RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced a $500,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership (VIP) program that will assist DuPont with its Chesterfield County expansion. The VIP program offers financial assistance to existing Virginia companies proposing significant expansion projects. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Chesterfield County Economic Development assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Microsoft has selected Fairfax County as the location for its Microsoft Innovation & Technology Conference Center. Governor Warner today joined Craig Mundie, Microsoft’s Chief Technical Officer, in opening the $25 million facility, which will bring 100 jobs and new technology investment to the region.

FREDERICKSBURG - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, in conjunction with the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, today announced the launch of the Passport Program in the Fredericksburg region. Fredericksburg is the sixth Virginia community to host this program.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that the U.S. division of Richmond-based Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Inc. will expand and renovate its leaf tobacco processing plant in the City of Danville, creating 38 new jobs through a $28 million investment. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project.

“Universal has spent the last 84 years headquartered in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Warner. “I am pleased to see this valued corporate citizen provide new employment opportunities in Danville.”

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Dreaming Creek Timber Frame Homes, Inc. will expand its operations in Floyd County. The company plans to create over 30 new jobs through a $1 million investment at its Floyd Regional Commerce Center facility.

“I am very pleased to see this Virginia-based company expand in Floyd County,” said Governor Warner. “Dreaming Creek is a great corporate citizen providing valuable jobs for the people of the New River Valley.”

RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) Division of International Trade today announced that the state’s trade representatives from Brazil, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Mexico will visit Virginia September 9-20, 2002. During their two-week tour across the state, the representatives will meet and counsel Virginia companies interested in the export potential of one or more of these six overseas markets. The tour will visit companies in the following regions:

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RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Knauss Snack Food Company will invest $5.7 million in a new processing facility in Henry County. The investment will allow Knauss Snack Food Company to hire 105 employees at the new Patriot Centre facility. Virginia successfully competed with South Carolina for the investment.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Bausch & Lomb, the global eye care company, will expand its distribution facility in the City of Lynchburg. The expansion will create up to 35 new jobs and add a 39,000-square-foot addition to its existing Lynchburg facility. Virginia competed with Missouri, New York and South Carolina for the project.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced the appointment of the steering committee for the creation of his economic development strategic plan. One Virginia – One Future: Governor Warner’s Economic Development Strategic Plan will examine critical economic development issues facing Virginia and identify innovative strategies to address those issues.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that U.S. Foodservice will invest $22 million and create 200 jobs with an expansion of its existing distribution facility in the City of Salem. The company plans to build three new buildings at the site for a total of 400,000 square feet. Virginia successfully competed with Maryland, North Carolina and Tennessee for the investment.