Congressman Rick Larsen Presents Certificate at Company Headquarters
Recognized for Opening New Market in the Maldives
By Sally Gillie
Electric Mirror’s success in the international marketplace was celebrated last month when Congressman Rick Larsen visited the company headquarters in Everett, Washington, to present CEO Jim Mischel with a prestigious Export Achievement Certificate.
The certificate, awarded by the U.S. Commercial Service, recognized the company for securing hospitality sales in the Maldives, a new export market for Electric Mirror. The Maldives are a chain of islands located in the Indian Ocean southeast of Asia.
Jim Mischel receiving the Export Achievement Award from Congressman Larsen, flanked by senior Electric Mirror employees and officials from the Export Assistance Cen
Finalizing product sales with the Maldives was the result of several months’ effort on behalf of Electric Mirror with assistance from the Seattle office of the U.S. Export Assistance Center. “We are so proud of what was accomplished and are grateful to the support of the people at the Seattle EAC office for all of their hard work in helping us open this new market,” said Mischel.
At the December 2014 presentation, representatives from U.S. Commercial Service in Seattle, and Congressman Larsen toured Electric Mirror’s manufacturing facility. Congressman Larsen was impressed, “I got to see the perfect example of how local innovation is creating local jobs and contributing to Washington State’s diverse economy,” said Larsen, adding, “Electric Mirror is a global leader in high-technology mirrors, and it showcases the importance of trade to our regional economy. I am committed to helping businesses follow Electric Mirror’s lead in exporting their products overseas to create jobs here at home.”
Congressman Larsen with Jim Mischel at the beginning of the tour of Electric Mirror’s production facilities.
CEO Mischel said it was an honor to be recognized for opening exports to the Maldives. “Since our inception, we have been dedicated to creating American jobs and exporting our product worldwide. We currently employ more than 300 skilled workers in our facility who are producing Lighted Mirror and Mirror TV technology for hotel projects around the world.”
Electric Mirror Clients include major hotels and commercial businesses throughout the US, Europe, Asia, Central and South America, Canada, and the Middle East. The biggest names in the hospitality industry are included on their client list – St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, Fairmont, Four Seasons, Jumeirah, JW Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Sheraton, and many more.
“Electric Mirror is a shining example of a U.S. manufacturer capturing market share around the world with their innovative products made by a diverse workforce with a strong ethic,” said Diane Mooney, Director, Seattle EAC.
Always working to create new business opportunities, Mia Freymiller Vice President of Community Relations for Electric Mirror with Ambassador Mohammed Jaham Al-Kuwa
Electric Mirror’s success in establishing a trade relationship with the Maldives has great potential for future hospitality sales to this region that depends heavily on tourism. Maldives, with a population of about 325,000, welcomes some 900,000 visitors each year to enjoy the tropical weather, white sand beaches, and coral reefs that attract scuba divers from around the world. There are 1,190 coral islands that make up the Republic of the Maldives and of the 200 inhabited islands, 105 of them offer resorts for tourists.