After starting in the spring of 2007, VITAL’s initial focus included 10 task forces with members from the private sector. These areas included:

• Brand Virginia
• China
• Emerging Markets
• Foreign-owned Firms
• Global Logistics
• India
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Policy
• Sales Offices
• Service Exports

The 10 task forces met during the second and third quarters of 2007 to define issues and a develop a final report – answering three strategic questions:

1. Where are we now?
2. Where can we be?
3. What do we need to get there?

Tapping into key Virginia business for input on these important topics has helped to ensure that VITAL’s 2007 recommendations were comprehensive, practical, timely and relevant.

Each 2007 task force included a chairperson. The 10 chairs comprised the VITAL steering committee that together presented a final report to Secretary of Commerce and Trade Patrick Gottschalk in September 2007.

To pave the way for Virginia’s success in the global economy, VITAL now is organized by focus areas that are addressing the 18 different 2008 Initiatives.