Regions Bank on Tuesday received the 2024 Export Services Presidential “E” Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C., in recognition of the bank's efforts to provide its corporate banking clients with financing solutions that collectively increase the country's exports.

of “E” Award Established by Presidential Order in 1961, the award is the highest recognition available to an individual or U.S. organization that has made significant contributions to the expansion of American exports.

“Regions Bank has demonstrated its continued commitment to growing exports,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in a congratulatory message to the bank.

“The 'E' Awards Committee recognizes Regions Bank for nearly doubling the export loans it has provided over the past four years. Regions Bank's work has undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs,” Raimondo said.

The first and last time Regions received this honor was in 1968, when Regions' predecessor was Merchants National Bank of Mobile.

“Regions Bank's focus is to help our business clients maximize growth opportunities, and our work with exporters helps American companies build on their successes and expand their global reach,” said Ronnie Smith, head of corporate banking at Regions Bank.

“Exports strengthen local economies, create jobs and drive community development. Regions' global trade finance team is a critical resource as our clients expand their markets. The President's “E” award is a testament to our relationship-based approach, providing customized insights from expert bankers who are committed to our clients' success.”

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

These are just a few of the service areas that helped Regions Bank receive this honor for the first time since 1968. “Regions Bank has a strong tradition of supporting vibrant trade,” said Carson Strickland, head of Regions' Global Trade Finance Relationship Team.

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

Grayson Everett is the state and politics editor for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on Twitter. Grayson