RICHMOND - Six companies from across the Commonwealth graduated from VEDP’s Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program, touting impressive results from their newly acquired tools to successfully export products and services overseas.
The six companies include Afton Scientific of Albemarle County; Hubbell Lighting of Christiansburg; Mediatech of Prince William County; Sealeze of Chesterfield County; 24 Hour Company, and VSE Corporation, both of Fairfax County. Collectively, these companies have increased their international sales by more than 32 percent during their two years in the Program.
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. Participating firms are chosen based on their dedication to growth through export. The VALET program now has 113 graduates.
“The VALET program accelerates the development of international business by connecting companies with the practical tools needed for successful export sales,” said Paul Grossman, VEDP Director of International Trade and Investment. “These graduating companies have utilized all of the resources of the VALET program and have increased their international sales as a result. This class of companies worked extremely hard during a very tough international climate, and I am confident that they will see the return on their investment for years to come.”
Currently, the VALET program has 50 companies as participants. New participants in the program have access to $15,000 in reimbursement funds from the Commonwealth. The program provides participating companies assistance from a team of experienced international service providers to help them meet their international goals. Private sector service providers such as attorneys, Web designers, bankers, translators and freight forwarders contribute essential expertise to assist companies in executing their export initiatives.
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 22-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, Shanghai, Mexico, Japan, India and the United Kingdom.
To learn more about VALET program, visit www.ExportVirginia.org.