World Trade Center Savannah (WTCSav) hosted its seventh annual Prosperity Through Trade Luncheon Wednesday, May 6, in conjunction with World Trade Month.
During the luncheon, WTCSav presented the World Trade Center Savannah International Business of the Year Award to Ardry Trading Company. Established in 1940, the Ardry Trading Company serves as an export stocking distributor providing export management, product distribution and technical support services for manufacturers worldwide.
“We are a small business in Effingham County with about 14 people. But I think that is a part of what makes this recognition
meaningful. International trade is not only done by the largest corporations in the world. Sometimes it is done by a small team in Effingham County that knows how to solve problems, move shipments, manage documentation, answer technical questions and connect manufacturers in the United States with customers on the other side of the world,” said Ardry Trading Company Vice President Ed Vance.
Sponsored by Georgia Southern University, the award is given annually to a regional company demonstrating excellence in international trade. This award is presented to encourage and recognize exemplary corporate leadership for international business or trade that advances relations between the U.S. and other nations as well as creates quality jobs in the region.
“Ardry Trading Company has been an important part of Effingham County’s business community for decades,” said Effingham County Development Authority CEO Brandt Herndon. “This recognition is well deserved, and we are proud to see the company recognized for its long-standing work in international trade.”
Ardry Trading Company ran against a line-up of outstanding companies including AJIN Georgia in Bulloch County, Daniel Defense in Bryan County, Page International in Chatham County and Medlog in Effingham County.
Past winners include:
- Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (2025)
- Brunswick Cellulose (2024)
- International Paper (2023)
- Anatolia Tile + Stone (2022)
- Dorel Home Furnishings (2021)
- Brodie International (2020)
- Koyo Bearings North America (2019)
- DIRTT Environmental Solutions (2018)
- D.J. Powers (2017)
- Savannah Bee Company (2016)
- Alcoa Forgings and Extrusions (2015)
- Gulfstream Aerospace (2014)
- SNF (2013)
- JCB (2012)
Posted: May 7, 2026