RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of a Virginia Beach company, VSD, LLC, 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 - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of a Chantilly company, CVG, 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 - 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 Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc. of Glen Allen and PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc. of Midlothian. 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 Chesapeake company, Air Systems International, 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 - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of a Rocky Mount company, MW Manufacturers 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 - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of a Pulaski company, NanoChemonics Holdings, LLC, 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 - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of a Roanoke company, Foot Levelers, 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 Virginia continues to lead the nation as Forbes.com’s “Best State for Business.” It is the third consecutive year Virginia has been top ranked. The Commonwealth finished in the top 10 in four of the six categories examined in the review, which was published today.

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that AmeriPumps, LLC, a manufacturer of portable water pumps used in the construction and mining industries, hurricane recovery and aboard ships and boats, will invest $4.6 million to move its headquarters and manufacturing facility from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the Town of Hillsville in Carroll County. The company, which will assemble, ship and service water pumps throughout North America and the Western Hemisphere, will create 125 jobs. Virginia successfully competed with Tennessee for the project.

RICHMOND - A combined 17 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.