Two Northern Virginia Companies Selected to Participate in Virginia’s VALET Program

RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of two Northern Virginia companies, Anystream, Inc. of Sterling, and Bode Technology, Inc. of Lorton, into its two-year Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) 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.

Anystream and Bode Technology join the program as part of the 11th class of VALET companies. 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, 86 Virginia companies have been accepted to participate in the VALET program.

Anystream is the leading provider of new media solutions for video content providers and higher education. As the number of outlets and devices to obtain video content grows, Anystream enables its customers to innovate and experiment with video to reach consumers and students where, when, and how it's convenient for them. With the bragging rights to over 600 media deployments and more than 125 higher education institutions globally, Anystream is the established leader for on demand solutions for media publishing and distribution. The company's scalable, enterprise rich media solutions can be found from MIT to MTV and beyond.

"Anystream is thrilled to be included in the Virginia Division of International Trade's 2007 VALET class," said Manuel De Pena, Vice President of Sales Asia Pacific Latin America for Anystream. "As the international popularity for video on demand and online video grows, it is essential that Anystream leverage its market-leading domestic reputation overseas. The VALET program will arm us with valuable market strategies, research, and access to trade missions to ensure our international ventures are successful. We look forward to utilizing the program's robust resources and dedicated advisors to expand our global presence in the new media arena."

Bode Technology is a leader in providing forensic DNA analysis, highly advanced and proprietary DNA collection products, and research services to law enforcement agencies, federal and state governments, crime laboratories and disaster management organizations throughout the United States and around the world. Operating one of the most internationally respected private DNA laboratories, Bode’s forensic DNA experts have assisted in identifying victims of war, terrorism, crime and natural disasters.

“Bode Technology is pleased to be part of the VALET program and to participate by attending the VALET endorsed Trade Mission to Japan and also in accompanying Governor Kaine on his trade mission to India,” said Maureen Loftus, President, Bode Technology. “Through the combined efforts of Bode and the teams at VALET, Bode seeks to increase its overseas product offerings to developed and developing nations that desire cutting edge DNA and investigative forensic capabilities.”

The VALET program incorporates services from 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.

“VALET welcomes these new companies into the program,” said Leslie Parpart, VALET Program Manager. “We look forward to working with their international teams over the course of the next two years to assist them in exceeding export goals.”

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 21-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor and the Virginia General Assembly. 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, Belgium, Hong Kong, Mexico, Brazil, Korea and Japan.

To learn more about the VALET program, contact Leslie Parpart, VALET Program Manager, at LParpart [at] YesVirginia.org or visit the programs tab at www.ExportVirginia.org.