BABC Honors Governor Edward G. Rendell

The British American Business Council honored Governor Edward G. Rendell on March 24 with the fifth “Building a Better Future” award in recognition of his administration’s efforts to increase foreign investments in the commonwealth and help expand Pennsylvania business overseas.

“I’m proud to receive this award, and I’m excited that the successes of Pennsylvania’s international business development efforts are being recognized this way,” said Governor Rendell during the luncheon. “Our aim is to help Pennsylvania business grow and prosper, and we are working hard to strengthen existing relations and cultivate new partnerships with other countries, as well.”

With over 1,400 foreign companies investing in the Commonwealth, Pennsylvania is America’s fastest growing state in international business development. Pennsylvania exports to the UK totaled more than $1.4 billion, a 22% increase since 2006. There have also been 13 investment projects in Pennsylvania from the UK, with a total capital investment of $188 million and the creation and retention of more than 3,800 jobs.

The “Building a Better Future” award is presented to a member of the community who makes significant contributions to promoting business development within the state, country and across the Atlantic; Governor Rendell has been extraordinarily successful in cultivating these relationships.

Past honorees of this award include: Jean-Pierre Garnier, GlaxoSmithKline; HRH Prince Andrew, the Duke of York; John Kyees, Urban Outfitters; Rachel Brydon-Jannetta, Severn Trent Laboratories, Inc.; Leonard Graziano, Severn Trent Services, Inc.; Ed Ryan, Citizens Bank; Robert Roche, Jr., Cephalon; and Graham Broyd, Royal Bank of Scotland.