Arlington, VA, November 6, 2007 – Recognizing show organizer PMMI’s efforts to promote and facilitate international business opportunities, the US Department of Commerce (DOC) presented PMMI the DOC’s Certificate of Appreciation for Achievement in Trade during PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2007 ( Las Vegas Convention Center; October 15–17).

“We are honored to receive this recognition from the Department of Commerce,” says PMMI President/CEO Charles D. Yuska. “PMMI has long recognized the importance of global trade and participated in as many programs as possible to educate both members and PACK EXPO exhibitors on how to navigate the increasingly global economy.”

DOC created the certificate to recognize foreign business partners, trade associations, US government agencies and other qualified entities for their efforts supporting US export development and creating opportunities for US businesses through trade. PMMI has been a participant in several DOC International Trade Administration programs and has been a member of the International Buyer Program for the past 15 years.

“Through the International Buyer Program, the DOC has consistently supported our efforts to promote and facilitate international commerce for members and exhibitors. They are a key partner, helping PMMI provide a top-quality event to our industry,” says PMMI Vice President, Market Development, Jorge Izquierdo. “In turn, exports of packaging machinery have grown over the years, and have eclipsed the $1 billion mark for three consecutive years.”

This year, PACK EXPO Las Vegas saw international attendance grow from 2,773 (2005) to 3,718 — a 34 percent leap. International visitors who took advantage of the show’s International Business Center were able to meet with PACK EXPO Las Vegas staff and US Department of Commerce representatives. Services also included briefings for organized delegations, product locator kiosks, interpreters and private meeting rooms.

“We have enjoyed the active support of the U.S. Government in promoting PACK EXPO, and the innovative packaging solutions the show illustrates year after year,” added Yuska.

PMMI is a trade association whose more than 500 general members manufacture packaging and packaging-related converting machinery in the United States and Canada. PMMI’s thirty-two supplier members manufacture commercially available packaging machinery components. PMMI's vision is to be the leading global resource for packaging. Its mission is to improve and promote members' abilities to meet the needs of their customers. Visit www.pmmi.org for more information.

PACK EXPO Las Vegas was held October 15-17, 2007 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. The show was co-located with the PROCESS EXPO, the Converting & Package Printing EXPO and the International Bottled Water Association’s 2007 Convention and Tabletop Trade Show. PACK EXPO International will be held November 9-13, 2008 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.  PMMI also produces EXPO PACK México, the premier packaging show in Mexico serving the Latin American region. This show will be held June 24-27, 2008 at Centro Banamex, Mexico City, Mexico.

Visit www.packexpo.com for more information. 

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