U.S. Commercial Service Awards Female-Founded Company in Pittsburgh with Export Achievement Certificate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2023
Contact: Office of Public Affairs
Email: publicaffairs@trade.gov
Phone: (202) 482-3809
PITTSBURGH – Today, the U.S. Commercial Service honored Mallory Barrett and Melinda Su-En Lee, co-founders of Pittsburgh-based Parcel Health, with a U.S. Department of Commerce Export Achievement Certificate presented by U.S. Commercial Service Director Ryan Russell and the Office of U.S. Representative Summer Lee (PA-12).
The Export Achievement Certificate recognizes American companies that have either made their first export sale or expanded their sales into overseas markets with assistance from the U.S. Commercial Service.
Parcel Health is a female-founded company that creates sustainable packaging solutions for pharmacies. The U.S. Commercial Service began working with Parcel Health in 2022 to develop an international business strategy. By utilizing the services provided by the U.S. Commercial Service, Parcel Health was shipping its Phill Box, a 100% recyclable and biodegradable prescription packaging alternative, to Canadian pharmacies within a matter of months and continues to leverage additional local, state and federal resources to grow its distribution channels in this market.
Through ITA’s Global Diversity Export Initiative, the U.S. Commercial Service is committed to bringing in new and diverse exporters into the trade ecosystem, including women, minority, LGBTQI+, veteran and service-disabled veteran owned companies.
“The success story of Parcel Health is that of a firm that recognizes the benefits of exporting and utilizes the U.S. Commercial Service’s strong global network,” said Ryan Russell, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service Pittsburgh Office. “We have been impressed with Parcel Health’s planning and vision and are pleased to congratulate them on such a prestigious award.”
“Parcel Health is a great example of the innovation and sustainable solutions upon which Pittsburgh is building its future,” said Rep. Lee. “Bringing its product to international markets with the support and resources of the U.S. Commercial Service not only demonstrates that companies of any size can make exporting a key component of their growth strategy but also highlights the strengths Pittsburgh has to offer.”
Additionally, Parcel Health received investment and early support from AlphaLab Health, Innovation Works sciences accelerator program, in partnership with Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network. Innovation Works is the Pittsburgh region’s most active early-stage investor and part of the statewide Ben Franklin Technology Partners, a network of four centers developed to help diversify Pennsylvania’s economy and retain the state’s high-caliber innovations that are invented and incubated here. The Ben Franklin Technology Partners are partially funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
“Parcel Health serves as a great example in effectuating its growth strategy through international sales by leveraging the resources of the U.S. Commercial Service. The U.S. Commercial Service helps companies of all sizes compete in the global marketplace. We are grateful for their support of the companies in the region,” said Ven Raju, president and CEO of Innovation Works.
Parcel Health co-founder Melinda Su-En Lee commented, “The U.S. Commercial Service has been instrumental in growing our business internationally,” said Melinda Su-En Lee, co-founder of Parcel Health. “Their services and support significantly shortened our timeline to international success. I encourage more early-stage companies to leverage the resources of the U.S. Commercial Service to enter global markets.”
About the International Trade Administration
The International Trade Administration (ITA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce is the premier resource for American companies competing in the global marketplace. Operating in more than 100 U.S. locations and 80 markets worldwide, ITA promotes trade and investment, assists U.S. businesses and workers to export and expand globally, and ensures fair trade and compliance by enforcing U.S. trade laws and agreements. For more information on ITA, visit www.trade.gov.
About the International Trade Administration’s U.S. Commercial Service
The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the International Trade Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Its network includes 100+ offices across the U.S. and in American embassies and consulates in more than 80 international markets. Whether you’re looking to make your first export sale or expand to additional markets, we offer the expertise you need to connect with business opportunities worldwide. For more information, visit www.trade.gov or contact your local U.S. Commercial Service Office.
