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 into its two-year Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program. The companies are Advanced Technology Systems Company of Arlington and Skyline Software Systems, Inc. of Chantilly. 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.

Advanced Technology Systems Company and Skyline Software Systems, Inc. join the program as part of the 13th 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.

Advanced Technology Systems Company (ATSC) is a U.S. small business government contractor, registered with Central Contactor Registration, Office of Defense Trade Controls and Defense Logistics Information Service. ATSC core competences cover military, government and commercial areas. ATSC is a multi-disciplined organization with experience and expertise covering a wide range of projects. ATSC offers quality services in the areas of system installation/integration, logistics support, training, project management, technical assistance, remote video surveillance systems, security systems, harbor protection systems, border surveillance, radio communications networks and special construction.

“ATSC is pursuing a growth strategy in 2008 and beyond,” said Habib E. Debs, President and CEO, Advanced Technology Systems Company. “To achieve this, we will leverage our success in other countries to grow the base of our business in the target countries. The long-term goal is to open another overseas office in one of the target countries. We view a partnership with VALET as a strategy to achieve this growth by providing access to these markets and assistance in creating an appeal for our products and services.”

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, Skyline Software Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of 3D earth visualization software and services. The company offers a comprehensive platform of applications, tools and services that enable the creation and dissemination of interactive, photo-realistic 3D environments. Focusing on core competencies of 3D earth visualization, data fusion, terrain analysis and collaboration, Skyline has built a set of tools that delivers on the needs of customers including flexibility, efficiency and robustness. Skyline’s applications and services have been selected by civil government, military, intelligence and commercial clients across the globe.

“Skyline is excited to be part of the VALET program,” said Ira Marcus, Vice President Strategic Development, Skyline Software Systems, Inc. “As a 3D earth visualization software and technology company, we are in a very competitive market space. We have already had success internationally in building global customer and distributor bases but we feel that the VALET program will be a great learning experience for us. With the opportunity to work with experts in international trade and access to the VALET program partners, the program will help us enter new markets and refine our current strategy and processes. Between the formal resources provided by the VALET program and the collaboration with other VALET participants, we hope to better leverage our existing resources and cover new ground.”

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.