Governor Spanberger announces that 14 Virginia companies have completed international trade program and 12 more are joining in 2026

Richmond, Virginia – Governor Abigail Spanberger announced that 14 companies across the Commonwealth have successfully graduated from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP)’s Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program. At the same time, 12 additional companies have entered the two-year program, which is designed to help businesses with solid domestic foundations expand into international markets.

“On Day One as Governor, I directed multiple state agencies to help increase export opportunities across the Commonwealth as Virginia businesses continue to feel the impacts of the federal administration’s tariff policies,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “International trade has always been a key driver of Virginia’s economic growth, and expanding trade opportunities for the Commonwealth is critical for maintaining resiliency. I’m proud to support the VALET program, which helps businesses of all sizes strengthen their international sales while reinforcing our long-term commitment to growing Virginia’s presence in global markets. Congratulations to this class of VALET graduates!”

The VALET program, now with 439 graduated companies, is recognized nationally for its success in helping Virginia firms grow internationally. Participating companies receive tailored market research, access to international service providers, strategic sales plan development, and business matchmaking opportunities.

Graduating and Incoming Companies Span Diverse Sectors and Regions

The latest graduating class includes:

• Aery Aviation, LLC (Newport News)

• Afton Scientific, LLC (Albemarle County)

• AQ Transformer Solutions Inc. (Wythe County)

• BluePrint Automation (Chesterfield County)

• Damon Company (Salem)

• DataXstream, LLC (James City County)

• DZYNE Technologies (Fairfax County)

• Fabritek Company, Inc. (Winchester)

• Learning Tree International (Fairfax County)

• Parsons Government Services (Fairfax County)

• Regulus Global (Virginia Beach)

• Universal Fibers (Washington County)

• Vibrent Health (Fairfax County)

• Yupo Corporation (Chesapeake)

These businesses reflect a wide range of industries, from aviation to healthcare to manufacturing, and represent the strength of Virginia’s diverse economy.

Twelve new participants are joining the 2026 VALET class:

• Amadas Industries, Inc. (Suffolk)

• American Wood Fibers (Smyth County)

• BowerGroupAsia (Fairfax)

• By Light Professional IT Services (Fairfax County)

• FasTech LLC (Danville)

• Greystone of Virginia, Inc. (James City County)

• Info Gain Consulting (Fairfax County)

• Northland Forest Products (Fluvanna County)

• Springbok Analytics (Charlottesville)

• Valkyrie Enterprises (Virginia Beach)

• Virginia Distillery Company (Nelson County)

• Zenith Aviation (Fredericksburg)

“For more than two decades, the VALET program has delivered a strong ROI for the Commonwealth and equipped hundreds of Virginia companies to compete successfully in global markets,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “This nationally recognized initiative continues to reinforce Virginia’s position as a leader in international trade, while bolstering local economies across the Commonwealth.”

VALET Delivers Proven Results for Virginia’s Global Ambitions

VALET participants typically see an average 78% increase in international sales. Currently, 56 companies are enrolled in the program. VEDP President and CEO Jason El Koubi emphasized the long-term importance of these initiatives: “Our VALET program empowers Virginia companies to pursue international growth while boosting export sales and supporting job creation here at home.”

Virginia exports approximately $75 billion in goods and services annually. In 2025, over 500 companies received international trade development support through VEDP, with $2.3 billion in global sales attributed to this assistance. Those sales directly supported more than 20,900 jobs for Virginians.

Since its creation in 1995 by the Virginia General Assembly, VEDP has remained focused on promoting economic growth through business recruitment, expansion, and international trade. More information on the VALET program is available through the VEDP’s website.