O’Kane honored for world trade efforts

State Department of Resources and Economic Development Commissioner Sean O’Kane has been honored for his efforts in New Hampshire’s globalization activities and his support and work on international commerce for and on behalf of the state and its businesses.

At a ceremony at the International Trade Resource Center in Portsmouth, O’Kane was presented with the United States Diplomatic Medal for Peace and Commerce by James Cox, regional director of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“I am extremely honored to have been presented the United States Diplomatic Medal for Peace and Commerce,” said O’Kane. ”It really speaks to the success New Hampshire enjoys in the international marketplace.”

O’Kane commended New Hampshire exporters for their approaches and ideas, which he said have been highly instrumental in further developing the global reach of New Hampshire companies for a wide range of consumer goods and services made in the state.

“It has been a remarkable opportunity for me to have been associated with the highly talented team at our Office of International Commerce, whose hard work and dedication is simply unmatched,” said O’Kane. “For many years, this team has been recognized as leader among all fifty states in the effort to develop international trade for New Hampshire companies.”

In 2005, New Hampshire’s export sales reached an all-time record with $2.548 billion in sales – an 11.5 percent increase over 2004. – NHBR STAFF