RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced that seven Virginia companies were selected to participate in the state’s two-year VALET (Virginia Leaders in Export Trade) program. 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. Matt Erskine, Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade, attended the welcome event in Richmond today. Representing a variety of industries throughout the Commonwealth, the following companies were accepted into the VALET Class of January 2005:
Catalytic Generators, Inc., Ethylene application systems, Norfolk;
Comprehensive Computer Solutions, Inc., Ruggedized computer hardware, integration, design and engineering services, Christiansburg;
Fairfield Language Technologies, Educational software development, Harrisonburg;
Sweet City, Inc., Importer and national distributor of imported and U.S.-made candies, Virginia Beach;
Tri-Dim Filter Corporation, Air filter manufacturing, Louisa;
Vitex Packaging Group, Printing and converting, Suffolk;
Wasabi Systems, Inc., Software development, Norfolk;
“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 participate, 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, 52 Virginia companies have been accepted to participate in the VALET program. Nine companies successfully completed the program and graduated today:
AgilQuest, Enterprise software, Richmond;
Badger Fire Protection, Industrial fire extinguishers, Charlottesville;
BluePrint Automation, Inc., Automatic case packers for flexible bags, Colonial Heights;
International Communications Group, Inc., Customized wireless communication systems, Newport News;
Logis-Tech, Inc., Humidity control solutions, Manassas;
McKinney and Company, Industrial planning, design and construction, Ashland;
Slocum Adhesives Corporation, Custom-compounded industrial adhesives, Lynchburg;
Sorbilite, Inc., Integrated composite forming systems, Hampton;
Teledyne Hastings Instruments, Vacuum and Flow measurement instruments, Hampton
“If they have interest in selling internationally, it is the perfect first step to help companies become accustomed to the mechanics of international business,” said Armin Jabs of International Communications Group in Newport News. “The support and assistance help the company not feel like the lone ranger as they begin international work – this helps remove the anxiety by providing a support network.”
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:
ActiveMedia, Web marketing and 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;
CV International, Ocean/air freight forwarder/transportation provider, Norfolk;
DallaVilla Design, LLC, Marketing communications, Norfolk;
FOCUS Enterprises, Inc., Corporate development, finance and growth consulting, Washington, DC;
GlobalFon, Inc., Telecommunications, Herndon;
The Global Law Group, Legal services, Roanoke/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;
Piascik & Associates, Certified Public Accountants, Glen Allen;
SunTrust Bank, Financial services, Richmond;
TNB Language Services, Language translation, interpretations, situation and cultural training, Roanoke;
Trade Show Training, Inc., Trade show planning, Richmond;
Transition Success Consulting, Cross-cultural education and training, Alexandria;
UTi, United States, Freight forwarding/customs/
International transportation/logistics/warehouse and supply chain management, Sterling;
Virtual Strategies, Inc., Corporate development consulting, Washington, D.C.;
Williams Mullen, Legal services, Richmond
The VALET program was recognized as a national model in November 2004 by the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships (NCPPP) for VALET’s innovation in bringing the public and private sectors together to achieve a benefit for the public. The VALET program was the only winner of the 2004 NCPPP Public-Private Partnership Award in the Innovation category.
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.