Blacksburg firm partners with Rio university as a result of trade mission to South America

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - During a signing ceremony at the Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Governor Gilmore today announced that Virginia Tech Library Systems, Inc. (VTLS) has signed a contract to supply library cataloging software to the 18,000-student university. The Governor met with VTLS executives and UERJ officials today, the third day of his South America trade mission.

Company's decision will result in 330 new jobs for Virginians

Sao Paulo, Brazil; Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that eToys Inc., a leading Internet retailer of children’s products, has selected Pittsylvania County for its new fulfillment center. It is anticipated that the project will create 330 new jobs through a $14 million investment beginning in January 2000. In addition, up to 900 seasonal jobs may be created. Virginia successfully competed with Georgia and Tennessee for the project.

Governor Gilmore participates in meeting with Virginia company and Brazilian steel industry leaders

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - At a meeting today at the Copacabana Palace Hotel in Rio de Janeiro, Governor Gilmore announced that Pittston Coal Company has renewed a sales agreement to export coal to Brazil’s major steel companies. The Governor’s announcement came in conjunction with a 13-day trade mission to Brazil, Chile and Argentina. Thirty Virginia business leaders are joining Governor Gilmore on the mission.

30 Virginia business leaders will participate in trade mission to South America

Joint venture company's consolidation will create 107 new jobs, $20 million investment over five years

Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Synerject, a joint venture company formed by Siemens Automotive Corporation and Orbital Engine Corporation, will merge its component manufacturing operations and base its headquarters in Newport News. The company plans to create up to 107 jobs over the next five years through a $20 million investment.

Company's expansion on Virginia's Peninsula will create 700 new jobs, $14.6 million investment

Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Nextel Communications will locate a new technical and customer support operations center in the City of Hampton. Nextel intends to hire 700 employees through a $14.6 million investment. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the investment. 

Candy company's expansion will create 150 new jobs, $4 million investment in Charlotte County

Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Sherwood Brands will expand its candy confection operations in Charlotte County. The company expects to create 150 new jobs over the next two years and expects to invest $4 million in manufacturing equipment for the facility.

Governor Gilmore announces loans for Charlotte and Washington Counties; Cities of Martinsville and

Richmond - The board of directors of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today appointed Mark R. Kilduff as executive director of the organization after a nationwide search. Since January, Mr. Kilduff had been serving as acting executive director of Partnership, the state authority charged with marketing the Commonwealth to businesses and promoting Virginia exports.

Governor Gilmore praises the state's economic development team for worldwide recognition