Charleston, WV – Athena Sciences received the Governor’s Commendation for International Market Entry Award, recognizing West Virginia businesses that exported to a new country in the previous year. Athena received this award for exporting biometric system solutions to Afghanistan and Iraq. Athena was one of ten companies to receive this award for the first time.
Governor Jim Justice’s Chief of Staff, Mike Hall presided over the presentation. He was joined by Commerce Secretary Ed Gaunch and West Virginia Development Office Executive Director Mike Graney.
“This award is given to companies that made their first sale to a new country in the previous calendar year,” said Hall. “On behalf of the governor, I thank you and congratulate you.”
“These innovative companies are perfect examples of how hard-working, entrepreneurial companies in our state can compete on the world stage,” said Secretary of Commerce, Ed Gaunch.
“We are honored to receive this award,” said Athena CEO, Dan McCaugherty. “We have worked hard to develop industry leading products and services in the biometrics marketplace. I have had the opportunity to work with defense and aerospace professionals across the United States for over thirty years and I can say without reservation that we have outstanding talent here in West Virginia. I am proud of our employees and their creativity and dedication.”
Pictured below from left to right is Governor Jim Justice’s Chief of Staff, Mike Hall, Athena CEO, Dan McCaugherty, and Commerce Secretary, Ed Gaunch.
