What is VITAL?
Why is VITAL important to Virginia’s future?
How is Governor Kaine involved with VITAL?
What are some advantages of joining VITAL?
Who can join VITAL?
What's required of VITAL members?
How will the $1,607 required contribution be used?
You no doubt have some questions about VITAL. The most frequently asked questions and answers are included below. If you have additional questions, please contact us.
What is VITAL?
VITAL is an alliance of companies across Virginia dedicated to the advancement of international trade and investment. VITAL is a first for the Commonwealth as the private sector joins together to address pressing international economic issues. The alliance:
- Taps into the best practices of Virginia’s businesses active in the international marketplace.
- Serves as a central point for the implementation of a coordinated international marketing strategy for Virginia.
- Prepares and implements work plans designed to increase international trade and investment throughout Virginia.
Why is VITAL important to Virginia’s future?
VITAL’s recommendations fuel Virginia’s international economic engine to drive trade, investment and job creation. With a 400-year history of international trade, Virginia’s future in the global economy requires an integrated public-private focus to ensure continued success with imports, exports and investments.
How is Governor Kaine involved with VITAL?
VITAL helps to answer the Governor’s call to increase Virginia’s international trade and investment. The work of the VITAL plays an integral role in Governor Kaine’s international economic development efforts.
- The Governor’s 2006 Economic Development Strategic Plan called for the development of a coordinated international marketing strategy for Virginia including foreign direct investment, imports and exports.
- Governor Kaine’s goal is to increase Virginia exports by seven percent ($855 million) by 2010, as well as increase foreign direct investment in Virginia to 3,000 jobs and $300 million per year.
- Governor Kaine also mandates the development and implementation of a strategy to build stronger trade and investment ties with the emerging markets of China and India.
What are some advantages of joining VITAL?
VITAL creates a voice, a forum and a venue for open dialogue and the exchange of ideas. It brings the best minds together to offer realistic solutions to international economic opportunities and challenges. VITAL promotes collaboration among private sector companies statewide to enhance their role in the growing global economy, thereby benefiting the private sector and the Commonwealth. Learn about the benefits of VITAL membership.
Who can join VITAL?
Any public or private business or professional service company servicing international trade or investment may join VITAL as long as they apply and make the required annual contribution.
What's required of VITAL members?
Three things are required:
- Willingness to share your insights and ideas to address pressing international economic issues.
- Commitment of time to develop and implement annual work plans.
- Required annual contribution of $1,607 per individual to fund the activities and operations of VITAL.
How will the $1,607 required contribution be used?
The $1,607 annual contribution to VITAL, a non-profit, public-private entity, funds the work of VITAL as it implements recommendations from its members. Funds will not be used to hire personnel for state agencies or pay for travel or administration. VITAL funds will be spent to implement VITAL's recommendations.
Download this information here - VITAL Q&A
To join VITAL, download our Applicant Registration Form