Five Virginia Companies Accepted into Virginia’s Accessing International Markets Program

RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of five new companies into the Accessing International Markets (AIM) export development program. The program, launched by VEDP in December 2005, introduces companies across Virginia to new global business opportunities. Based on a competitive quarterly application process, 20 companies will be accepted into the AIM program each year.

Virginia companies selected to participate in the June 2007 AIM class include Cherrystone Aqua Farms in Cheriton, Blue Ridge Medical Imaging (BRMI) in Salem, Norris Screen & Manufacturing Co. in Tazewell, Clever Sys Inc. in Vienna and Sani-Tear, Inc. in Locust Grove. Markets to be pursued by the new AIM participants include countries in the Americas and Europe.

Companies do not need to have export experience to participate in the year-long AIM program, but must work with the AIM team to develop a Market Access Plan and visit their target export market prior to graduation. They must also participate in quarterly seminars covering the basic steps of exporting.

“The AIM Program encourages participants to adopt a systematic, proactive approach to the exporting process,” said Elizabeth Morgan Brown, AIM Program Manager. “To support their efforts, we introduce them to the extensive public and private sector resources available in Virginia’s export community.”

Each AIM participant has access to $5,000 in capital funds to offset approved export-related expenses. Each AIM participant also has access to seven private-sector export specialists who provide essential expertise for expansion into international markets. The seven AIM service providers include an attorney, a Web designer, a banker, a translator, a freight forwarder, a foreign regulations specialist and a U.S. export compliance specialist. Applications for the September 2007 class are currently being accepted and are due no later than August 1. To learn more about the AIM program, please contact the AIM Program Manager at (804) 545-5768 or visit the services tab at www.ExportVirginia.org.

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. VEDP 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 on business recruitment, expansion and international trade. VEDP also has offices in Belgium, Hong Kong, Mexico, Brazil, Korea and Japan.