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| Business Intelligence for Virginia's Entrepreneurial Economy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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In This Issue... Expansions, Relocations and Launches, Who's Hot, Who's Winning Business, Deals & Partnerships, Innovations, Partnerships & Collaborations, Research & Intellectual Property, Trends, Commentary, Other, Events Click here to forward to a friend or colleague who might like this newsletter. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Expansions, Relocations & Launches   | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Arista to Invest $24 Million in Danville DANVILLE--Arista Tubes, UK, a manufacturer of plastic tubes used in the consumer and personal care products industry, will invest $24 million to open a manufacturing facility in Danville. The project will create 145 new jobs. The company plans to move into a former Dan River facility at River Pointe, and is scheduled to begin operations by summer. Arista was purchased in 2004 by India-based Essel Propack, which maintains other operations in Danville. More. In Brief... RESTON--K&B Underwriters, a wholesale commercial insurance broker, has launched a national medical malpractice insurance division to help retail insurance agents and healthcare entities secure medical malpractice coverage for hard-to-ensure risks. More. RICHMOND--Highwoods Properties, Inc., of Raleigh, N.C., will develop its second building at North Shore Commons, a $13.6 million, 95,000-square-foot multi-tenant, Class "A" office building in Innsbrook Corporate Center in Richmond. More. TYSONS CORNER--Cardinal Bank, a financial holding company, will open a banking office in Wisconsin Ave. in Bethesda, its first location in Montgomery County, Md. More. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Who's Hot... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Middleburg Financial to Raise $18 Million in Public Offering MIDDLEBURG--Middleburg Financial Corporation has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a public offering of up to 560,000 shares of its common stock. Priced at $32 per share, the offering should raise about $18 million. More. Nimaya Raises $3 Million in Series A FAIRFAX--Nimaya Inc., a provider of revenue maximisation applications, has completed a $3 million Series A round of financing. The company will use the funding to expand its application suite that enables telecommunications, financial services, hospitality and technology organizations to leverage customer-facing data assets and the systems that maintain them. More. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Who's Winning Business... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CACI Nabs Paperless Workflow Contract ARLINGTON--CACI International Inc. has won a contract potentially worth $42 million over five years to deploy its Wide Area Workflow-Receipt and Acceptance application at the Defense Information Systems Agency. WAWF-RA uses the World Wide Web to eliminate paper from the receipt/acceptance and invoice/payments process of the contracting life cycle. More. INDUS Awarded Communications Infrastructure Subcontract VIENNA--INDUS Secure Network Solutions, LLC, an IT solutions provider, has been awarded a $17.5 million subcontract by NJVC-LLC to install and maintain the physical communications infrastructure for NJVC-LLC's government client. Said INDUS CEO Shiv Krishnan: "This contract win provides INDUS with a strong validation of our recent entry into the DOD and Intel marketplaces." More. Orbital to Launch Two Military Satellites DULLES--Orbital Sciences Corporation has been awarded a $23 million contract for two Minotaur I space launch vehicles by the United States Air Force Rocket System Launch Program. The vehicles will launch TacSat-2 and -3 satellites, experimental spacecraft demonstrating new technologies and capabilities for space-based support of military operations. More. In Brief... ARLINGTON--Interstate Hotels & Resorts has been selected to manage the 1,100-unit Pinnacle Condominium Resort in Las Vegas. More. FAIRFAX--Analex Corporation has been awarded a contract potentially worth $5.7 million from the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division to provide engineering services for the intelligence situational awareness system in support of Aegis ballistic missile defense at Pt. Mugu, Calif. More. FAIRFAX--ManTech International Corporation has won a contract potentially worth $7.1 million over four years from the Department of Homeland Security's Operations Directorate for the United States Public Private Partnership Engineering and Management Support program. More. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Deal Makers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Alternative Behavioral Services to Be Sold for $250 Million NORFOLK-Alternative Behavioral Services, Inc., an operator of nine inpatient psychiatric facilities across North America, has agreed to an acquisition by Franklin, Tenn.-based Psychiatric Solutions, Inc., for $250 million. Alternative Behavioral Sciences, founded by psychiatric hospital pioneer Ronald Dozoretz, produced 2005 revenue of $191 million. Facilities are located in Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More. Performance Fibers Acquires German Polyester Yarn Business RICHMOND--An affiliate of Performance Fibers agreed to acquire INVISTA Resins & Fibers GmbH's German polyester yarn business. The transaction, which includes both commercial and manufacturing operations in Germany, represents the third major expansion of Performance Fibers' business in the past year. Said CEO Greg Rogowski: "The addition of these German operations will expand Performance Fibers' presence in Europe, add to our product portfolio and enhance our technical and research capabilities. This agreement demonstrates our strong commitment to the industry and to our customers in every region of the world." More. Mercator Acquires VNOs RESTON--Mercator Partners Acquisition Corp. has agreed to acquire U.K.-based European Telecommunications and Technology, Ltd. and McLean-based Global Internetworking, Inc. in transactions totaling $63.1 million. Both companies are VNOs: facilities-free, technology-agnostic telecommunications providers that leverage the infrastructure of multiple, asset-based carriers to create customized solutions for enterprises whose complex communications requirements transcend the capabilities of any single provider. The VNO model is also attractive to customers with diverse or international needs. The combined company will be headquartered in McLean with additional locations in London, New York, Paris, New Delhi, Dusseldor, and Miami. More. Space Adventures Buys Launch Company VIENNA--Space Adventures, Ltd., the space travel company, today has purchased Fountain Valley, Calif.-based Space Launch Corporation, giving Space Adventures access to space-system intellectual property and technology-development capability. Said CEO Eric Anderson: "While Space Adventures will remain focused on the marketing of spaceflights as a space travel company, the acquisition of Space Launch will enhance our access to, and in-depth knowledge of, cutting-edge aerospace technology." More. Columbia Equity Buys Reston Office Building WASHINGTON--Columbia Equity Trust, Inc., of Washington, D.C., has acquired 1741 Business Center Drive in Reston for $11.5 million. The two-story, 41,300-square-foot building is fully leased through January 2015, and the property includes excess land that will support another 60,000 square feet of development. More. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Innovations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Mountain Lumber Recycles Ancient Chinese Hardwood RUCKERSVILLE--Mountain Lumber, a distributor of antique, reclaimed woods, has introduced lumber made from Chinese elm, rescued from Chinese structures between 400 and 600 years old. The company reclaims rare antique woods such as Heart Pine and American Oak, and re-cuts it for use as flooring, beams and architectural ornamentation. Said Debra Eason with Mountain Lumber: "Ancient Chinese Elm is an iron-hard wood that is striking, exotic and loaded with history. We are confident the Ancient Chinese Elm will be a 'trophy floor' for designers and homeowners who appreciate the finer things in life." More. Mediatech Unveils Bioprocess Collection Containers HERNDON--Mediatech, Inc., a provider of cell culture and molecular reagents, has introduced a line of single-use bags as an alternative to rigid-walled containers. Said Matthew Thompson, director of biopharmaceutical sales: "Our goal is to produce a containment/delivery system that will provide our customers with unparalleled assurance and a means to preserve the physical, chemical and functional characteristics of their sterile fluids." More. Filter Forge Releases Plug-in for Adobe Photoshop ALEXANDRIA--Filter Forge, Inc., a newcomer to the Adobe Photoshop plug-in market, has released a beta version of Filter Forge, a plug-in that allows computer artists to build their own filters -- seamless textures, visual effects, distortions, patterns, backgrounds and more. Key features include a visual filter editor and a free online library of user-created filters to which anyone can contribute. Filter Forge's effects include organic structures, metallic and rocky surfaces, distortions, abstract textures, repeating patterns, color corrections, and more. More. Tredegar Extends StretchTab Line Up RICHMOND--Tredegar Film Products Corporation has extended its product line of StretchTab laminates -- fastener tabs used in diapers -- with two new solutions. StretchTab laminates PSA, with pressure sensitive adhesive, are designed for immediate converting onto diaper lines. StretchTab laminates Y-Bond are used in side tab closures that require additional attachment strength. Additionally, a new elastics production line located at in Rétság, Hungary, will begin operations during the second quarter. More. Fungi! Fungi! Get Yer Fungi Right Here! MANASSAS--American Type Culture Collection has launched a searchable Web-based resource for cross-referencing ATCC strains with a database of widely used and agreed-upon test methods and laboratory procedural standards. The search tool allows scientists and laboratory professionals to determine which ATCC-held bacteria, viruses, fungi or cell lines are specified in a particular standardized test method or procedure. More. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Partnerships & Collaborations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SWSoft, Fotolio Partner to Sell Digital Images HERNDON--SWsoft, a developer of server virtualization and automation software, has struck a strategic partnership with Fotolia, a public, worldwide marketplace for royalty-free stock images. Through the agreement, SWsoft hosting providers can come directly to SWsoft to resell Fotolia's fast growing database of more than 600,000 inexpensive, royalty free stock images and illustrations. More. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | R&D / Intellectual Property | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Tech to Establish Materials Center of Excellence BLACKSBURG--Virginia Tech has been selected by the Army Research Laboratory to establish a Materials Center of Excellence with the mission of developing polymer-based materials to protect personnel and equipment against weapons attack. The Multilayered Technologies for Armored Structures and Composites Materials Center of Excellence will assemble researchers from eight interdisciplinary research groups, two colleges, and six academic departments, and will team with personnel at the Army Research Lab Weapons and Materials Research Directorate. The award is potentially worth $4 million over 10 years. More. Massey Docs use Platinum to Combat HIV, Cancer RICHMOND--Using small molecules containing platinum, Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center researchers have created a process to inhibit a class of proteins important in HIV and cancer. The findings may help researchers develop new drugs to fight HIV or cancer by selectively targeting proteins known as zinc fingers. More. INSMED Commences Distribution of IPLEX RICHMOND--Insmed Incorporated, a developer of drug candidates for the treatment of metabolic diseases and endocrine disorders, has begun distributing IPLEX, a drug for the treatment of children suffering from severe deficiency of primary IGF-I, a growth hormone. Said CEO Philip J. Young: "It has been a 20-year journey for the many researchers involved in the development of IPLEX, and we are very gratified to finally have the opportunity to provide the only once-daily IGF-I therapy to patients in the United States." Primary IGFD affects as many as 30,000 children in the United States. More. MSV Bolsters Technology with Two More Patents RESTON--Mobile Satellite Ventures, LP, developer of the first hybrid cellular-satellite communications network, has won two more patents to protect its technology for linking terrestrial and satellite communications. Said CTO Peter D. Karabanis: "The ability to reuse frequencies between our ATC network and the satellite network is critical to the design and deployment of a commercially viable hybrid terrestrial-satellite system." More. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | People | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Nimaya Taps de Wit as CEO FAIRFAX--Nimaya Inc., a developer of revenue maximization applications, has appointed John de Wit as its CEO. De Wit brings over thirty years of experience in technology leadership, having previously worked executive vice president, sales, for iLumin Software Services Inc. Nimaya provides a platform and application suite for revenue maximization through virtual real-time customer data consolidation and analysis. More. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Trends | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Chmura Economics & Analytics |
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 Richmond wages. Since 1991, annual average wages in the Richmond metro area have tracked state wages closely. For the year ending with the third quarter 2005, annual average wages per worker were $41,081 in Richmond compared to $42,169 in Virginia overall. Since 1998, annual average wages per worker in Virginia have stood at a higher level than Richmond. However, the pace of wage growth in Richmond has recently eclipsed that of the state. Annual average wages per worker increased by 6.0 percent in Richmond compared to 5.8 percent in the state for the year ending with the third quarter of 2005. For the latest analytics on labor market and workforce trends across Virginia, click here or call 804-649-1107. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Other News | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Gov. Kaine to Lead Trade Mission to Canada RICHMOND-Gov. Timothy M. Kaine is leading a three-day trade mission to Canada with the goal of reinforcing relationships with Canadian companies already invested in Virginia, recruiting new investors to the state, and promoting the 400th anniversary of Jamestown to the Canadian travel industry. Canadian companies that have recently announced projects in Virginia include CGI-AMS, which has its U.S. headquarters in Virginia, Sanfacon and Intertape Polymer Group Inc. More. In Brief... STERLING--Inovex Industries, Inc., developer and manufacturer of the Ride-On TPS line of tire sealants and pumps, has launched a new website and retail shopping portal. More. SMITHFIELD-Two Smithfield Foods, Inc., subsidiaries, Gwaltney of Smithfield and Smithfield Transportation Company's Smithfield Division, have been inducted into an Environmental Protection Agency program limited to companies that exceed routine compliance with environmental laws. More. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Commentary | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Don't Worry, Be Happy We Virginians grumble a lot, nothing ever quite suits us. But the best single measurement of well being -- growth in per capita income -- indicates that we're progressing far better than the nation as a whole. More. |
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Political Landscaping A lawsuit filed by GOP conservatives stands to change the political landscape in Virginia. Remarkably, the case has yet to receive much attention. Can the composition of political parties in Virginia be cultivated and shaped, like a gardener landscapes a yard? The answer is an emphatic "yes," if a lawsuit that is attracting very little attention succeeds. But do not expect to read about this in the mainstream press as it has received sporadic to non-existent coverage. On May 23, a hearing took place before a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. This hearing was the next step in the lawsuit filed against the State Board of Elections in Virginia challenging the State's open primary statute. More. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back To Top | Events | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 jabacon@baconsrebellion.com. Click here for a free subscription. Click here to unsubscribe. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
