Paul Grossman was the guest speaker at our July 15th General Membership Luncheon, and gave an informative speech on the necessity of diversifying business using international trade. Mr. Grossman serves the Commonwealth of Virginia as the Vice President of International Trade for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). In this capacity, he is responsible for the promotion of Virginia products and services to markets worldwide via export sales.
Mr. Grossman expressed that, in terms of economic growth in Virginia, "it will get worse before it gets better." He shared some recent news headlines illustrating concern regarding defense budget cuts and how they affect the ship repair industry. He then urged our membership to consider diversifying their client base by looking abroad, saying "there has never been a better time" for export.
The VEDP hosts trade missions, helping Virginia businesses meet face-to-face with potential international clients in their home countries. To learn more about this initiative, please CLICK HERE to view the handout. They are also hosting the 66th Annual Virginia Conference on World Trade this October. For more information, please CLICK HERE or visit their website.
For a more in-depth look at the programs that the VEDP has to offer our membership, please visit their website, ExportVirginia.org.
Under the guidance of Mr. Grossman, VEDP-International Trade (VEDP-IT) has received national and international awards. In 2008, the VEDP-IT received the nation’s highest export honor, the President’s E-Star Award. More than 700 companies have traveled overseas with VEDP-IT to conduct business during the course of his leadership. The Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program, created by Mr. Grossman, has won three national awards for excellence and innovation.
Mr. Grossman has 29 years’ experience in international economic development at both the local and state level in three states. He earned a Master’s degree from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and has lived and traveled extensively overseas.