Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Virginia Companies Expanding into Global Markets

Strategic Insights -

Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced that 13 companies across Virginia have graduated from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership's Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program, while 13 new companies have joined the two-year international business acceleration program. The VALET program assists Virginia exporters in expanding into global markets, providing them with the tools and expertise needed to succeed internationally. This initiative is crucial for driving Virginia's economic future and has played a vital role in helping businesses break into international markets and boost their global sales.

Key Takeaways:

  • 13 companies have graduated from the VALET program, which has assisted 425 companies in expanding into global markets since its inception.
  • The program provides participating companies with international sales plan development services, assistance from a team of experienced international service providers, international business meetings with potential partners, educational events, and customized market research.
  • Currently, 58 companies are participating in the VALET program, with 13 new companies joining the program to enhance their international business development efforts.
  • The companies that graduated from the program include Atlas Systems, Inc., Bauer Compressors, Inc., Best Medical International, Inc., and several others.
  • The companies that joined the program include Ashworth Bros., Inc., Aspetto, Inc., Becker Global America, and others.
  • Virginia exports $70 billion in goods and services annually, and VEDP International Trade supports 500 existing Virginia companies in their international business development efforts each year.
  • Last year, these companies attributed $1.5 billion in international sales to VEDP's assistance, and these sales supported over 13,700 jobs for Virginians.

Statistics:

  • 425 companies have graduated from the VALET program since its inception.
  • 58 companies are currently participating in the program.
  • 13 companies have graduated from the program, while 13 new companies have joined the program.
  • $70 billion: the amount of goods and services Virginia exports annually.
  • $1.5 billion: the amount of international sales attributed to VEDP's assistance last year.
  • 13,700: the number of jobs supported by the sales of companies that received VEDP's assistance.
  • 500: the number of existing Virginia companies supported by VEDP International Trade annually.
  • 120: the number of countries covered by VEDP's network of international market research consultants.
  • 1995: the year in which the Virginia General Assembly created the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Sources:

  • Gov. Glenn Youngkin's news release (2025)
  • Virginia Economic Development Partnership's (VEDP) website
  • VEDP International Trade's annual report (2024)
  • Governor Glenn Youngkin's official website
  • Virginia General Assembly's website