Last month, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) held its 2025 Annual Conference: Winning Globally in America’s Golden Age. During the conference, twelve businesses were recognized as Exporters of the Year. These exporters represent innovation and the ability to compete globally. They also illustrate how EXIM’s trade finance tools and programs, such as Export Credit Insurance and Working Capital Loan Guarantees can assist American businesses in being successful on a global scale.
“The twelve recipients of the Exporter of the Year Award represent the tenacity and innovation of American businesses,” said Acting President and Chairman James Cruse. “EXIM is committed to supporting American exporters win globally by offering a suite of financing tools and continuing our work to increase the global competitiveness of American exports.”
2025 Exporters of the Year
Divers Supply Inc.
Divers Supply Inc. distributes commercial diving equipment such as helmets, masks, suits, underwater welding equipment, and decompression chambers while also producing its own line of equipment such as radios, air-control boxes, and dive umbilicals. The Louisiana-based company has been an EXIM customer since 2014 with shipments totaling $1.2MM to thirteen buyers in seven countries.
“We are up to over 40% of our sales thanks to EXIM offering terms of payment to foreign companies. Thank you for helping us solve the payment issue for out-of-the-country customers.” - Robbie Mistretta, Vice President
Ecore International Inc.
Ecore International was founded and incorporated in 1989 and is based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The company manufactures recycled flooring products, specializing in hard rubber sheets and wooden products, such as cork items. Ecore International became an EXIM customer in 2010 with a policy that has supported approximately $87MM worth of shipments to 230 buyers in 29 countries.
Giles & Kendall Inc.
Huntsville, Alabama-based Giles & Kendall, Inc. was founded in 1939 and is a manufacturer of cedar oil which is fragrant to humans but acts as a repellent to insects. The company has been an EXIM customer since 2009 and ships to eleven buyers located in eight countries including the Netherlands, France, and Spain.
Legs 4 Life LLC
Based in Asheboro, North Carolina, Legs 4 Life specializes in the manufacturing and retail of men’s and women’s specialized compression socks and footwear helping with a variety of leg-related health conditions. The company has been an EXIM customer since 2014 seeing export volumes of up to $2.5MM with South Korea being its major export market.
Manhattan Electric & Hardware Corporation
Established in 1968, Manhattan Electric & Hardware Corporation wholesales and distributes electrical and lighting supplies. The company has been an EXIM customer since 2000 with approximately $1.6MM in shipment volume and is expected to expand its exports into the Dominican Republic, Belize, Costa Rica, and Antigua & Barbuda within the next few years.
“Exporting has fueled our growth, enabling us to expand our reach while maintaining exceptional service in the electrical supplies industry.” - Manny Lopez, Jr., Sales Manager
Malco Products
Based in Barberton, Ohio, Malco Products is a manufacturer and supplier of automotive care, fuel additives, and various cleaning products. This fourth-generation family business has been an EXIM customer since 2013, utilizing EXIM’s Export Credit Insurance to ship to a diverse portfolio of markets including South Africa, El Salvador, Costa Rica, the United Arab Emirates, and South Korea.
“We were introduced to EXIM through the Ohio Department of Development, which has been a valuable partner in supporting our international growth efforts. Their team helped connect us with EXIM’s resources, including Export Credit Insurance, which has played a key role in expanding our global footprint and managing risk as we grow in new markets.” - Stuart Glauberman, President
Nature's Sungrown Foods LLC
Nature’s Sungrown Foods LLC was established in 1999 and is an exporter and wholesaler of various food products including processed meats and poultry, dairy, and canned and packaged foodstuffs. The company has been a customer of EXIM since 2021 with $2.9MM worth of shipments reported in the last 12 months. Nature's Sungrown Foods exports to Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Germany.
Read more about how EXIM helped Nature’s Sungrown Foods compete worldwide here.
R.C. Bigelow Inc.
Founded in 1945 in Fairfield, Connecticut, R.C. Bigelow Inc. is a family-owned business that markets more than one hundred varieties of tea. The company has been exporting since 1986 and a customer of EXIM since 2008 with an Export Credit Insurance policy that has supported $69.4 million in shipments.
“Our international sales represent 3% of total sales, and we have experienced a considerable amount of growth since working with EXIM. Bigelow Tea’s international sales have grown more than 200% in the last five years.” - Mike Penaflor, International Sales & Marketing Representative
Richloam Tobacco Company
Richloam Tobacco Company, based in Keysville, Virginia, has been in operation since 2004 and has been in the tobacco farming industry for four generations. An EXIM customer since 2018, Richloam has leveraged EXIM’s Working Capital Loan Guarantee program to maintain its superior quality tobacco in foreign and domestic markets.
“EXIM, along with First Bank & Trust, has been key to growing the business from humble beginnings to where we are today. Without EXIM, this would not have been possible, and I owe a debt of gratitude to the Bank.” - Michael Bailey, President
The Steco Corporation
The Steco Corporation was founded in 1957 in Little Rock, Arkansas, and manufactures and distributes lubricating cutting fluids under the brand name Tap Magic. The company has been an EXIM customer since 2016 and has shipped to seven buyers in four countries, with total shipments reaching $445K.
Summit Almonds LLC
Summit Almonds LLC was founded in 2008 in Northern California. The company distributes and exports U.S. tree nuts including almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and pistachios. Summit partners with and exports to 85+ countries and has been an EXIM customer since 2013 utilizing the Working Capital Loan Guarantee program. Exports make up 80% of its business.
“Summit Almonds is truly honored to be recognized by the Export-Import Bank of the United States as an Exporter of the Year. This award reflects the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the strength of our global partnerships. EXIM’s support – particularly through the Working Capital Guarantee program – has been instrumental to our growth, enabling us to meet international demand with confidence. We are proud to represent American agriculture abroad and deeply grateful for this recognition and EXIM’s continued partnership.” - Dale Darling, Founder and President
West Paw, Inc.
West Paw is a family-owned and operated manufacturer of eco-friendly dog and cat beds, toys, and apparel. Established in 1996, the company’s products are made from recycled materials and can be found in over 6,000 retailers across 40 countries. West Paw began exporting in 2000 and has been a customer of EXIM since 2011 with their primary markets being in Norway, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Read West Paw’s EXIM success story here.
EXIM 2025 Annual Conference Highlights
View highlights from EXIM's flagship event here, on social media under #EXIM25, and on EXIM's social media channels @EximBankUS on X.com (Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and TruthSocial.
To learn how EXIM can assist your business in starting or expanding your export journey, schedule a free consultation with a trade finance specialist today.
