RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of two Central Virginia companies 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.

The new companies accepted into the program include Rainbow Station, Inc. of Henrico County, and WeightPack, Inc. of Powhatan County.

Currently, the VALET program has 47 companies as participants. The program provides participating companies assistance from the Commonwealth and from a team of experienced international service providers to help meet their international goals. These private sector service providers, such as attorneys, website designers, bankers, translators, accountants and freight forwarders contribute essential expertise to assist companies in executing their export initiatives.

These Virginia companies join the program as part of the 24th class of the VALET program. 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 200 Virginia companies have been accepted to participate in the VALET program.

“The VALET program generates international sales for Virginia businesses,” said Paul Grossman, VEDP Vice President of International Trade. “Since its inception in 2002, the program has worked with more than 200 businesses to accelerate their international sales growth. Because of the program’s proven success and because jobs are created when Virginia companies sell more into global markets, it is important that we continue to assist Virginia companies through the program. We are happy to welcome 
these companies to VALET and look forward to working with them over the course of the next two years.”

Rainbow Station, Inc.
Rainbow Station's programs are specifically designed to nurture and engage your child throughout his or her development—from Nursery School to Preschool to Private Kindergarten, and then to The Village, our unique schoolage recreational program for children up to age 14. Each of our programs is customized for the needs of children in that age group, and features Rainbow Station's proprietary PLAYWORKS© curriculum blending teacher-directed with child-initiated activities so that your child is stimulated, challenged, and having fun. In addition to company owned schools in Virginia, North Carolina and Texas, Rainbow Station has opened its first international school in Shenzhen, China, which provides pre-school programs in English.

WeightPack, Inc.
WeightPack designs and builds complete lines for filling and capping of liquid and powder products utilizing a highly accurate net weight filling technology for high-speed filling and capping solutions. Filling by weight provides product saving benefits and product labeling accuracy for every container filled. Industry product applications include: food and beverages, home and personal care, chemicals, detergents, motor oils, pharmaceuticals, etc.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership
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 25-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, China, Germany, Mexico, Japan, India and the United Kingdom. 

To learn more about VALET program, visit www.ExportVirginia.org.