Governor Recognizes Vigon’s Rapid Growth

Vigon International and 49 other companies and entrepreneurs were recognized by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett for creating jobs, developing ideas, reaching new markets and making positive contributions in local communities at the 2014 Governor’s ImPAct Awards.

Vigon, East Stroudsburg, PA, was honored with the Export Impact Award. Vigon's export sales have increased from $8.2 million in 2011 to $19.6 million in 2013, a 139% increase. Over that three-year period, the company shipped to 48 different countries. According to the company, it has been a challenge building relationships, and it has taken time for Vigon to establish trust and create the kind of relationship that will permit business growth. Vigon has capitalized on opportunities when competitors have been out of material by going above and beyond to make an impression. Once new business sees how easy Vigon makes the process, they are more willing to return for future business.
 
“We honor the men and women who spend countless hours providing the leadership and care that it takes to run a successful and growing business,” Corbett said. “This recognition goes beyond the contributions made to Pennsylvania's diverse and vibrant economy. We celebrate Pennsylvanians who embody the American dream by taking risks, working hard and achieving success.”
 
The Governor’s ImPAct Awards recognized 50 companies from throughout the state in five categories: Jobs First, Community Impact, Small Business Impact, Entrepreneurial Impact and Export Impact. The awardees were chosen by an independent judging panel selected by the state’s partners, Team Pennsylvania Foundation (Team PA) and Journal Multimedia.
 
Nominations for each award were provided by the state’s regional economic development partners – the Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) network. All 10 PREP regions were eligible to submit up to five nominations per category. A total of 247 nominations were received.
 
The Corbett administration developed the PREP network to regionalize and coordinate local economic development services to businesses and entrepreneurs. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) provides grants through PREP to local economic development service providers that provide assistance and other resources to support local business expansion and growth. 
 
More than 600 business leaders and economic development partners throughout the state attended last year’s inaugural awards in Hershey and attendance topped more than 700 this year. Gov. Corbett thanked the audience of more than 700 for helping to move Pennsylvania forward.
 
“All of you are champions in partnering with us to build a stronger Pennsylvania,” Corbett said.  
 
 
The Corbett administration created the Governor’s ImPAct Awards initiative in 2013 to honor businesses in Pennsylvania that are creating job opportunities and contributing to the state’s economy. The awards are sponsored at no cost to the taxpayers by the state’s private sector partner, Team PA, and are coordinated by DCED, Team PA and Journal Multimedia.
 
More info: www.newPA.com/impact-awards.