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| Business Intelligence for Virginia's Entrepreneurial Economy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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In This Issue... Entrepreneurial Dominion, Expansions, Relocations & Launches, Who's Hot, Who's Not, Who's Winning Business, Deals Makers, Innovations, Deals & Partnerships, People, Trends, Commentary, Events, Click here to forward to a friend or colleague who might like this newsletter. |
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| Back To Top | Entrepreneurial Dominion  |
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Sponsors: 
Legal Services 
Investment banking 
Email Marketing Experts |
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Gomadic Attacks Disposable Technology Culture HERNDON--Gomadic Corporation, founded by engineers experienced in the mobile solutions marketplace, has launched its Tip Exchange Technology to reduce the expense of disposable accessories for more than 500 mobile devices. Gomadic's interchangeable tips allow users to replace the inexpensive cable tip on a variety of mobile accessories rather than replace the entire unit for the high retail price. Said IBM executive Jim Stroud: "This is what we've all been looking for. I just got so tired of spending $30 for a car charger, another $30 for a wall charger and another $30 for a data cable EVERY time I upgraded my cell phone. Gomadic products are great because they're recyclable. You can use this technology over and over without throwing anything away." "We want to create cost-effective products that appeal to the mobile workforce's need for flexibility," said Gomadic President Don Cayelli. "Our products allow customers to re-use the accessories purchased for their portable electronics when they upgrade to newer models, and will work with almost any name brand--from HP to Apple to Dell." More. |
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| Back To Top | Expansions, Relocations & Launches |
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Partners: 
The Boomer Project 
Virginia FREE 
National Association of Women Business Owners |
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Emerging Technologies Relocates to Fairfax County HERNDON--The Emerging Technologies Group, Inc., a provider of network security and computer forensics expertise, has relocated its corporate headquarters to Fairfax County from Huntsville, Ala. ETG supports defense and intelligence agencies in locations around the world and is expanding its business areas to include commercial litigation support, e-discovery, data recovery and due diligence operations. Said CEO Tiffany L. Gates: "This was a logical move because so many of our existing customers are here, the majority of our workforce is home-based here, and the business opportunities are greatly increasing in this area." More. Pacific Headgear to Invest $1.2 Million in South Boston SOUTH BOSTON--Pacific Headwear, Inc., of Eugene, Ore., will invest $1.2 million to open a facility in the town of South Boston. The company will embroider custom-designed team and corporate headgear, creating 25 new jobs. Said President Don DeZarn: "We were drawn to Virginia because of its central location and easy access to a major international shipping port. Once we began investigating South Boston, the quality of the workforce coupled with the state's pro-business programs and policies made us feel very welcome." More. In Brief... FAIRFAX--Global Network Services, a provider of IT services, has opened offices in Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. More. |
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| Back To Top | Who's Hot... |
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Searchable Business Database 
Virginia Technology Alliance
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TARGUSinfo Raises $60 Million VIENNA-TARGUSinfo, a provider of on-demand data, has secured a $60 million investment from TA Associates, a Boston-based buyout and private equity firm. TARGUSinfo employs patented processes to link data from a variety of telephone-number-based sources and associates this data instantly to provide universal and current consumer and business information. Added to this precise core is relevant information such as demographics, phone type, caller location, purchase propensity scores, verification confidence scores and risk assessment factors to help power On-Demand Decisions, optimize CRM applications and reduce costs. More. Guardian Technologies Raises $2.4 Million HERNDON--Guardian Technologies International, Inc., a developer of intelligent imaging informatics solutions, has issued 893,297 shares of restricted common stock for total proceeds of approximately $2.4 million pursuant to the exercise of common stock purchase warrants. By strengthening the company's balance sheet and working capital position, the proceeds will fund execution of a more aggressive growth plan. More. |
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| Back To Top | Who's Not... |
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Bassett Consolidates Production in Virginia Plant BASSETT--Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., will cease operations at its wood manufacturing facility in Mount Airy, N.C., affecting 300 employees there, but will relocate production of certain products to its wood facility in Bassett, with the balance to be imported. The company attributed the decision to an ongoing shift in demand from domestically produced wood products to imported wood products. Said CEO Robert H. Spilman: "We will continue to pursue a blended manufacturing strategy with domestic production focused on customized products and certain core bedroom groups that can be delivered to the consumer quickly, and with the majority of major collections being imports." More. |
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| Back To Top | Who's Winning Business... |
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UNOS Wins $198 Million Contract Renewal RICHMOND-The United Network for Organ Sharing has been awarded a seven-year, $198 million contract to manage the nation's Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. Under the previous contract, UNOS received $103 million. Said Executive Director Walter Graham: "In this new contract, we share with [the Department of Health and Human Service] short-term and long-term goals to increase significantly the number of organ donors per year, the number of organs transplanted per donor and the long-term survival of transplant recipients." More. Argon Wins Contract to Provide IED Countermeasures FAIRFAX--Argon ST, Inc., has been awarded a $9.6 million contract to provide portable Improvised Explosive Device (IED) countermeasures systems for the military. Said CEO Terry Collins: "We expect that these systems will be deployed in short order to address a critical IED threat to our forces in harm's way. The field-proven countermeasures systems … have been shown to be effective against a significant percentage of the IED threats." More. Guardian to Export Explosive-Scanning Equipment HERNDON--Guardian Technologies International, Inc., a developer of intelligent imaging informatics solutions, has received approval from the United States Department of Commerce for the export of its PinPoint explosive detection technology to China and Russia. The export licenses will allow Guardian to install the PinPoint technology on the pre-existing x-ray scanning equipment installed at the airports in Moscow and Shanghai. More. In Brief... ALEXANDRIA--Halifax Corporation has won a three-year, $21 million contract extension from the Virginia Department of Transportation to provide seat management services covering more than 7,700 desktops and servers. More. FALLS CHURCH--Axiom Resource Management, Inc., has won a five-year, $14 million contract to support the federal Interagency Committee on Disability Research, which coordinates research on methods to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. More. ARLINGTON-InterImage, a software and web/database consulting company, has won a five-year, $12 million contract to develop the Navy Criminal Justice Information System, combining records from criminal investigations, legal proceedings and corrections. More. SPRINGFIELD--Versar, Inc., has been awarded $2.6 million for two environmental projects at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. More. HERNDON--GigaBeam Corporation has inked a deal with Eaton and Associates for the sale of 20 WiFiber wireless fiber links to be installed for use by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. More. ARLINGTON--Plateau Systems, a developer of software for managing human capital, has been selected by Singapore Airlines to bolster training and development for its 29,000 global employees. More. |
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| Back To Top | Deals & Partnerships |
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Interealty Sold for $35 Million VIENNA-Interealty, a provider of Multiple Listing Service systems and real estate software, has been sold by Geac to First American Corporation for $35 million. The management team of Waltham, Mass.-based GEAC had revitalized the Interealty business and significantly improved its operating performance. Said Geac CEO Charles Jones: "While a formidable player in the residential retail real estate market, Interealty is not core to our Performance Management integration strategy. It is, however, a complementary and strategic asset for First American's business." First American, a provider of title insurance, is based in Santa Anna, Calif. More. First Potomac Acquires Former Gateway Facility HAMPTON--First Potomac Realty Trust, of Bethesda, Md., has acquired 2000 Gateway Boulevard, a 420,000-square-foot warehouse/flex property in Hampton, Virginia, for $14 million. The property served as the regional headquarters, manufacturing and distribution facility of Gateway, Inc. until vacated in 2002. Said First Potomac CEO Douglas J. Donatelli: "We are implementing a leasing plan with the goal of leasing up the property over the next 18 to 24 months. The strength of the regional market and our existing tenant relationships give us confidence that we can accomplish this goal." More. XO Communications Joins "Voice Peering Fabric" RESTON--XO Communications, Inc., has interconnected with the Voice Peering Fabric, the world's largest peering network that allows members to exchange voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) traffic without relying on traditional telephone networks. The VPF is revolutionizing the telephony industry by allowing calls on different VoIP networks to be traded without the expensive task of traversing the public switched telephone network. More. Black & Veatch Acquires Fortegra LYNCHBURG-Fortegra, a provider of consulting services to the energy and utility industries, has been acquired by Black & Veatch Corporation, of Overland Park, Kan. "Fortegra's 80 professionals have vast industry experience, market-leading expertise and a strong client focus. We look forward to merging the strengths of Fortegra with those of our Enterprise Management Solutions division." More. Titan, Essroc Sign Cement Supply Agreement NORFOLK--Titan America LLC has forged an agreement with Essroc Cement Corp., of Nazareth, Pa., to jointly use Titan's cement import terminal at Port Newark, N.J. upon completion of a modernization program now underway. The agreement is balanced by a reciprocal arrangement whereby Titan America will import through its terminals in Norfolk and Tampa, Fla., cement supplied by foreign affiliates of the Italcementi Group, Essroc's parent company. More. Vance Partners with Global Compliance OAKTON--Vance, an investigation and security company, has formed a marketing partnership with Global Compliance Services, of Charlotte, N.C., to offer clients an integrated "ethics and compliance" solution. Driven by a rise in organizational fraud, corporations and institutions are implementing ethics and compliance programs to ensure risk mitigation and government and industry compliance regulations. More. In Brief... SAN DIMAS, CA--American States Water Company has closed agreements worth more than $238 million over 50 years to operate and maintain the water and wastewater systems at Fort Story, Fort Eustis and Fort Monroe in Hampton Roads, the wastewater system at Fort Lee in Petersburg and the Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. More. VIRGINIA BEACH-Channel Blade Technologies will provide its private-label lead management and customer relationship management tools to RV industry leader Airstream, Inc., to serve Airstream retail leaders. More. |
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| Back To Top | Innovations |
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INTRINSIC Develops Defect-Free Substrate DULLES--INTRINSIC Semiconductor, a manufacturer of wide bandgap materials and devices, has developed silicon carbide (SiC) substrates completely free of micropipe defects. Silicon Carbide has inherently superior characteristics to silicon and other semiconductor materials in high-power, high-frequency, and high-temperature applications. Said CEO Cengiz Balkas: "More than just a yield improvement, micropipe-free substrates introduce a new category of product, opening up new device possibilities." More. Circuit City Launches 24/24 Pickup Guarantee RICHMOND--With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, Circuit City Stores, Inc., has launched its 24/24 Pickup Guarantee for qualifying purchases made through its website, catalog or telephone call centers. Qualifying purchases will be ready for customers to pick up at their designated store within 24 minutes of purchase confirmation, or the customer will receive a $24 Circuit City gift card. Said Chief Marketing Officer Fiona Dias: "Circuit City pioneered in-store pickup for Web purchases and this guarantee takes our customer service promise to the next level." More. Ukrop's Launches Charitable Gift Program RICHMOND--Ukrop's Super Markets, Inc., has partnered with Atlanta-based Benevolink, a loyalty marketing company, to automate its Golden Gift community-giving program and expand it into a year-round initiative. Shoppers who purchase products within Ukrop's family of brands can earn funds year-round and direct them to participating charities or nonprofits quarterly. Ukrop's will donate up to $400,000 annually shared among participating nonprofit organizations. More. |
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| Back To Top | R&D / Intellectual Property |
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Wahoo Wins Nobel for Medicine CHARLOTTESVILLE-Dr. Barry Marshall, a professor of research in the University of Virginia's School of Medicine, has been awarded the 2005 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine. Marshall, the first current member of U.Va.'s faculty to be honored with a Nobel Prize, revolutionized the understanding of the link between ulcers and gastrointestinal diseases. Marshall and pathologist Robin Warren, M.D., discovered the connection between Helicobacter pylori bacterium and peptic ulcers and gastric cancers in Australia in the early 1980s. Marshall then spent a decade (1986-1996) at the University of Virginia as a research fellow, gastroenterologist and professor of medicine. More. Hokies Launch Simulation Science Lab BLACKSBURG-Virginia Tech has opened a new laboratory, the Network Dynamics and Simulation Science Laboratory, which simulates extremely large systems on high-performance computer systems. Applications span epidemiology and the spread of infectious diseases, social networks, settlement infrastructures, integrated next-generation telecommunication systems as well as economic analysis and financial and commodity markets. More. Hokies Research Cognitive Radios BLACKSBURG-- Virginia Tech's Center for Wireless Telecommunications has received a three-year National Science grant to extend its work in the field of cognitive radio. Cognitive radios are "intelligent" cell phones or police radios that determine the best way to operate in any given situation. Instead of following a set of predefined protocols, as regular radios do, cognitive radios configure to their environment and their user's needs. More. VCU Profs Study Blood Protein RICHMOND--Virginia Commonwealth University researchers studying hemoglobin genes have shown in studies with mice that the KLF2 protein is crucial for making young red blood cells. The findings may point researchers to future gene therapies for patients with sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia. More. GMU Raises $142 Million in First Campaign FAIRFAX--George Mason University has concluded its first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign, raising a total of $142 million in private support. Funds will help to advance research and academic initiatives, expand student and community services and fund facility improvements. More. |
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| Back To Top | People |
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Bennett Resigns from K12 Inc. MCLEAN--K12 Inc., developer of online learning programs, has accepted the resignation of William J. Bennett as chairman and a member of the board, effective immediately. K12 Inc. stressed that it has no relationship with, or involvement in, Bennett's radio program, in which he made a controversial hypothetical statement regarding abortions, crime and African Americans. In a separate statement, Bennett said, "I am in the midst of a political battle based on a coordinated campaign willfully distorting my views, my record, and my statements. Given the controversy surrounding the remarks I made on my radio show, I am stepping down from my positions at K12, so that neither the mission of the company, nor its children, are affected, distracted, or harmed in any way." More. LCC Lands Douglas as CEO MCLEAN--LCC International, Inc., a provider of wireless voice and data technical consulting services, has appointed Dean J. Douglas as CEO, effective October 17. Douglas had served previously as Vice President, Communications and Distribution Sectors, IBM Global Services. More. Flight Explorer Taps Kelly ALEXANDRIA--Flight Explorer, a developer of real-time global flight tracking information, has named James B. Kelly president and CEO. He succeeds Walt Kross who, in five years, led Flight Explorer's success and expansion to make it the industry leader. More. HRH Appoints Crowley RICHMOND--Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company, the world's 10th largest insurance and risk management intermediary, has appointed F. Michael Crowley to the position of president. Crowley joined HRH as executive vice president, where he developed HRH's strategies for risk management and middle-market property and casualty accounts, and attracting and retaining top industry talent. More. In Brief... CHESTER-- Paul L. Perito, president of Star Scientific, Inc., a developer of cigarettes with low carcinogenic toxins, has sold 600,000 shares of common stock to two existing shareholders, Iroquois Master Fund, Ltd. and Marc Oken, in a private transaction, and gave Iroquois Master Fund an option to purchase an additional 500,000 shares during the next nine months. More. MCLEAN--The Fairchild Corporation has appointed James G. Fox as CFO. More. |
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| Back To Top | Trends |
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Chmura Economics & Analytics |
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Unemployment rate. The unemployment rate in Virginia has remained fairly constant over the last year, ranging from 3.3 percent to 3.7 percent. During the same period, the national unemployment rate has consistently fallen. As of August, Virginia's unemployment rate was 3.7% while the national unemployment rate stood at 4.9 percent. For details and forecasts of economic conditions across Virginia, as well as a list of Chmura Economics & Analytics (CEA) products and services, click here, or call (804) 649-1107. |
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| Back To Top | Commentary |
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"Take Me Now, Lord, I Don't Want to See No More" That was the week that was -- in quotations. More. |
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Pragmatic Conservatives The characteristics of the 2006 General Assembly are taking shape well ahead of the November elections. There are plenty of questions left to play with in the last month before Virginia elections for statewide offices and delegates. Why in staging a gubernatorial debate, for example, would a Virginia university impose different criteria to qualify participants than those of the Virginia Board of Elections? Wasn't the dramatic American team victory in the President's Cup in Prince William County the greatest golf competition in Virginia history? Who is going to take care of this drought if Gov. Mark R. Warner cannot succeed himself? More. |
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| Back To Top | Events |
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Hosting an event? Post the details in our weekly events listing. Click here for our listing guidelines. |
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VA Newswire is a free, email-based weekly newsletter that covers news and events from around the state. If you have any news, events, job openings, or office space availability that you would like to include in next week's newswire, email jim@vanewswire.com. Click here for a free subscription. Click here to unsubscribe. |
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