RICHMOND - A combined 14 companies from across the Commonwealth will graduate today 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 Richmond Omni Hotel.

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that a 1,500-acre site in Greensville County has been certified as suitable for automotive assembly operations and other major advanced manufacturing facilities. The Greensville County site received certification from McCallum Sweeney Consulting, a consulting firm that performs site selection and develops and implements certified site programs for corporate clients worldwide.

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that The Virginia Distillery Company will invest $5 million to produce their new Eades Distillery brand Scottish style malt whiskey in a Nelson County facility. The project will create 19 jobs.

“This new company has an extraordinary story,” said Governor Kaine. “The three company founders created a unique product to appeal specifically to the American palate. Nelson County provided the business resources and quality of life that The Virginia Distillery Company was looking for.”

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Com.40 Ltd, a major manufacturer of mattresses and upholstered furniture, will invest $36.3 million to open a manufacturing facility in the City of Danville. The project will create 813 jobs. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas for the project.

RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of two Richmond-area companies into its two-year Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program. The companies are Getloaded.com International, LLC of Midlothian and Spec Ops, Inc. of Ashland. 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.

RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of two Southwest Virginia companies into its two-year Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program. The companies are Hoover Color Corporation of Hiwassee and Turman Sawmill of Hillsville. 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.

RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of two Northern Virginia companies into its two-year Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program. The companies are Advanced Technology Systems Company of Arlington and Skyline Software Systems, Inc. of Chantilly. 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.

RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of a Norfolk company, Bauer Compressors, Inc., 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.

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Aspen Products Inc., a major supplier of white paper plates, design plates, cups, bowls and lunch bags, will invest $12 million to open a paper goods manufacturing facility in the City of Richmond. The company will create 190 jobs. Virginia successfully competed with Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania for the project.

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Inorganic Ventures, a leading manufacturer of custom inorganic chemical blends, will invest $3.025 million to move its operations from New Jersey to Falling Branch Corporate Park in Christiansburg. The project will create 46 jobs for Montgomery County. Virginia successfully competed with New Jersey and Pennsylvania for the project.