RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership today announced that seven Virginia companies successfully completed the state’s two-year VALET (Virginia Leaders in Export Trade) program, collectively attaining $19 million in export sales. 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. Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Michael J. Schewel congratulated the following VALET graduates at an event in Richmond today:
Company Industry Location
- Avtec Systems, Inc. Satellite Communications McLean
- Burlington Medical Supplies Medical Supplies Newport News
- KITCO Fiber Optics Fiber Optics Virginia Beach
- Specialty Blades, Inc. Manufacturing Staunton
- Super Radiator Coils Industrial Radiators Richmond
- Tallant Industries Building Materials Fredericksburg
- Virginia Panel Corporation Interface Connectors Waynesboro
“The VALET program connects Virginia companies with the practical tools needed for successful export sales,” said Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Michael J. Schewel. “Today’s event marks our first graduating class. Their success stories are a testament to this pioneering program – linking public resources with private enterprise to create jobs and investment for the Commonwealth.”
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. Currently, 37 Virginia companies have been accepted to participate in the VALET program. With seven companies graduating, seven new companies will begin. Representing a variety of industries throughout the Commonwealth, the following companies have been accepted into the January 2004 VALET class:
Company Industry Location
- CCA Marine Division Marine Control Systems Hampton
- Innovative Concepts, Inc. Data Communications McLean
- Printpack, Inc. Packaging Williamsburg
- Solo Incorporated Outdoor Equipment Newport News
- Templar Corporation Information Solutions Alexandria
- Universal Fiber Systems LLC Synthetic Yarns Bristol
- Web Equipment, Inc. Forklifts Fredericksburg
“We are two years ahead of where we would have been with our international business without the VALET program,” said Dennis Swartz, President of Burlington Medical Supplies, a graduating VALET participant. “The program did what it was supposed to do – we consider it a great success.”
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 23 companies are VALET Program Partners:
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
- *DallaVilla Design, LLC Marketing Communications Norfolk
- GlobalFon, Inc. Telecommunications Herndon
- The 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
- *Marsh USA, Inc. Insurance Richmond
- *People Going Global Cross-cultural Training Alexandria
- SunTrust Bank Financial Services Richmond
- TNB Language Services Language Translation, Interpretations, Situation & Cultural Training Roanoke
- Trade Show Training, Inc. Trade Show Planning Richmond
- 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
*New Program Partner, January 2004
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 recruitment, expansion and international trade. VEDP has offices in Virginia, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, Brazil, Korea and Japan.
To learn more about the VALET program, visit www.ExportVirginia.org.