Regions Bank receives prestigious export award from U.S. Department of Commerce for first time since 1968

On Tuesday, Regions Bank was presented with the 2024 President’s “E” Award for Export Service by the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C. in recognition of the bank’s work to provide financing solutions for corporate banking clients that collectively increase the nation’s exports.

The “E” Award was created in 1961 by Executive Order and serves as the highest recognition a person or U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of American exports.

“Regions Bank has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo in her congratulatory letter to the bank.

“The ‘E’ Awards Committee recognizes Regions Bank’s near doubling of export financing provided over the past four years. Regions Bank’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs,” Raimondo said.

(1968 President’s “E” Award, Regions Bank/Contributed)

The first and most recent time Regions received the honor was in 1968, when it was the Merchants National Bank of Mobile — a predecessor to Regions.

“Our focus at Regions Bank is helping business clients maximize opportunities for growth, and our work with exporters helps American businesses expand their global reach while building on their success,” Ronnie Smith, head of Corporate Banking for Regions, said.

“Exports strengthen our local economies, create jobs and keep our communities moving forward. Regions’ Global Trade Finance team is an important resource for clients to expand their market reach. The President’s ‘E’ Award is a testament to our relationship-based approach toward delivering customized insights from specialized bankers who are committed to client success.”

Regions provides Treasury management solutions to enhance cash flow and manage liquidity, performance solutions to develop global customer bases and negotiate international contracts safely, and working capital solutions to leverage support from the Export-Import Bank and the U.S. Small Business Administration to finance exports.

These are among just a few of the service areas that contributed to Regions receiving the honor for the first time since 1968. “Regions Bank has a strong legacy of supporting vibrant trade,” said Carson Strickland, head of Regions’ Global Trade Finance Relationship team.

“Over the past 100 years, Regions Bank and its predecessor banks have continued to build upon the capabilities and services business clients need to grow their international presence. Our growth reflects the global demand for U.S. products and services. As we look to the future, we will continue to provide the same personalized attention our clients have come to know, and we look forward to welcoming new clients to Regions’ approach to international trade.”

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270