Virginia's surging export market has earned the state some national recognition today.

Officials with the Virginia Department of Commerce and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership are scheduled to receive an award at the White House today from President Bush and Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez.

The Presidential "E Star" Award recognizes state officials for their efforts to build international markets.

Exports from Virginia have been rising for four years and were up about 19 percent in 2007. VEDP's International Trade Division also assisted more than 100 Virginia companies through its export development programs from 2005 to 2007.

-- John Reid Blackwell