RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of a City of Alexandria company, Northern Defense Industries, Inc. (NDI), 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 export sales.

Currently, the VALET program has 48 companies as participants. New participants in the program have access to $30,000 in reimbursement funds from the Commonwealth of Virginia. The program provides participating companies with assistance from a team of experienced international service providers to help meet their international goals. These private sector service providers contribute essential expertise to assist companies in executing their export initiatives and include attorneys, web designers, bankers, translators, accountants and freight forwarders.

NDI joins the program as part of the 31st class of the VALET program. To participate, each eligible business must meet several quantitative criteria and complete an application process. To date, 269 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, Vice President of International Trade. “Since its inception in 2002, the program has worked with nearly 270 businesses to accelerate their international sales growth. We are happy to welcome NDI to VALET and look forward to working with them over the course of the next two years."

The Commonwealth of Virginia exports more than $35 billion in goods and services annually. Exports of Virginia’s products and services to the world are vital to the growth of the Commonwealth, supporting more than 230,000 jobs and generating $2 billion in tax revenue.

Northern Defense Industries, Inc

Northern Defense Industries, Inc. (NDI), an AMS Group Company, is an industry leader in maritime, coastal and critical infrastructure security. NDI specializes in the design, test, installation and life cycle management of fully integrated air, land, sea and subsea security systems. NDI has a rich history providing integrated products and services, using a best of breed sensor and open architecture approach, to defense, maritime, and critical infrastructure clients around the world.

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. 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, Japan, India and the United Kingdom.

For more information on the VALET Program, visit http://exportvirginia.org/valet-program/.