The announcement, made by Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez, said business leaders like Mr. Dicke are one of the best resources for identifying trade barriers and opportunities for U.S. exports, as well as for helping promote the President’s trade policy.

Formed in the early 1970s, the President’s Export Council advises the President through the Secretary of Commerce on export enhancement and works with industry encouraging U.S. companies to increase exports and enter new markets.

Crown owns and operates nine manufacturing facilities in four countries, including Australia, Germany, Mexico, the United States and is expanding into China. The company supports its company-owned and independent distributors in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India and the Pacific Rim.

Under Mr. Dicke’s direction, Crown, a privately held company, has grown into one of the largest manufacturers of lift trucks in the world. These heavy-duty electric lift trucks are used in transporting materials and goods in warehouses and distribution centers throughout the world. Founded in1945 by the Dicke family, Crown today employs more than 7,300 employees with sales revenues in excess of $1.2 billion.

The private-sector members of the Council serve at the pleasure of the President with no set term of office. The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House also appoint five United States Senators and five members of the House of Representatives to the Council.