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.

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 - 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 - 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.