CLARKSVILLE - Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Star Scientific, Inc. will expand its manufacturing and processing facility in Mecklenburg County. The expansion will create 315 new jobs through a $49.9 million investment. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina, Georgia, and Kentucky for this investment.

“This announcement is great news for Mecklenburg County and all of Southside Virginia,” said Governor Warner. “I am pleased that the Commonwealth was able to help the company bring more quality jobs to Mecklenburg County.”

RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership today announced the launch of VALET (Virginia Leaders in Export Trade), a new program designed to assist Virginia companies with international exporting. The first of its kind in the U.S., VALET will provide capital, expert guidance and concrete solutions for businesses committed to expanding into international markets.

RICHMOND - Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Site Selection, a widely-read economic development trade magazine, awarded Virginia with an unprecedented high ranking in the publication’s highly acclaimed Governor’s Cup competition. Never ranked above eighth in the United States, the Commonwealth tied for fourth place this year. Site Selection’s annual Governor’s Cup competition assesses states’ success in fostering business expansion activity.

WINCHESTER - Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Rubbermaid Commercial Products will create 250 new jobs through a $45 million capital investment to expand its research and development functions in Winchester. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina and Mexico for the project.

“Rubbermaid is one of the major employers in the Winchester/Frederick County region,” said Governor Warner. “This expansion demonstrates the company’s confidence in the area’s workforce and its ongoing success in Virginia’s positive business climate.”

RICHMOND - Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Cerxon Microtechnologies, LLC will relocate operations from Camden, South Carolina to Henry County. The company will invest $6.5 million and hire 250 employees over the next 30 months. Virginia successfully competed with South Carolina for this investment.

RICHMOND - A delegation of Polish business leaders will visit Virginia to explore trade opportunities with many of the Commonwealth’s information and environmental technology companies. Hosted by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) Division of International Trade and assisted by the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, the visit will take place February 19-22.

RICHMOND - Virginia Governor Mark Warner today announced that Unique Industries, Inc., a wholesale supplier of party goods, will locate a distribution facility in the former eToys building in Blairs, Virginia. The company will create 420 new jobs through a $19.6 million dollar investment. Virginia successfully competed with Georgia, North Carolina and Florida for this investment.

HENRY COUNTY - Virginia Governor Mark Warner today announced that Nautica Enterprises, Inc. will expand its distribution presence in Henry County’s Patriot Centre. A leading international fashion and lifestyle company, Nautica will create 150 new jobs through a $5 million investment. The building is connected to Nautica’s existing facility and will house a customer care center. The customer service operation is scheduled to be transitioned during the first quarter of 2002.

CLARKSVILLE - Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Trinity Packaging Corporation, a manufacturer of food service and industrial plastic bag products, will create 300 new jobs in Clarksville. Virginia successfully competed with Tennessee and other states for the multimillion dollar project.

RICHMOND - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that the Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories will invest in its production facility in the Town of Altavista. A leading producer of nutritional products, the company will create 61 new jobs through a $29 million investment. Virginia successfully competed with other locations for the project.

“This company has achieved great success in rural Virginia over the years,” said Governor Gilmore. “It is gratifying to see Abbott make such a large investment in Altavista.”