MORTON, ILLINOIS, US — 4B Components received the exporter of the year as part of the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship 2020 Small Business Awards.

The Turner Center awards honor Illinois companies that achieved excellence in exporting, as well as organizations that provide export assistance.

Stephen Standifird, president of Bradley University, and Jim Foley, director of the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship, Small Business Development Center & International Trade Center at Bradley University, presented the award.

Over the years, 4B has remained in ongoing interaction with the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) at Bradley University, said Jonathan Wheat, president of 4B.

“The ITC has been a valuable resource by providing guidance and training to our staff on international trade documentation requirements and tariff classification, by keeping 4B informed of state-sponsored loan opportunities and international trade reimbursements, and by including 4B into its network of university trade centers in the Midwest,” he said.

A focused export strategy and ongoing investments in innovation have driven 4B’s significant international growth, the company said.

“We continue to invest in this area by adding to our very talented international team of sales engineers,” Wheat said. “We look forward to increasing our manufacturing capabilities and expanding our facility in Morton. We have enough acreage to double our existing manufacturing and warehousing space.”

Click here to view the interview with 4B.