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For Immediate Release���������� �����������������������
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Contact: Jim Dyke or Curt Cultice
Commerce Secretary Don Evans today joined U.S. Representative of Virginia Frank Wolf in hosting a small business exporting workshop aimed at helping Virginia companies tap into world markets.� Evans also presented local company Excel Holdings, Inc. of Leesburg the U.S. Commercial Service's new Export Achievement Certificate.� The award recognizes companies that have attained their first significant export sales. Most
of the jobs in America are created by small businesses, Evans
said. Smaller firms represent some of the best in ingenuity and
innovation, but have tremendous untapped export potential.�
We are giving Virginia companies the tools they need to boost
exports that support good, high-wage jobs for the working people. Secretary
Evans attendance underscores the importance for businesses in
our region to explore new trade opportunities worldwide, Wolf
said.� I am hopeful that
the seminar will provide area businesses with the information necessary
to consider sending their goods and services abroad. Virginia export
sales are on the rise, totaling $10.5 billion last year, a jump of nearly
30 percent since 1993.� These
exports support tens of thousands of jobs across the Commonwealth. Excel Holdings
is quickly developing a worldwide distribution network for its patented
potable water-producing technology.�
Working with the University of Maryland's Environmental Engineering
Department, Excel Holdings' products can produce up to 5,000 gallons
of purified drinking water a day by pulling moisture from the atmosphere.
The company produces several different models. Small and medium-sized
businesses like Excel represent almost 97 percent of U.S. exporters
and account for the fastest growing segment of the exporter community.�
Most of� these businesses employ fewer than 20 employees. More than 100 area companies representing the hi-tech, environmental and biotech industries attended the workshop and received information on trade regulations, regional market opportunities and financing from Commercial Service and foreign embassy commercial officers.� The workshop was held at Herndon High School.� � ������ ###
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