Governor McAuliffe announces partnership with Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced Friday the Go Global with Coal & Energy Technology (GGCET) program, a collaboration of the Governor’s Office, the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) as a result of the Governor’s 2014 Energy Plan.

Speaking about the  announcement at an event in Bluefield, Virginia, Governor McAuliffe said, “Finding innovative ways to help grow and expand existing Virginia businesses is a key component of my Administration’s efforts to build a new Virginia economy.  As part of my Energy Plan, I laid out a vision for developing a robust outreach program that facilitated access to international markets for coal supply chain companies based in Southwest Virginia.  GGCET gives these businesses in the Coalfield region an opportunity to export their expertise and products, helping them prosper and create jobs.”

“Finding customers for our Virginia companies in international markets is one of the key expansion strategies that we must pursue to keep our economy growing,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones.  “I want to congratulate VCEDA and VEDP’s VALET program for partnering to help grow our companies, especially in a region of the Commonwealth that is in the midst of transforming itself for growth in the 21^stcentury.”

The GGCET program assists coal and energy technology companies in the Virginia coalfield region in expanding their international business. GGCET offers a powerful combination of resources provided by VCEDA and VEDP and professional services from expert, private-sector partners. GGCET is modeled after and linked to VEDP’s award-winning Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program.

“Selling into global markets strengthens Virginia companies,” said Martin Briley, President & CEO, VEDP.  “As more and more mining operations are conducted outside of the U.S., Virginia coal and energy technology companies have to look to international markets for growth. VEDP is eager to work with companies in the GGCET program to find new customers around the globe.”

“VCEDA is very excited about the Go Global with Coal and Energy Technology program, which will assist our region’s coal and energy technology companies with support and access to resources to help expand their international sales and markets,” said Ron McCall, Chairman of the VCEDA Board.

Each year for the next two years, up to 10 qualifying companies will ramp up their global marketing efforts through this comprehensive, two-year international business acceleration program. Companies will receive:

• Up to $15,000 toward export-related expenses
• Strategic international business planning
• Professional resources through VEDP’s International Trade program partners
• Mining-related export seminars
• Participation in a Virginia booth at two international mining trade shows

The following six companies have been accepted into the first year’s GGCET Program: