Commerce International Division Recognized for Excellence in Export Promotion
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the Kansas Department of Commerce International Division has been awarded the Regional Export Promotion Program (REPP) Member of the Year Award. This honor from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) was presented at REPP’s 2025 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.
“With 95% of the world’s consumers living outside of the United States, the State of Kansas is firmly committed to supporting and providing resources to Kansas exporters of all sizes,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This award acknowledges how serious we are about helping Kansas companies succeed in the global marketplace.”
The award recognizes Kansas for its collaboration and commitment to supporting businesses in exporting, particularly by hosting several informative and impactful webinars. These webinars, hosted by Commerce, were designed to bring awareness and accessibility to EXIM programs for Kansas exporters, generating greater participation and engagement across the state.
“The collaborative spirit and unwavering support of the Kansas Department of Commerce exemplifies and reflects the values and missions of EXIM and the work that we do to support American business,” Acting President and Chairman James Cruse said. “The innovation and advocacy of the agency has been an invaluable resource to exporters, allowing them to access the tools necessary to thrive in international markets and making them a standout recipient of this year’s REPP Member of the Year award.”
EXIM is an independent federal agency that supports American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. Collaboratively, the REPP program brings state, county and local nonprofit economic development entities together with EXIM through partnerships designed to expand export opportunities. Kansas has been a member of the REPP program since 2024.
“Kansas’ partnership with EXIM has assisted 19 Kansas businesses with international trade finance solutions — with the majority of them being small businesses,” Assistant Director of Global Resources Laurie Pieper said. “We are honored to have received the 2025 REPP Award, and Kansas Commerce looks forward to continuing a fulfilling and mutually beneficial relationship with EXIM.”
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About EXIM:
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the nation’s official export credit agency with the mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. To advance American competitiveness and assist U.S. businesses as they compete for global sales, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. As an independent federal agency, EXIM contributes to U.S. economic growth by supporting tens of thousands of jobs in exporting businesses and their supply chains across the United States. Learn more at www.exim.gov.