Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Contact: Kelly Rindfusz 703-228-0890 (voice) 703-228-4743(TTY)
Arlington Economic Development Teams with The U.S. Department of Commerce Virginia Export Assistance Center
Partnership Will Help Arlington Companies do Business Overseas
ARLINGTON, Va.– Arlington County today announced a partnership with the United States Department of Commerce, Virginia Export Assistance Center (VEAC). Officials with both organizations report that the partnership will create great synergies through joint events, networking, contacts and opportunities for Arlington businesses. The VEAC will move from their current location in Rosslyn, and will be co-located with Arlington Economic Development (AED) staff in Ballston, at their 1100 N. Glebe Road offices.
“Both AED and VEAC reach many of the same audiences, and in particular, small businesses,” stated Christopher Zimmerman, Chairman of the Arlington County Board. “VEAC will help augment Arlington’s small business initiative, which is a priority for the County Board. It’s really a natural fit for both organizations.”
By partnering with VEAC, Terry Holzheimer, Director of Arlington Economic Development, is also hoping to capitalize on and expand Arlington’s international market. “AED receives a number of inquires for assistance in this area, and VEAC will be able to open a lot of doors to Arlington businesses,” stated Mr. Holzheimer. “VEAC facilitates meetings with overseas companies and will be able to extend those invitations to foreign companies and help Arlington companies gain access to them.”
Anne Grey, Director of the VEAC, U.S. Commercial Service agrees. “You have to think globally,” stated Ms. Grey. “There is a wealth of opportunities out there. 95% of the world’s consumers are outside of the United States so if a U.S. business is only selling domestically, they are reaching just a small share of potential customers. The U.S. Commercial Service can be Arlington’s connection to that larger international marketplace.”
Exporting Opportunities for Small Businesses
According to the VEAC, small and medium-sized firms account for the vast majority of growth in new exporters, but untapped potential still exists for small businesses to grow their export business. Small and medium-sized companies account for almost 97 percent of U.S. exporters, but still represent only a small share of the total export value of U.S. export goods.
Arlington County has made the growth of its small businesses a priority this year, recognizing that small businesses create 70 percent of new jobs in the United States and account for approximately 85 percent of all businesses located in Arlington County. BizLaunch, Arlington’s Small Business Assistance Network has spearheaded small business assistance initiatives through an extensive array of educational and training programs, networking opportunities and other services to help small businesses grow. BizLaunch plans to include VEAC programs on exporting, and will provide valuable information on the latest trade centers.
The Virginia Export Assistance Center is dedicated to helping small-to-medium sized Virginia and Washington, D.C. companies develop international markets. Their staff assists clients with identifying and evaluating international partners, navigating international documentation challenges, creating market entry strategies, and providing other export related guidance. Specifically, they provide clients with counseling about international trade finance, international contacts, market research services, and host events that provide trade leads. For more information visit: www.export.gov.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
