Gov. Robert Bentley on Wednesday honored eight Alabama companies for their accomplishments in the export market.

The companies were awarded by receiving Trade Excellence Awards for their products and services to customers around the world, which fits in to the administration's economic growth strategy.

The firms were honored at the the Old House Chamber at the State Capitol on Wednesday.

Overseas shipments of Alabama-made goods last year topped $19.5 billion, just short of an annual record, Bentley's office reported. Alabama exports have also risen 57 percent since 2009.

http://www.madeinalabama.com/2015/03/trade-excellence-awards/

http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/news/2015/03/19/alabama-export-leaders-honored-by-gov-bentley.html