Fourteen Virginia companies recognized for completing two-year international business acceleration program

RICHMOND—The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced that 14 companies from across the Commonwealth have graduated from its Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program. The program, which now has 304 graduates, assists Virginia exporters that have firmly established their domestic operations and are committed to international exporting as a growth strategy.

“The Virginia Leaders in Export Trade program helps companies of all sizes expand into global markets, positioning our existing businesses for growth and significantly contributing to the Commonwealth’s economic vitality,” said Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “The VALET Program provides the critical tools and expertise for participants to navigate new markets and successfully export products overseas. We congratulate these 14 Virginia companies on their international growth, and applaud the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for facilitating this impactful program.” 

The graduating companies recognized during an event in Richmond today include:

  • AT&T Business – Global Public Sector – Defense (Fairfax County)
  • Blue Ridge Optics, LLC (Bedford County)
  • Boss Lumber (Mediterranean Corporation) (City of Galax)
  • DESMI Inc. (City of Chesapeake)
  • FUJIFILM Wako Chemicals USA (Chesterfield County)
  • Harris Healthcare (Fairfax County)
  • Instant Systems Inc. (City of Norfolk)
  • JRC Integrated Systems (King George County)
  • McQ Inc. (Stafford County)
  • Prime Photonics, LC (Montgomery County)
  • SD Solutions LLC (Page County)
  • Strongwell Corporation (City of Bristol)
  • Symplicity Corporation (Arlington County)
  • Trident Systems Incorporated (Fairfax County)

Currently, the VALET program has 44 companies as participants. The program provides participating companies with export planning services and assistance from a team of experienced international service providers to help meet the companies’ international business goals. To date, 348 Virginia companies have participated in the VALET program.

“Increasing trade and trade-related jobs in Virginia are among VEDP’s top priorities,” said VEDP Executive Vice President Jason El Koubi. “Executed by our world-class International Trade team, the VALET program has a proven track record of helping Virginia businesses increase their export sales. We are confident that the companies graduating today will see continued global success in the coming years, contributing meaningful growth to the Commonwealth’s economy.”

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 257,000 jobs and generating $2 billion in annual 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.

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 development.

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Nicole Hansen