SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis. – President George W. Bush has presented Johnsonville Sausage LLC with the President’s “E” Award for Export Excellence on May 20.

The president presented the award with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez in a White House ceremony, the company said in a statement.

The company said the award is the highest honor the federal government can give to an American exporting company. It recognizes American companies for competitive achievements in world markets and increase U.S. exports.

Johnsonville Sausage received the award based on the company's achievement in supporting export growth in the U.S. business community.

"Johnsonville made the strategic decision years ago to invest in expanding the company's activities outside the United States, as a way to increase channels for growth," said Bill Morgan, Johnsonville president. "This strategy, based upon brand development in international markets and building an international infrastructure, has allowed us to grow so that we're currently exporting to 30 countries around the world."