RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of thirteen Virginia companies into its January 2010 class of the Accessing International Markets (AIM) export development program. The year-long AIM program introduces companies across Virginia to new global business opportunities.

RICHMOND - At a morning news conference at the State Capitol, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, joined by legislators from both sides of the aisle, introduced his "Jobs and Opportunity Agenda." The legislative package consists of 20 pieces of legislation, as well as previously announced budget amendments, all focused on spurring job creation, promoting economic development and creating more opportunities for Virginians.

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Wood Fuel Developers, LLC, a startup company and affiliate of Chester, Virginia-based Industrial TurnAround Corporation (ITAC), will invest $18.7 million to begin wood pellet manufacturing operations in Greensville County. The project will create 39 jobs. Virginia successfully competed with Georgia for the project.

RICHMOND - A combined 16 companies from across the Commonwealth will graduate Wednesday from two state export programs, touting impressive results from their newly acquired tools to successfully export products and services overseas. The graduating companies will be recognized during a noon luncheon at the downtown Richmond Marriott Hotel. 

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Universal Fiber Systems, a leading producer of fibers and yarns for carpet, upholstery, automotive, industrial and other textile applications, will invest $13 million to expand its production facility in Washington County. The project will create 84 jobs. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project.

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Universal Fiber Systems, a leading producer of fibers and yarns for carpet, upholstery, automotive, industrial and other textile applications, will invest $13 million to expand its production facility in Washington County. The project will create 84 jobs. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project. 

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the creation of The Ignite Institute, a nonprofit medical research institute established by Inova Health System and Dr. Dietrich Stephan, a recognized leader in the field of molecular medicine. The Institute is the first entity built around the application of personalized medicine innovation in the community health setting. The project’s $200 million investment in Fairfax County will create 415 jobs.

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the creation of The Ignite Institute, a nonprofit medical research institute established by Inova Health System and Dr. Dietrich Stephan, a recognized leader in the field of molecular medicine. The Institute is the first entity built around the application of personalized medicine innovation in the community health setting. The project’s $200 million investment in Fairfax County will create 415 jobs. 

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Alpha Natural Resources will build its new corporate headquarters in Bristol, creating 69 jobs and retaining 131 jobs. This project comes as a result of the July 2009 merger of Alpha with Foundation Coal. Virginia successfully competed with Maryland and Tennessee for the project.

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Alpha Natural Resources will build its new corporate headquarters in Bristol, creating 69 jobs and retaining 131 jobs. This project comes as a result of the July 2009 merger of Alpha with Foundation Coal. Virginia successfully competed with Maryland and Tennessee for the project.