RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership today announced that seven companies have been selected to participate in the July 2003 class of the VALET (Virginia Leaders in Export Trade) Program. These companies were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants based on their strong focus on international trade. Launched in January 2002, the program assists exporters in the Commonwealth that have firmly established domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as an expansion strategy. There are currently 30 companies participating in the VALET Program. Virginia Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade Matt Erskine congratulated the VALET participants at an event in Richmond today.
“The VALET Program accelerates the development of international business by connecting companies with the practical tools needed for successful export sales,” said Kimberly Weir, VALET Program Manager. “VEDP looks forward to supporting these new participants as they implement their international strategies.”
To take part, each eligible business must meet several quantitative criteria and complete an application process. Participating firms are chosen based on their dedication to growth through export. Representing a variety of industries throughout the Commonwealth, the seven companies selected for the July 2003 VALET class are:
Company Product/Industry Location
- Care Rehab and Orthopaedic Products, Inc. Medical Equipment & Supplies McLean
- Filtrona Richmond, Inc. Custom Bonded Fiber Components Colonial Heights
- John C. Nordt Co. Inc. Precious Metal Products Roanoke
- Lee Tennis LLC, a division of Luck Stone Tennis Court Surfacing, Equipment Charlottesville
- Medeco Security Locks, Inc. High Security Locks and Cylinders Salem
- TechLab, Inc. Intestinal Diagnostics Blacksburg
- Zeller + Gmelin Corporation UV Curing Printing Inks Richmond
“Through the VALET Program, we have been able to update our marketing materials and establish
partnerships with organizations in Brazil, Canada and Mexico,” said Brigit Pohl, Vice President of Sorbilite, Inc., a current VALET participant in Virginia Beach. “Since Sorbilite joined the program in January 2003, I have felt more prepared for various international business issues that come up because I know where to go for answers and advice.”
The VALET Program incorporates services from VALET Program Partners, a team of experienced international service providers who assist the VALET companies with their international goals. Service providers such as attorneys, web designers, bankers, translators and freight-forwarders contribute essential skills for expansion into international markets. The following 24 companies are VALET Program Partners:
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Company Product/Industry Location
- ActiveMedia Web Marketing & Promotions Great Falls
- Allegheny Brokerage Company Export Control Compliance/Customs Brokerage/Forwarding Dublin
- BB&T Financial Services Richmond
- Bank of America Financial Services Richmond
- China Channel Limited Approaches to Seeking Business in China Petersburg
- *Concepts Direct/ECDIMAIL e-Marketing Solutions Richmond
- CV International Ocean/Air Freight Forwarder/Transportation Provider Norfolk
- *GlobalFon, Inc. Telecommunications Herndon
- Global Law Group Legal Services Roanoke
- Global Trade & Logistics Services, Inc. Export Compliance & Logistics Consulting Richmond
- The Language Group Translation/Interpretation Virginia Beach
- Lasa Monroig & Veve Legal Services Washington D.C.
- LeClair Ryan Legal Services Richmond
- NexGen Communications Export Software New York, NY
- SunTrust Bank Financial Services Richmond
- Test4safety.com Standards Compliance Reedville
- TNB Language Services Language Translation, Interpretations, Situation & Cultural Training Roanoke
- *Trade Show Training, Inc. Trade Show Planning Richmond
- TRADOS, Inc. Translation Software Alexandria
- Transition Success Consulting Cross-cultural Education and Training Alexandria
- UTi Freight Forwarding Sterling
- Virtual Strategies, Inc. Corporate development consulting Washington, D.C.
- Williams Mullen Legal Services Richmond
- Yusen Air & Sea Services, Inc Customs Compliance & Brokerage Chesapeake
*New Program Partner, July 2003
“Over the past two years, we have benefited from the VALET Program,” said Giovanni Donatelli of The Language Group, a current VALET Program Partner. “Being affiliated with VEDP has allowed us to participate in numerous events throughout the state, covering topics from international trade logistics to finance, which in turn allows us to better assist our clients. Our company has seen significant growth in the past two years, and if we track the total contacts that we have made since the initiation of the VALET Program, a significant portion are a result of an introduction through VEDP.”
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.
To find out more about the VALET Program, visit www.ExportVirginia.org.