Wichita Manufacturer Honored by U.S. Chamber for Commitment to Expanding Trade, Creating Jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C.—To commend his continuing dedication to expanding trade and creating jobs, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today honored Leon Trammel, founder and CEO of the Wichita, Kansas-based manufacturing company Tramco, Inc., with the TradeRoots International Leadership Award.

"For decades, Leon has embodied what is great about the competitiveness of American manufacturing," said the U.S. Chamber's Senior Trade Advisor Leslie Schweitzer while presenting the award at the Chamber's board of directors meeting in Washington, D.C. "Tramco's products are recognized for their quality, workmanship, and dependability – features that continue to distinguish American products as the finest in the world."

"A lot of people want to be in business for themselves," said Trammel, who also serves on the board at the U.S. Chamber. "I always referred to it as the American Dream, until a British friend of mine told me that it is a World Dream. I think you have to go look for opportunity. It's very elusive, and it comes in many guises."

Tramco's 135 employees at its Wichita headquarters have demonstrated perseverance in advancing international trade and increasing exports by manufacturing bulk material-handling products that are used in all 50 states and more than 56 countries.

"Leon is a champion for free enterprise and international trade not only in Washington and Wichita, but around the world," Schweitzer said. "The company's success in the international market is a shining example of how small and medium sized companies are at the forefront of American success in markets abroad."

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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