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| Business Intelligence for Virginia's Entrepreneurial Economy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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In This Issue... Expansions & Relocations, Who's Hot, Who's Winning Business, Deals & Partnerships, Innovations, Partnerships & Collaborations, Trends, Commentary, Other, Events Click here to forward to a friend or colleague who might like this newsletter. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Expansions, Relocations & Launches   | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sponsors:  Legal Services  Investment banking  Email Marketing Experts Partners:  Virginia FREE  National Association of Women Business Owners  Searchable Business Database  Virginia Technology Alliance |
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XO Holdings Launches Nextlink RESTON--XO Holdings, Inc., has launched Nextlink, a broadband wireless service provider utilizing licensed spectrum covering 75 metropolitan markets across the United States. Offering an alternative to conventional broadband services delivered over copper, Nextlink will introduce service in Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, San Diego, Tampa and Washington, D.C., with additional market launches over the next two years. More. Lockheed Martin Opens New War-Game Lab SUFFOLK--Lockheed Martin has opened a new Command and Control laboratory at its Suffolk Center for Innovation in time to play a major role in the Unified Question '06 war game. The war game, co-sponsored by the U.S. Army and Joint Forces Command, is developing concepts and capabilities to defeat irregular warfare challenges. More Prime Choice Invests $4.5 Million in Bristol Expansion BRISTOL--Prime Choice Foods, Inc., a manufacturer of organic corn products, will invest more than $4.5 million to consolidate warehouse operations and add manufacturing capacity to its Bristol facility. This expansion will create 35 new jobs. The family-owned Prime Choice sells its product under the brand name Go-Mex, and produces private label products for the following companies: Hain Celestial, Utz, Publix and Kroger. More. Cuisine Solutions Buys French Plant ALEXANDRIA--Cuisine Solutions, Inc., a distributor of premium, fully cooked. Said CEO Stanislas Vilgrain: "This was an exceptional opportunity for organic growth and for us to expand our production and freezer capacity. ...At an extremely low cost, we can utilize the existing food grade facility to immediately triple our freezer storage capacity in France as well as to begin production of new products as early as September." More. Chaparral Expands Sheet Piling Product Range DINWIDDIE--Chaparral Steel Company, of Midlothian, Tex., has introduced its PZC 26 sheet piling product at its Virginia steel facility. Said Stan Baucum, director of sales and engineered products: "This product is one of the two most widely demanded Z piling products in North America and Europe, and Chaparral Steel is the only domestic producer." More.  Royal Reception XISave the date: June 23 to 25, 2006. Culinary Delights. Romantic Sights. City of Lights. Join Nemacolin Woodlands as it travels from London to the chic streets of Paris on one magical weekend. Featuring entertainment of royal proportions - Harry Connick, Jr., Earth, Wind & Fire, Cirque Troupe and Robin Leach. Packages start at $1,440 per person. Click here to find out more | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Who's Hot... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Global Services IPO Grosses $34 Million FALLS CHURCH--Global Services Partners Acquisition Corp. has generated gross proceeds of $34.1 million through the sale of Series A and Series B stock and warrants in an Initial Public Offering. The company was formed to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other business combination with an entity that has an operating business, preferably in the business process services industry. More. Unanet Revenues Surge 40 Percent STERLING--Unanet Technologies, a provider of Web-based Professional Services Automation solutions, has reported year-over-year growth of 40 percent for the past two years. Said CEO Frances Craig: "Our customers are also our development partners. They tell us what they need and they frequently work with us to build ... innovative features into our product. At the top of everyone's list has been expanded real-time business intelligence capabilities." More. In Brief... RICHMOND--AMC Technology, LLC, a provider of multi-channel integration software for contact centers, has reported 33 percent growth in customer orders compared to first quarter 2005. More. Business Intelligence... Actionable... When You Need it... Do you know what your competitors are doing - or are you a step behind? Do you know what new technologies and business models might impact your business - or will you be caught napping? Do you know when your prospects are ripe for buying your product or service - or will someone beat you to them? VA Newswire is offering a new product - market intelligence packaged in a newsletter format and customized for you... the information you need, and no more. No white noise, no chaff. Our editors do the work for you. For more information about our business intelligence services, click here. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Who's Winning Business... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CACI Wins $49 Million DARPA Contract ARLINGTON--CACI International Inc. has won a contract worth up to $49 million over four years to support the information processing technology office of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The mission of the office is to develop the next generation of computational and information processing systems and technologies needed to maintain military dominance. More. In Brief... FAIRFAX--Argon ST, Inc., has won a 30-month, $52.8 million Ship's Signal Exploitation Equipment contract to develop and deliver sensor systems to the United States Navy. More. MCLEAN--BearingPoint, Inc., a management and technology consulting firm, has been awarded a contract potentially worth $35.9 million over five years, to support the National Institutes of Health's business-intelligence projects. More. RICHMOND-The Martin Agency has been selected as the advertising agency of record for Discover Financial Services' Discover Card business; the agency will handle strategic planning and creative development. More. CHANTILLY--Apptis, Inc. has been awarded a contract valued at $16 million over five years to support a telecommunications infrastructure acquisition package for the Federal Trade Commission. More. PORTSMOUTH--MYMIC, LLC has been awarded two separate research contracts to develop simulation-based training capabilities at the U.S. Joint Forces Command. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Deal Makers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sprint Nextel to Buy UbiquiTel for $1.3 Billion RESTON-Sprint Nextel Corp. has agreed to acquire UbiquiTel Inc., of Conshocken, Pa., for approximately $1.3 billion, including the assumption about $300 million of net debt. UbiquiTel provides Sprint PCS services to 452,000 direct wireless subscribers and 151,000 wholesale subscribers in mid-size markets in California, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Nevada, Tennessee, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. More. ATS Acquired by Federal Services MCLEAN-Advanced Technology Systems, an IT services company, has agreed to a buyout by Federal Services Acquisition Corporation for $124 million. With $107.2 million in revenues for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005, ATS provides systems integration, application development, IT infrastructure management and strategic IT consulting services to federal government agencies. The firm, in business since 1978, has 600 employees. Federal Services Vice Chairman Dr. Edward H. Bersoff will become CEO of Federal Services and ATS upon consummation of the transaction. Said Bersoff: "Federal Services' strategy is to make additional acquisitions following the closing of the ATS transaction. As a public company, ATS will provide a superb platform for growth both organically and through further complementary acquisitions." More. e-Security Bought out by Novell VIENNA-e-Security, Inc., a provider of information security technology, has been acquired by Waltham, Mass.-based Novell in a move expected to make the software giant "a pioneer in delivering a single view of security and compliance activities across the entire enterprise." The deal combines the benefits of Novell's identity and systems management expertise with e-Security's real-time event monitoring, response and reporting capabilities. Novell expects e-Security to generate about $20 million in revenue in the year ahead. More. NeuStar Announces Completion of Acquisition of UltraDNS STERLING--NeuStar, Inc., a provider of communications services to the global communications and Internet industry, has completed the acquisition of UltraDNS Corporation of Reston. On a worldwide combined basis, NeuStar and UltraDNS provide services to more than 20 top-level Internet domains such as .org, .info, .us, .biz, .in, and .mobi. Said CEO Jeff Ganek: "This acquisition makes for an even broader and stronger platform of services we can offer to the global communications industry." More. Weiman/Preview Acquired by Interlude Home CHRISTIANSBURG-Weiman/Preview, a manufacturer of contemporary upholstered furniture, has been acquired by Interlude Home, Inc., of Trumbull, Conn., as part of a strategy to extend its business expertise to other home furnishings categories. Weiman/Preview, formerly a division of Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., has 65 employees, many of whom have worked for the company for decades. Interlude's goal is to provide fashion and styling leadership that will increase Weiman's scope without compromising its core strengths. More. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Innovations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Intersections Rolls out Identity Fraud Protection Service CHANTILLY-Intersections Inc., a provider of identity theft protection and credit management solutions, has introduced IDENTITY GUARD Fraud Protection for consumers. The four key elements include: a personalized ID risk assessment; a comprehensive public record profile compiled from more than 400 data sources; Internet surveillance to check if the client's credit cards are being sold or traded online; and daily monitoring of the client's credit report. Said CEO Michael Stanfield: "We're witnessing a staggering rise in identity theft and while Americans are becoming increasingly aware of the problem, they're not taking preemptive action to protect their financial well being. ...Intersections has provided IDENTITY GUARD Fraud Protection as a simple and complete solution to prevent, detect and resolve personal fraud activity." More. 45Fix to Repair Home Improvement Sector RICHMOND-45Fix, an online matchmaker between homeowners and certified contractors, is seeking to expand its service from Richmond and Charlottesville to Northern Virginia. When homeowners submit projects online, a customer service representative refines the specifications and obtains bids from two to three independent, certified contractors. Said founder Phaedrus Acgtblu: "We're talking with qualified investors for expansion right now. ... We're looking forward to expanding throughout the mid-Atlantic States over the next two to three years." More. Rosetta Stone Releases Mohawk Language Software HARRISONBURG--Rosetta Stone has released language-learning software for the Mohawk (Kanien'keha) language as part of an initiative to recover Kanien'keha fluency in the Mohawk community located near Montreal, Quebec. This is the first endangered language software to be developed through Rosetta Stone. Kanien'kehaka is one of many indigenous languages throughout the world that are in danger of becoming extinct. Five hundred years ago, an estimated 300 languages were spoken across North America. Today, however, about 150 languages are poised to disappear. More. Too Bad FEMA Didn't Think of This RICHMOND--Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company, the world's tenth largest insurance and risk management intermediary, has introduced a new client service: the Catastrophe Alert Plan. The plan, initially executed during Hurricane Katrina, alerts potentially affected clients within 10 minutes of disasters occurring anywhere in the world, provides updates on the catastrophe, and provides a concrete set of steps to take in response. Said Joe Picone, national director of claims: "HRH's Catastrophe Alert Plan ... provides a pre-assigned claims team and a nominated adjuster prior to suffering any losses." More. GigaBeam Introduces World's Fastest WiFi Links HERNDON--GigaBeam Corporation, a provider of wireless point-to-point communications access solutions, has introduced an ultra high-performance series of wireless fiber links designed to operate at 2.7 Gigabits-per-second. Said CEO Lou Slaughter: "With the introduction of the WiFiber G-2.7 series, we believe GigaBeam has introduced the fastest licensed spectrum radio links in the world." More. Affinion Loyalty Group Launches 'The Rewards Shop' RICHMOND--Affinion Loyalty Group has launched The Rewards Shop, a website where shoppers make purchases using rewards points instead of cash. The website allows businesses to differentiate their points-based loyalty programs by offering not only travel awards but merchandise and entertainment. The Rewards Shop is fully branded with the business' name, logo and colors. More. CarMax Introduces Free Online Vehicle History RICHMOND--CarMax, Inc., the nation's largest retailer of used cars, has contracted with Experian Automotive, of Schaumburg, Ill., to provide Experian's AutoCheck vehicle histories on all CarMax used vehicles. The service allows CarMax customers to confirm that the vehicle has not been previously reported as a lemon or having major flood damage, frame damage, or odometer rollback issues. More. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Partnerships & Collaborations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Alcoa Packaging Wraps Up Deal with Graham Packaging RICHMOND--Alcoa Packaging, a manufacturer of printed flexible packaging and custom thermoforming, has forged a partnership agreement with Graham Packaging, a York, Pa.-based manufacturer of customized blow molded plastic containers. The partnership combines Aloca's printed shrink sleeve labels with Graham's blow containers for the food and beverage, household, specialty, and automotive markets. Said Graham executive Mark Leiden: "The pairing of our respective companies' capabilities provides consumer goods manufacturers a complete, bundled packaging solution from the design stage to final product supply." More. Western Sizzlin Partners with Star Buffet ROANOKE--Western Sizzlin Corporation has forged a partnership with Star Buffet, Inc., of Salt Lake City, Utah. Star, a 40-restaurant chain, will convert two of its restaurants to the Western Sizzlin brand as a franchisee, test a new Western Sizzlin prototype and seek to acquire specified Western Sizzlin franchise restaurants. More. In Brief... RESTON-Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC is teaming with McNeil Security, of Springfield, to offer private security screening services to airports across the country. More. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | People | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Davenport Dismissed from MAXIMUS RESTON--Lynn Davenport, CEO of MAXIMUS, a provider of technology services to the government, has been dismissed for unacceptable conduct toward a female employee. The company has reached a settlement with the employee, who has since left. Davenport has been replaced by Richard Montoni. More. Intelliject Taps Williamson as CEO RICHMOND-Intelliject LLC, developer of a credit card-sized auto-injector used to deliver epinephrine to stabilize allergic reactions, has appointed T. Spencer Williamson IV to the position of president and CEO. Williamson joins the company after 15 years with Guidant Corporation, where he was responsible for the company's cardiac rhythm management business. Said former CEO Gary Edwards: "Spencer will provide Intelliject the expertise needed to bring the company's patented medical devices into the market." More. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Trends | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Chmura Economics & Analytics |
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 Unemployment Claims. The number of initial applicants for unemployment insurance has trended downward in Virginia over the last few years and remains at low levels. In March, the six-month moving average for initial unemployment claims stood at 20,587 in the state, just above February's five-and-a-half year low. The level of initial claims has continued to fall on a year-over-year basis, declining by 11.4 percent since last March. For details on labor market conditions across Virginia, as well as a list of Chmura Economics & Analytics (CEA) products and services, click here or call 804-649-1107. Virginia Led Nation in Tech Job Creation in 2004 WASHINGTON, D.C.-Virginia led the nation in technology job creation in 2004, adding 9,100 net jobs, according to Cyberstates 2006: A Complete State-by-State Overview of the High-Technology Industry, published by AeA, a national technology trade association. Virginia surpassed No.2 Florida (6,700 net new jobs), No. 3 Maryland (2,800 net new jobs) and New Hampshire (2,400 net new jobs) by a wide margin. "The high-tech industry is booming in Virginia," said Gregory Poersch, executive director of the AeA Potomac Council. "Tech jobs, wages, and exports are all on the rise. Venture capital investments jumped by 38 percent in 2005. If these trends continue, next year Virginia will become the state with the highest concentration of tech workers in the nation," surpassing No. 1 Colorado. More. And More. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Other News | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Energy Legislation Supportive to Virginia Power RICHMOND-Fitch, the New York bond-rating agency, does not expect fuel-recovery legislation passed by Virginia's General Assembly to effect the bond ratings of Virginia Electric and Power Company or parent Dominion Resources Inc. Fitch describes the legislation as "a constructive, forward-looking approach to utility regulation in the state." While the estimated eight-percent to 12-percent increase in monthly residential bills associated with the July 2007 fuel factor re-set is less than increases expected in other states, the new law would preclude more significant rate shock at the end of 2010. More. Allied Defense Institutes Corporate Governance Reforms VIENNA--The Allied Defense Group, Inc. has approved a series of strategic and corporate-governance initiatives to increase shareholder value. Changes include: reshaping the board to optimize independence, diversity and financial skill sets; establishing a board committee to review financial alternatives to increase shareholder value; and modernizing the shareholder rights plan. The board will expand from seven members to nine. More. Sunrise Adopts New Stockholder Rights Plan MCLEAN--Sunrise Senior Living, Inc., has adopted a new Stockholder Rights Plan designed to protect stockholders against potential acquirers who may pursue coercive or unfair tactics aimed at gaining control of the company without paying all stockholders of the Company a full and fair price. Said CEO Paul Klaassen: "The overriding objective of the Board of Directors in adopting the rights plan is to maximize shareholder value should an unsolicited offer to acquire the company arise. This will not prevent the Board from approving a fair and equitable offer to acquire the Company if one should materialize." More. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Commentary | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Governed by Demagogues Virginia politicians are not simply spinning the truth - they're engaging in outright demagoguery. And they will continue as long as the electorate remains apathetic. More. |
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On the Chopra Block Cutting costs in the Medicaid system may sound an odd task for Virginia's Secretary of Technology. But that's only if you don't know Aneesh Chopra. Virginia's secretaries of technology have made their marks upon the Commonwealth in very different ways. Don Upson employed his penchant for PR to gain national recognition for Northern Virginia's world-class technology sector. George Newstrom rationalized the state's IT infrastructure through the creation of the Virginia Information Technology Agency. Eugene Huang oversaw the development of super-high speed connections between the state's research universities. More. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Events | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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