RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of five Northern 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. Participating firms are chosen based on their dedication to growth through export.

The new companies accepted into the program include GBX Consultants, Inc. of Stafford County; Lansinoh Laboratories, Inc. of the City of Alexandria; Leonie Industries, LLC of Arlington County; MAC Aerospace Corporation of Fairfax County; and O’Sullivan Films, Inc. of Frederick County.

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 meet their international goals. Private sector service providers, such as attorneys, web 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 26th class of the VALET program. To participate, each eligible business must meet several quantitative criteria and complete an application process. To date, 220 Virginia companies have been accepted to participate in the VALET program.

“The VALET program puts participating companies on the fast track to international business growth by connecting them with the necessary tools for successful export sales,” 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.”

GBX Consultants, Inc.
GBX Consultants, Inc. is a Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and service exporter that provides HR and educational support to transitioning veterans entering the civilian workforce. For more information please visit www.gbxconsultants.com.

Lansinoh Laboratories, Inc. 
Lansinoh Laboratories, Inc. provides moms with information and an innovative product range to help them reach breast-feeding goals. For more information please visit www.lansinoh.com.

Leonie Industries, LLC
Leonie is a highly specialized communications, analysis, information systems, cyber, and research operations firm. Leonie is a leading provider of management consultants, analysts and performance measurement specialists to U.S. Government organizations. They provide fully-qualified subject matter experts who help their clients translate strategy into reality. Leonie helps customers bridge the gap between strategy and execution, helping them implement solutions that are innovative, practical and focused on producing measurable results. For more information please visit www.leoniegroup.com.

MAC Aerospace Corporation 
MAC Aerospace Corporation is a manufacturer and distributor of spare parts for aircraft, radar and weapon systems. A recognized leader in the logistical support of advanced military defense systems, MAC’s customers include the U.S. Department of Defense, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), NATO and allied countries. For more information please visit www.macaerospace.com.

O’Sullivan Films, Inc.
O'Sullivan Films is a manufacturer of various PVC and Olefin films for use in commercial and industrial applications including automotive, healthcare, fashion and exterior. Segments include pool liner, decking, flooring, FDA blood bag, and mattress, as well as automotive interior trim and seating vinyls. Most films are custom formulated for performance specific applications. O'Sullivan Films is a member of the Hornschuch Group AG, Weissbach Germany. For more information please visit www.osul.com.

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 24-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 the VALET program, visit www.ExportVirginia.org.