RICHMOND—The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced the acceptance of 12 companies into its two-year Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program. The VALET program assists companies in the Commonwealth that are committed to international exporting as a growth strategy. To participate, each business must meet both quantitative and qualitative selection criteria, and participating firms are chosen based on their dedication to growing export sales. To date, 359 Virginia companies have been accepted to participate in the VALET program.

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Energix Renewable Energies Ltd., one of Israel’s largest renewable energy companies, will invest $1.1 million to establish its U.S. subsidiary headquarters in Arlington County. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina and South Carolina for the project, which will create 33 new jobs. Governor Northam met with Energix executives in Israel during an international trade and marketing mission in November 2019.

RICHMOND—The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) today announced that its Division of International Trade is adapting its Trade Missions program to a virtual platform in response to the impacts of the pandemic, travel restrictions, and sustained interest in international business development assistance by Virginia exporters.

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Torc Robotics, a Blacksburg-based leader in self-driving vehicle systems, will invest $8.5 million to expand its software development operations in Montgomery County. The company will establish an additional facility at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center in close proximity to its current operation in the Blacksburg Industrial Park. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina and Texas for the project, which will create 350 new jobs.