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NORTH ATTLEBORO - Meeting the president is an awe-inspiring experience.

It can also be a once-in-a-lifetime chance for a little good-natured ribbing aimed at the leader of the Free World.

When Health Enterprises President Glenn Leman and Senior Director of Sales and Marketing Brendan Leonard were afforded the rare privilege Tuesday of meeting President George W. Bush after receiving a presidential export award, Leman handed Bush a gift of hunters' earplugs packed in a handsome case.

Leman also couldn't resist telling the president that the earplugs would be "great for Vice President Cheney" - a well known hunter. Cheney is also known for having accidentally wounding a fellow hunter.

Cheney inadvertently shot the 78-year-old hunter and campaign contributor during a quail hunt in 2006. Leman said the remark was a spur-of-the-moment quip, and the president smirked back indicating he appreciated the joke. "He's just a very down to earth guy," said Leman, who admitted to being nervous on being ushered into the Oval Office along with Leonard to meet Bush.

Leman's North Attleboro-based company was one of several firms presented with a presidential E Award for excellence in exporting. Health Enterprises, which started as a one-person company, now manufactures or distributes more than 250 health care products in 45 countries.

The firm has experienced 58 percent growth in its exports business over the past four years.

Health Enterprises representatives were formally honored, along with other businesses, at the White House by Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez prior to the personal greeting by Bush in the Oval Office.

Leman said the meeting lasted about three minutes and that U.S. Rep. James McGovern, D-Mass., was also present for the ceremony.

"Health Enterprises is helping to keep America competitive in the global marketplace," Gutierrez said. "I commend them for contributing to last year's record in goods and services. Thanks to Health Enterprises and the thousands of others that compete in the global market, U.S. exports last year rose 12.6 percent over the previous year to more than $1.6 trillion, making an important contribution to U.S. economic growth."

The E Award is the highest honor the federal government can give to American people, firms or organizations that have made significant contributions to the increase of American exports. The Presidential E Award was established by President Kennedy in 1961.

Leman said the experience of being introduced to the President at the White House was "almost surreal. My heart was pounding in my chest."

The company president said the award is indicative of teamwork throughout the Health Enterprises organization that led to the company's exporting accomplishments.

"This is a great honor for Health Enterprises," Leman said. "We are especially thankful for the hard work of our employees and worldwide partners who made this achievement possible. We remain committed to expanding our international sales growth and continuing to develop innovative healthcare products that help improve the lives of people throughout the world."