Since 1986, the e-Awards have been annually presented to companies or programs that have increased sales volume through exports, have increased Ohio-based employment as a direct result of export activity or have developed and implemented strategies to expand their international sales.  

The GLC is a two-year undergraduate academic program that uses group project-based work to solve real-world problems and issues for companies and organizations around the world.  

"Winning prestigious awards like the e-Award helps us build partnerships and open doors," said Greg Emery, director of the GLC. "It polishes our reputation in the state and globally and also makes us more attractive to high quality students. It is a great honor and I'm really pleased for our students who did the work and made it possible." 

The GLC also received an e-Award in 2004. Ohio University's Center for International Business Education and Development in the College of Business was the first and only other Ohio University center to win the award in 2001. 

This year's award was presented during the Ohio Global Summit, which provided an opportunity for Ohio-based businesses to share successful strategies for global trade. Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit and Emery accepted the award from Gov. Ted Strickland on Wednesday in Columbus.  

"Through innovative and creative programs like the Global Leadership Center, Ohio University is helping to grow the state's economy," Benoit said. "That the GLC is receiving the Governor's Excellence in Exporting Award for the second time is a testament to the long-term effectiveness of their approach and the commitment that students, faculty, and staff make to their work." 

Open to all university majors, the GLC teaches students to think critically, communicate better, and understand the commercial, political, religious and cultural issues of the world. GLC students must complete eight GLC courses, participate in an international trip and complete an international internship, employment or study abroad experience to earn a GLC certificate.  

Gov. Strickland said Ohio is the only U.S. state to see export growth every year since 1998 with more than $45 billion in exported goods in 2008 -- an increase of nearly 7 percent from the previous year's total. 

For more information about the GLC, call Emery at 740-593-2744.