Erie is known for exporting locomotives, plastics parts, plumbing fixtures, and magnetic equipment.

It’s also known for exporting people.

In recent memory, Erie has given the world Tom Ridge, Pat Monahan, and Steve Scully — to name a few.

Since part of our mission here is to talk about those who have left town, I’d like to create a new GlobalErie distinction — The Erie Expatriates Awards.

Over the next two weeks, I’d like to see nominations pointing to graduates of Erie high schools or colleges who are achieving great things in their new hometowns.

Ultimately, my goal is to create an annual list of 10 Erie expatriates who deserve special notice — and to profile those 10 people on our site.

By doing so, I think we’ll be able to bring more people into this conversation — and also call attention to some folks who might not be getting notice in their hometown. Along the way, I’m sure we’ll uncover some great stories.

So fire away! Post a comment or shoot me an email to nominate someone. And please spread the word so we can get as comprehensive a field of nominees as possible.

It should be fun.