RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of four Central Virginia companies 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 four Northern Virginia companies 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 four Virginia companies 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 three Hampton Roads companies 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 Bob McDonnell today announced that Ashland Inc., a leading global specialty chemicals company, plans to invest $39 million to improve and expand its Hopewell facility, both preserving the existing 200 jobs and creating 15 new jobs. The expansion, which is just getting under way, will accommodate new equipment to increase Ashland’s production capabilities. Virginia successfully competed against the company’s facilities in Europe and China for the project.

RICHMOND - Eight companies from across the Commonwealth will graduate Thursday from VEDP’s Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program, 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 downtown Omni Hotel.

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that NetWitness Corporation, provider of the world’s most powerful network security monitoring platform, will invest $1.1 million to expand its Virginia headquarters and operation in Fairfax County. The project will create at least 50 new jobs.

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Dove Vinyl Windows will invest $2 million to open a manufacturing operation in Pulaski County. The project will create 100 new jobs.

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Guardian Industries will invest $2.1 million to expand operations at its Consolidated Glass & Mirror facility in the City of Galax. The project, which involves a new solar energy product line, will create 40 new jobs.

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that PPD, Inc. (Nasdaq: PPDI), a leading global contract research organization providing drug discovery, development, and lifecycle management services, plans to invest $28 million to expand its Lab Services Division in Henrico County over the next three years. The operation provides research and development services and clinical trial services for drug development. The project is expected to create 190 new jobs over the next three years.