Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Hooker Furnishings Selected for Virginia Leaders in Export Trade Program
September 19,
2021 by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Industry 
In recognition of its success in increasing its business abroad, Hooker Furnishings has been selected to participate in the Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program. The designation – granted to only 25 companies per year –recognizes corporations that have benefitted Virginia’s economy by expanding internationally.
“Hooker Furnishings has been exporting products for more than 20 years, and we continue to seek ways to increase international sales, which is a key area of growth for us,” said Brad Miller, vice president of international sales for Hooker Furniture. “We now have customers in Mexico, China, Russia, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Brazil, Panama, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan. Being named to the VALET program is a great honor and will be an excellent resource to help us continue this momentum.
“To cater to the unique needs of our international customers, we have a dedicated international sales division that understands the differences in regional styling and design preferences, along with the scale of international homes and the size of furniture required in different areas of the world,” Miller added. “Understanding these differences has helped us adjust our strategy to better support and serve the global market, and we look forward to partnering with VALET to further strengthen our strategies for additional success overseas.”
The VALET program provides export planning services and assistance to participating companies. Its team consists of international service providers experienced at helping businesses meet their export goals. These private-sector experts include accountants, attorneys, bankers, freight forwarders, translators and website designers.
Companies chosen for the program receive $30,000 in grants that can be used to connect with resources that would help accelerate international business development efforts. These include in-market consulting and research covering 87 countries, trade mission and trade show participation overseas, and specialist partners including marketing, legal, financial and logistics providers.
To qualify for VALET recognition, a company must offer products and/or services made in Virginia, exhibit a proven track record of company growth, employ a total number Virginians exceeding 20, demonstrate a commitment to further developing and advancing export sales, and agree to dedicate resources – including time and human capital – to fully engage in the program.
“Our program has a solid track record of helping Virginia businesses increase export sales, ensuring that the Commonwealth remains competitive in the global marketplace,” said Stephen Moret, president and chief executive officer of VEDP. “Companies are seeking growth opportunities more than ever post-pandemic, and VALET plays a crucial role in aiding them in this effort.”
Virginia exports more than $35 billion in goods and services annually. Exporting supports more than 257,000 Virginia jobs and generates $2 billion in annual tax revenue. VEDP has a network of international market research consultants covering more than 75 countries around the globe.