Q & A

Washington, May 20 - Congressman Joe Knollenberg joined Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and Automation Alley Executive Director Ken Rogers at the White House for a ceremony honoring the nation’s best export firms and agencies. Automation Alley was among the recipients of this year’s prestigious “E” export awards.

“I was proud to join the President today in honoring the tremendous work being done by Automation Alley to grow Michigan’s economy,” said Knollenberg.

“My hat goes off to Brooks Patterson, Ken Rogers and the good people at Automation Alley on winning this prestigious award.  There’s no question, as this award highlights today, that Automation Alley is bringing jobs to southeast Michigan and making our region more attractive to job providers worldwide.  Automation Alley’s trade efforts are doing great things that are laying the groundwork for a brighter future for Michigan.”

“To grow the new Michigan economy, we must focus on the new growth areas that mesh well with our existing strengths.  Advanced manufacturing and high-tech research and development are certainly two such areas, and these are areas that the Alley is focused in on.  I’ve been proud to work with Automation Alley through the years to help create jobs and improve the image of our region.”

The “E” Award was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to recognize the achievements of individuals and organizations in promoting and increasing American exports. Automation Alley is the first non-profit trade organization in Michigan to receive the award.  

A small business owner, PTA president, homeowner association president, and parish leader, Congressman Joe Knollenberg has been a citizen leader in Oakland County for the better part of three decades. He was first elected to Congress in 1992 and is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.