[2] Founded by Ohio Governor James A. Rhodes in 1966 during a ceremony at the Perry Monument at Put-In Bay.

The Association of Ohio Commodores is led by an executive committee, sub-committees, board of trustees, and four regional directors.

[5][6] The Elite Corps are individuals who have brought honor and dignity to themselves and their home state of Ohio.

James Rhodes was an American Republican politician from Ohio that served four full terms in office.

These awards honor Ohio companies or institutions that have created jobs and improved their local economies through international trade.