RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of two Loudoun County companies, Nedia Enterprises, Inc. and TASC Management Corporation, 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 growing their export sales.

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.

“Ninety-five percent of the world’s consumers reside outside of the United States, so preparing to maximize the opportunities in the global marketplace is exactly what our businesses should be doing,” said Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “VALET is a premier program that has been helping companies across the Commonwealth to create and enhance their export capabilities. I congratulate Nedia Enterprises, Inc. and TASC Management Corporation, and look forward to their continued success.”

These Virginia companies join the program as part of the 29th class of the VALET program. To participate, each eligible business must meet several quantitative criteria and complete an application process. To date, 247 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 230 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.”

Nedia Enterprises, Inc.

Nedia Enterprises offers a complete line of erosion control, sediment control and bioengineered products made primarily from natural fibers. Nedia has provided innovative quality products and excellent service to its customers in the erosion control and bioengineering industry for the last 20 years. Nedia Enterprises is committed to the conservation of the environment. The proper use of Nedia’s erosion control products will contribute to improved environmental function and encourage widespread use of innovative and vegetation friendly bioengineering techniques.

TASC Management Corporation

TASC Management Corporation provides end-to-end technology, training and security solutions to federal and state governments, defense, educational institutes, corporate and international clients in the following key areas: IT Training & Certifications, Business Management Solutions, Software Development, Information Security and Security & Surveillance Systems.

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, United Kingdom, Germany, India, China, and Japan.

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