RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of two Southwestern 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 Kollmorgen Corporation of Montgomery County, and Premium Steel Building Systems, Inc. of the City of Roanoke.

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.”

Kollmorgen Corporation
Kollmorgen is a leading provider of motion systems and components for original equipment manufacturers around the globe. With over 60 years of motion control design and development expertise, Kollmorgen delivers breakthrough solutions unmatched in performance, reliability and ease-of-use. Through world-class knowledge in motion, industry-leading quality, and deep expertise in linking and integrating standard and custom products, Kollmorgen provides OEMs with the competitive advantage they need to succeed.

Premium Steel Building Systems, Inc.
Premium Steel is a comprehensive provider from design and engineering to complete structural framing. The company’s innovative light gauge, cold-formed steel framing solution is customized for all residential, commercial and multi-family projects. Project scopes cover a broad range, such as single-room additions, theme parks, churches and schools, military facilities, nursing homes, funeral homes, medical buildings, multi-family condominiums, town homes, single-family residences, modular buildings, apartments, dormitories, garages, professional and retail buildings, mixed-use projects, as well as specialty items such as roof deck supports on existing high-rise buildings. Premium Steel Building System’s goal is to help build any project effectively with long-term sustainability.

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.