RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) Division of International Trade today announced plans to attend the Caribbean Hotel Industry Conference (CHIC) to promote the export of Virginia products and services. This year’s trade show will be held in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, June 16-19, 2002.
As part of its mission to provide Virginia businesses with the resources to develop new market opportunities for exporting, VEDP’s Division of International Trade is inviting Virginia hospitality companies to join the state at this trade show. In 2000, nine Virginia companies joined VEDP at CHIC 2000.
“EMS is excited to attend the CHIC show again this year because of the business that we have achieved from going in years past,” said Bill Warren, Vice President of Sales for Economy Maintenance Supply Company, Inc. of Fairfax Station. “This will be the third time VEDP has attended CHIC. VEDP works with many consumer, furniture and software companies that service the hospitality industry. By promoting Virginia products and services in nearby Caribbean nations, Virginia companies enjoy a competitive advantage within an easily serviceable market.”
In 2001, Virginia exports to the Caribbean were valued at nearly $140 million – an estimated 57 percent increase from year 2000. Currently, more than 300 hotels and resort complexes have plans or are presently involved in renovation construction and new additions.
In anticipation of nearly 1,000 attendees, VEDP has reserved a 160-square-foot exhibit to showcase Virginia’s hospitality industry. Participating companies must cover their own travel costs and exhibit fees. To learn more about the show, visit www.CaribbeanHotels.org. For information on accompanying the VEDP to CHIC 2002, please contact Kim Weir, VEDP International Trade Manager, at (804) 371-0630.
The Caribbean Hotel Association is a Federation of 35 national hotel associations from Bermuda to Guyana and from Barbados to Mexico and Belize. More than 1,000 member hotels represent 110,000+ rooms, from small guest houses to mega resorts. Airlines, trade and consumer press, and hotel and restaurants suppliers, account for more than 700 allied members.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, a marketing organization, was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. The Partnership is a state authority, which is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor. To accomplish its objectives of promoting economic expansion within the Commonwealth, the Partnership focuses its efforts on business development and international trade. VEDP has offices in Virginia, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, Brazil, Korea and Japan.