the John S. James Co. with the President’s  “E” Award for Export Service at a ceremony in Washington, DC. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.  “John S. James Co. has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion.  The “E” Awards Committee was very impressed with John S. James Co.’s dedication to helping first-time exporters understand the export process and enter new international markets.  The company’s continuous support of trade missions was also particularly notable.  John S. James Co.’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.” said Secretary Pritzker announcing the company’s selection as an award recipient.   John S. James Co., headquartered in Savannah, GA and with offices in Charleston, SC, Jacksonville, FL, Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC and Knoxville, TN, was founded in 1941 and provides export services to U.S. businesses, including freight forwarding, export consulting, transportation services, export documentation, auditing and compliance management. “Assisting new exporters to develop their international programs has always been one of the most rewarding parts of our business for 75 years,” said Pat Fosberry, John S. James Co., Corporate Export and Transportation Manager.  “Often we see how exporting leads to company growth, job development and supporting local communities, all while contributing to the strength and prosperity of the U.S.A.” In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America's exporters. Today, Secretary Pritzker honored 123 U.S. companies with the President’s “E” Award for their outstanding work to reduce barriers to foreign markets and to open the door to more trade around the world. In 2015, U.S. exports totaled $2.23 trillion, accounting for nearly 13 percent of U.S. GDP. Nationally, exports contributed to the U.S. economy, supporting an estimated 11.5 million jobs.  U.S. companies are nominated for the “E” Awards through the Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service office network, located within the Department’s International Trade Administration, with offices in 108 U.S. cities and more than 70 countries.  Criteria for the award is based on four years of successive export growth and case studies which demonstrate valuable support to exporters resulting in increased exports for the company’s clients.