Join us August for World Trade Day 2026: Kentucky's Global Business Summit and the prestigious Martha Layne Collins Award Ceremony
Honoring a Legacy of Economic Transformation
The primary reason for the award's name and focus is Governor Collins' pivotal role in modernizing Kentucky's economy through international partnerships:
- Attracting Toyota: Her most significant achievement was negotiating the deal in 1985 that brought Toyota’s first standalone U.S. plant to Georgetown, Kentucky. This move transformed Kentucky into a major global automotive manufacturing hub.
- Global Vision: Collins was an early advocate for "looking at life globally," often stressing that international trade is essential for technological advancement and job creation.
- Post-Gubernatorial Work: After her term, she served as the president of the World Trade Center Kentucky, the organization that now presents the award in her honor.
Beyond just honoring the former governor, the award serves several economic purposes:
- Economic Impact: It recognizes the positive effect that successful exports and imports have on the local and regional economy.
- Success Recognition: It highlights companies that have navigated the complexities of global trade, showing exceptional progress and creativity in their international strategies.
- Community Contribution: Winners are chosen not just for their sales, but for how their global success contributes back to their local Kentucky communities.
Past Recipients
2019 Recipients
Micro Enterprise Recipient (0-10 employees ): New Frontier, Inc. – Morehead, Ky.
Small Enterprise Recipient (50 employees or fewer): Hallway Feeds – Lexington, Ky.
Medium Enterprise Recipient (500 employees or fewer): National Band & Tag – Newport, Ky.
Large Enterprise Recipient (greater than 500 employees): Champion Petfoods – Lexington, Ky.
2018 Recipients
Micro Enterprise Recipient (0-10 employees ):ACE Compressor Parts & Services Inc. – Mayfield, Ky.
Medium Enterprise Recipient (500 employees or fewer): Dippin’ Dots, LLC – Paducah, Ky.
Medium Enterprise Recipient (500 employees or fewer): Against the Grain, LLC – Louisville, Ky.
Large Enterprise Recipient (greater than 500 employees): Zoeller Company – Louisville, Ky.
2016 Recipients
Small Enterprise Recipient (0-10 employees ): Phoenix Products, Inc - McKee, Ky.
Medium Enterprise Recipient (50 employees or fewer): Justice AV Solutions - Middletown, Ky.
Large Enterprise Recipient (greater than 500 employees): Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc. - Georgetown, Ky.
2015 Recipients
Micro Enterprise Recipient (0-10 employees ): Valley Vista Ski Products - Louisville, Ky.
Medium Enterprise Recipient (500 employees or fewer): Two Rivers Fisheries - Wickliffe, Ky.
Medium Enterprise Recipient (500 employees or fewer): Peptides International - Louisville, Ky.
Large Enterprise Recipient (greater than 500 employees): Alltech - Nicholasville, Ky.
2014 Recipients
Micro Enterprise Recipient (0-10 employees ): White Drive Products, Inc. - Hopkinsville, Ky.
Medium Enterprise Recipient (500 employees or fewer): LSI Wallcovering - New Albany, In.
Medium Enterprise Recipient (500 employees or fewer): Hitachi Automotive Systems - Harrodsburg, Ky.
Large Enterprise Recipient (greater than 500 employees): Big Ass Solutions - Lexington, Ky.
Stay current with the latest developments surrounding World Trade Day. This premier event brings together global leaders, industry experts, and key stakeholders to explore emerging trends and opportunities in international trade.
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- Keynote Speakers and Panelists: Announcements featuring distinguished voices shaping global commerce
- Exhibitors: Organizations presenting innovative solutions, products, and services
- Sponsors and Partners: Leading companies supporting and driving the success of the event
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