RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of three Hampton Roads companies into its two-year Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program: Axis Global Enterprises, Inc. of Virginia Beach; High Threat Concealment of Newport News; and IFPC Marine of Norfolk. These Virginia companies join VALET as part of the 32nd class. Launched in January 2002, the VALET program assists exporters in the Commonwealth that have firmly established domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as an expansion strategy. To participate, each eligible business must meet several quantitative criteria and complete an application process. Participating firms are chosen based on their dedication to growing export sales. To date, 291 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 290 businesses to accelerate their international sales growth. We are happy to welcome these Virginia companies to VALET and look forward to working with them over the course of the next two years.”

Currently, the VALET program has 50 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 export planning services and 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.

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. VEDP offers numerous programs to assist Virginia companies with selling into the global marketplace and has a network of international market research consultants covering more than 70 countries around the globe.

Axis Global Enterprises, Inc.

Axis Global Enterprises, Inc. is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business that provides defense and construction solutions to government and commercial clients throughout the United States and abroad. The company’s offerings include full design build general construction solutions, integrated physical security and cyber technology services, fire alarms systems engineering and installation, and building operations and management services. A full solutions provider, the company also supports additional needs and requirements of clients, including project management, force protection and IT services. Named a 2017 Virginia Vanguard award winner by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and ranked the third fastest-growing business for Virginia’s FANTASTIC 50 award program, Axis Global Enterprises is poised to continue to accelerate its growth into the international marketplace through the VALET Program. For more information, please visit www.axisge.com.

High Threat Concealment

High Threat Concealment™ (HTC™) is a veteran-owned small business specializing in the development of concealable and comfortable carry equipment for professionals and responsibly armed citizens. HTC manufactures a diverse array of concealable handgun holsters, medical kits, equipment carriers, and belts. The company’s flagship product, the Low Profile System™ (LPS), is a modular belt system consisting of thermoformed plastic holsters and equipment holders for use in law enforcement, protective services, and military applications. All products are available individually or as purpose-built rigs for both everyday concealment or professional use. For more information, please visit www.highthreatconcealment.com. 

International Flooring & Protective Coatings, Inc. (IFPC)

IFPC Marine has served the maritime industry worldwide for 23 years. Projects range from small renovation assignments on private yachts to large indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts serving United States Navy vessels. Our staff’s integrity, discipline, and high quality service has enabled IFPC Marine to maintain two separate IDIQ contracts with the U.S. government for exterior and interior decking since 1995. For more information, please visit www.internationalflooring.com.

Virginia Economic Development Partnership

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership 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.

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