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

RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of three Northern Virginia companies into its two-year Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program. The companies are Aero International of Sterling, Cornet Technology, Inc., Video Convergence Division of Fairfax and H2Gen of Alexandria. Launched in January 2002, the VALET program assists exporters in the Commonwealth that have firmly established domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as an expansion strategy.

Aero International, Cornet Technology and H2Gen join the program as part of the 12th 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, more than 90 Virginia companies have been accepted to participate in the VALET program.

Aero International is an Aerospace Distribution and Manufacturing Company offering aftermarket spares, repair and overhaul services, and supply chain logistics programs for military aircraft and helicopters manufactured in the U.S. The company’s international market includes customers in foreign militaries in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.

“Aero International is pleased to be a participant in the July 2007 VALET program,” said Bill Hack, Director of Sales. “We feel strongly that the capital and professional services offered through the VALET program will strengthen our market strategy and grow our export capability. Also, the opportunity to work closely with other Virginia companies may open up new markets that will expand our core business. The uniqueness of the program promises to give Aero International a new perspective on export sales and a better understanding of our international markets.”

Cornet Technology, Inc., Video Convergence Division, designs and manufactures a suite of leading edge video compression, video analytics and video distribution products that are vital components in the capture and display of surveillance video, as well as analog video switching products and comprehensive management and control software. Ideal for indoor and outdoor strategic surveillance, the company’s robust, ruggedized encoders and decoders capture critical surveillance information and deliver superior quality video for viewing on video walls, monitors, laptops, mobile and hand-held devices. Cornet also has broad experience and a proven record in providing turnkey design and installation services.

“The VALET program and its partners bring with them a wealth of experience in dealing with international market forces,” said Sunil Mehta, President, Cornet Technology, Inc., Video Convergence Division. “They offer our company a unique opportunity to seek expert guidance and resources to gain insight into overseas markets to accelerate introduction and recognition of our video products.”

H2Gen of Alexandria, Virginia is a privately held company that designs,
manufactures and markets low-cost, on-site hydrogen generators and gas purification plants. H2Gen’s technology can be used in a wide variety of industrial and consumer applications ranging from steel, glass and semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, foods and chemical processing to hydrogen fuel cell powered transportation vehicles. H2Gen has innovated and adapted established processes used in large scale plants to be used in small scale, complete packaged units that are readily transportable and easy to install. Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine recently announced H2Gen’s plans to expand its production capacity to meet robust new sales orders, creating 50 new jobs.

“We are confident that the VALET program will provide a further boost to our international sales efforts,” said Udo Dengel, International Sales Manager. “With VEDP’s experience in helping companies to enter overseas markets and its network of partners, both in the U.S. and abroad, we expect to get valuable, hands-on advice that will greatly enhance the return on our sales budget. It was the combination of direct support and access to VEDP’s qualified staff and consulting services that made the VALET program extremely attractive for us. The program’s flexibility, focusing on the particular needs of participating companies, is ideal for a fast-growing company like H2Gen.”

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 impressive 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.