Virginia's Economic Development Web Site Ranked 8th Best in the World

Corporate Location magazine praises VEDP's Internet presence

Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced the web site developed by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) received international recognition. The VEDP web site, designed to recruit new businesses to the Commonwealth, was recently ranked No. 8 in the world by Corporate Location magazine for recruiting. The publication ranked the top 100 web sites according to the amount of information available on each site, quality and relevance to foreign investors and user-friendly navigation. 

"Having the eighth best web site in the world geared to global business prospects is a tremendous success story for Virginia," said Governor Gilmore. "Virginia has been dubbed the 'Internet Capital' by leading technology-industry officials. My administration will remain committed to fostering a technology-friendly atmosphere to attract and keep international businesses in Virginia."

"As a competitive player in the global marketplace, Virginia's technology resources are reaching businesses in every corner of the world," said VEDP Executive Director Mark R. Kilduff. "Our Commonwealth will continue to inform and capture the interest of those companies seeking to expand." 

Corporate Location explains in its September issue why Virginia's site is one of the best. According to the magazine, the VEDP homepage "contains an online news service, which gives it a dynamic edge." Corporate Location also recognized VEDP's "bold and bright presentation which aids navigation. Regional information includes maps and links. Business information can be downloaded." 

Virginia tied with Minnesota for the #8 ranking. The top 10 list follows: 

1. Australia
2. New Zealand
3. South Korea
4. Lithuania
5. United Kingdom
6. Mexico
7. Florida
8. Minnesota
9. Virginia
10. Poland

Over 200 users visit VEDP's web site each day and view nearly 900 pages of content. The site generates approximately 25,000 impressions per month while visitors remain on the site an average of twelve minutes- three times longer than the average Internet site. Activity on the site has quadrupled over the past 18 months. Richmond-based Eye-On Corporation redesigned the web site in early 1999. 

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. VEDP's primary web site is located at www.yesvirginia.org. The article, in its entirety, is available at www.corporatelocation.com. 

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