RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that he will lead a two week trade mission to Asia, from November 9 to November 22, 2002. The Governor will be accompanied by representatives of Virginia companies, agriculture marketers, and economic development officials. Meetings are currently being confirmed with key business executives, agriculture product buyers, and government leaders in China and Japan.

 

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that EsselPropack America, LLC, a tubing manufacturer, has chosen the City of Danville as the location for its first U.S. manufacturing facility. The company plans to create 81 new jobs through a $21 million investment. The new facility will be located in the Airside Industrial Park. Virginia competed with North Carolina for the investment.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that AT&T Wireless will locate an inbound calling center in Russell County. Through a $5.4 million investment, AT&T Wireless will hire more than 300 employees to handle billing, coverage, technical and general support questions for its customers. The project was originally announced in July 2001 by TeleCorp PCS, Inc. AT&T Wireless, which subsequently acquired TeleCorp PCS, Inc., will move forward with the project, increasing the original investment by $850,000.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that SYSCO Corporation intends to locate its first U.S. redistribution facility in Warren County, creating 388 jobs through a $53 million investment. Virginia successfully competed with Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and New Jersey for the project.

RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) Division of International Trade today announced plans for a trade mission to Canada, Virginia’s top export destination. The mission will take place September 4-6, 2002. For a participation fee of $600, VEDP will provide participating firms pre-screened appointments with Canadian companies, commercial briefings on the Canadian market and assistance from VEDP International Trade Managers.

RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership today announced that seven companies have been selected to participate in the VALET (Virginia Leaders in Export Trade) Program. Launched in January 2002, the program assists exporters in the Commonwealth who have firmly established domestic operations and who are committed to international exporting as an expansion strategy. The first of its kind in the U.S., VALET provides capital, expert guidance and concrete solutions for businesses committed to expanding into international markets.

RICHMOND - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Visteon Corporation, a leading supplier of integrated automotive systems, has announced plans to open a new $17 million manufacturing facility in the City of Chesapeake. The plant, which will employ about 42 people, will manufacture advanced plastic fuel tank systems to support Ford Motor Company's truck assembly facility in Norfolk.

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.

 

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.