BUSINESS MEMO: RECORD ILLINOIS EXPORT

Seven Illinois companies have been selected to receive the 1998 Governor's Export Awards for outstanding accomplishments in the export of Illinois goods and services.

Illinois export sales reached an all-time high of $37 billion in 1997, and ranks No. 5 in exports nationally. About 600,000 Illinoisans are employed in jobs sustained by exports.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) has offices in Chicago and Springfield, as well as six sites in foreign nations.

Award winners:

-- New to Exporting: Ferris Manufacturing Corp., Burr Ridge (disposable medical devices); and LP International, Chicago (Mexican food items).

-- Continuing Export Excellence: Marsh Co., Belleville (stencil-cutting and stencil-making equipment; C. Cretors & Co., Chicago (food processing equipment); and E.H. Wachs Co., Wheeling (pipe-cutting and valve-turning equipment).

-- Export Awareness and Development: Executive Club, Chicago; and Ric Frantz, LR International Inc., Bensenville.