AvL Technologies, in conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC), proudly announces the expansion of its Asheville-based operations with a $5.9 million facility investment and the addition of up to 75 high wage jobs over the next three years.
AvL Technologies designs and manufactures transportable parabolic antennas for two-way, real-time satellite communications used in the television and broadcast industry and emergency services, along with government and military applications for communications from remote locations. AvL Technologies was founded by Jim Oliver in the basement of his Asheville home in 1994. He later moved the company to the A-B Tech Small Business Incubator in 1998 when Oliver hired his first employee. AvL Technologies is currently located in Asheville’s River Arts District.
A major component of AvL’s expansion will be the relocation of its facilities to a renovated space in the Newbridge Shopping Center in the Reynolds Village development in Woodfin. This move allows AvL to expand its carbon fiber product capability, the material of choice for wind turbine blades and aeronautical components. “We have seen tremendous growth in our current facilities near downtown. However, being spread over four buildings is inconvenient and inefficient. There is, physically, no more room for new employees,” said Oliver. “We are very excited about the move to Reynolds Village; we know this facility will allow us to meet our customers’ demands for years to come.”
Oliver’s vision for the company is that of a “1950s model” company that cares about its employees, gives back to the community, and produces exceptional products with integrity. “Oliver’s commitment to Asheville and Buncombe County is second to none. He chose Asheville as the place to create his dream company and we thank him for his continued vision and dedication,” said Bob Roberts, Chair of the EDC Board.
In AvL Technologies’ 15- year history they have become known for their technical excellence, innovative products, and an ability to meet demanding development and production schedules for a world-wide customer base. AvL antennas are used by customers such as the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Division, General Electric, the US Army, US Marine Corps, the White House Communications Agency, FEMA, and many foreign nations including Great Britain, Germany, France, Africa, India, Japan, Germany, and China, among others. Demand was immediate, for instance, after the recent earthquake disaster in Haiti.
AvL Technologies will begin renovations on the former Newbridge Shopping Center space in the coming weeks and hopes to move operations to the new facility by late summer 2010. Chairman of the Buncombe County Commissioners, David Gantt, adds, “AvL Technologies has rightfully earned an international reputation for its innovative products, world-class engineering and manufacturing staff and we are proud that the firm chose to expand here in its own backyard.” Employment inquiries and applications for AvL will be taken at the North Carolina Employment Security Commission offices beginning June 1.
Monday, March 8, 2010
First Aid Auto to Host Free Dent Repair Clinic
Drivers who have suffered minor damages will have their vehicles repaired free of charge. Light refreshments will also be served.
Based on more than two decades of vehicle repair experience, co-owner Doug Mielke will direct the clinic at 369 Rockwood Road in Arden, near the Crocker Barrel restaurant off Airport Road, adjacent to I-26. All staff members will participate.
The family-owned company is endorsed by more than 25 auto dealerships in Western North Carolina. Most FAA repairs are completed in two hours at modest cost and are covered by deductible insurance.
First Aid Auto is based in a modern 4,500 square-foot facility complete with a family entertainment center. There is ample parking available.
Please call 777-DENT to register and schedule your free estimate. Repairs will be made based on the order of estimates received.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
New Zip Line-Canopy Tour Coming to Northern Buncombe County
Opening this spring just 20 minutes north of downtown Asheville.
Navitat Canopy Adventures combines the exhilaration of a zip-line tour with the educational experience of a Costa Rican rainforest-style tree canopy excursion. Situated on a 240-acre tract of century-old forestland near Barnardsville, N.C., the course is comprised of artfully constructed platforms nestled in the trees and connected by a series of sky-bridges, trails, zip lines and rappels. The course will vary in height from 2 feet to more than 200 feet off the ground, and zip lines range from 50 feet to 1,100 feet in length.
Here is the full press release:
Imagine exploring a century-old forest from high among the treetops, watching a bird fly below as you traverse a sky-bridge, or gliding across a wide valley floor – all against the backdrop of western North Carolina’s beautiful mountains.
NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES is combining the exhilaration of a zip line tour with the educational experience of a Costa Rican rainforest-style canopy excursion to create a new outdoor adventure just 20 minutes north of downtown Asheville, N.C. Tours begin in mid-April.
“This is going to be an experience unlike anything you’ll find in this part of the country,” said Ken Stamps, Managing Partner of NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES. “It will be thrilling and enlightening, and will give our guests a new perspective on their natural surroundings and, hopefully, on themselves.”
Designed by Bonsai Design Inc., the leading canopy tour installer in the country, the course will be comprised of artfully constructed platforms nestled in the trees and connected by a series of sky-bridges, zip lines and rappels. Guests will be escorted at all times by experienced guides as they move through the course. The design is entirely tree-based and uses no poles or other structures to support the platforms and course features. Upon completion, the course will vary in height from 2 feet to more than 200 feet off the ground, and zip lines range from 50 feet to 1,100 feet in length.
The course is situated in Moody Cove, a 240-acre tract of forestland just north of Barnardsville. The site is home to forests of hardwoods -- some more than 100 years old -- native and rare plant species, streams and mountain wildlife.
“This course site is just awesome -- its size and topography, the views it provides, and just how pristine and peaceful it is,” said John Walker, NAVITAT partner and president of Bonsai Design Inc. “We’re taking great care in designing all the course elements so that we’re not only highlighting the land’s natural beauty, but also protecting it.”
Environmental stewardship is one of NAVITAT’s core values. The company commissioned a complete inventory of the site’s natural resources and has established a management plan for non-native invasive plant species. Designers and builders are using sustainable practices and products in the construction of the course and Welcome Center, where guests can learn about the natural history of the area.
“From the moment they arrive, our guests can expect great service and a great adventure,” said Dylan Burt, Partner and General Manager of NAVITAT. “We’re excited to be introducing them to an amazing canopy-tour experience, whether they’re looking for that adrenaline rush or just wanting to take in nature in a whole new way.”
When fully operational, NAVITAT plans to employ approximately 30 staff members.
NAVITAT tours begin in mid-April, but you can make reservations now at www.navitat.com. Tours last approximately 3 ½ hours, including orientation and ground school where you learn proper zip line techniques. Cost is $85 per person for adults, and $75 per person for children ages 10-16.
NAVITAT Canopy Adventures is a member of the Association for Challenge Course Technologies (ACCT), which is accredited by the American National Standards Institute. The company adheres to and exceeds all ACCT standards for construction, operations and training.
Navitat Canopy Adventures combines the exhilaration of a zip-line tour with the educational experience of a Costa Rican rainforest-style tree canopy excursion. Situated on a 240-acre tract of century-old forestland near Barnardsville, N.C., the course is comprised of artfully constructed platforms nestled in the trees and connected by a series of sky-bridges, trails, zip lines and rappels. The course will vary in height from 2 feet to more than 200 feet off the ground, and zip lines range from 50 feet to 1,100 feet in length.
Here is the full press release:
Imagine exploring a century-old forest from high among the treetops, watching a bird fly below as you traverse a sky-bridge, or gliding across a wide valley floor – all against the backdrop of western North Carolina’s beautiful mountains.
NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES is combining the exhilaration of a zip line tour with the educational experience of a Costa Rican rainforest-style canopy excursion to create a new outdoor adventure just 20 minutes north of downtown Asheville, N.C. Tours begin in mid-April.
“This is going to be an experience unlike anything you’ll find in this part of the country,” said Ken Stamps, Managing Partner of NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES. “It will be thrilling and enlightening, and will give our guests a new perspective on their natural surroundings and, hopefully, on themselves.”
Designed by Bonsai Design Inc., the leading canopy tour installer in the country, the course will be comprised of artfully constructed platforms nestled in the trees and connected by a series of sky-bridges, zip lines and rappels. Guests will be escorted at all times by experienced guides as they move through the course. The design is entirely tree-based and uses no poles or other structures to support the platforms and course features. Upon completion, the course will vary in height from 2 feet to more than 200 feet off the ground, and zip lines range from 50 feet to 1,100 feet in length.
The course is situated in Moody Cove, a 240-acre tract of forestland just north of Barnardsville. The site is home to forests of hardwoods -- some more than 100 years old -- native and rare plant species, streams and mountain wildlife.
“This course site is just awesome -- its size and topography, the views it provides, and just how pristine and peaceful it is,” said John Walker, NAVITAT partner and president of Bonsai Design Inc. “We’re taking great care in designing all the course elements so that we’re not only highlighting the land’s natural beauty, but also protecting it.”
Environmental stewardship is one of NAVITAT’s core values. The company commissioned a complete inventory of the site’s natural resources and has established a management plan for non-native invasive plant species. Designers and builders are using sustainable practices and products in the construction of the course and Welcome Center, where guests can learn about the natural history of the area.
“From the moment they arrive, our guests can expect great service and a great adventure,” said Dylan Burt, Partner and General Manager of NAVITAT. “We’re excited to be introducing them to an amazing canopy-tour experience, whether they’re looking for that adrenaline rush or just wanting to take in nature in a whole new way.”
When fully operational, NAVITAT plans to employ approximately 30 staff members.
NAVITAT tours begin in mid-April, but you can make reservations now at www.navitat.com. Tours last approximately 3 ½ hours, including orientation and ground school where you learn proper zip line techniques. Cost is $85 per person for adults, and $75 per person for children ages 10-16.
NAVITAT Canopy Adventures is a member of the Association for Challenge Course Technologies (ACCT), which is accredited by the American National Standards Institute. The company adheres to and exceeds all ACCT standards for construction, operations and training.
Several Chamber Members Participate in Cover Haiti Tent Drive
Here is a note from Jessica:
My name is Jessica Hardy. I am an RN at Mission Hospitals, and have recently returned from 18 days in Haiti. Committed to helping ease what is preventable suffering, I am organizing a tent/tarp drive in the Asheville area. I have free shipping and an unaffiliated ground crew in Haiti to receive and distribute. I realize many of us have donated already, but please consider this opportunity.
Millions of Haitians are living in the streets, housed by bed sheets hung on rubble. As we approach the rainy season (May-July), followed by the hurricane season (July-October), the near future for many Haitian families is terrifying. If we do not help provide weather resistant shelter we will see another massive wave of death due to exposure. Those most vulnerable: infants, the elderly and the sick, will, without question, die.
As an involved, active, and moral community we have a responsibility to help those who cannot help themselves. Please bring a tent or tarp, new or used to one of the following drop off locations any time between March 1st and March 31st. This is your opportunity to share in such a way that you will save lives. From your basement or garage, straight to Haiti, you will be responsible for a family’s survival.
I am more than happy to share my story, more photos, my time. If I can be of assistance in your decision to Cover Haiti, please email me at coverhaiti@hotmail.com.
Kind regards,
Jessica Hardy, RN
Drop off locations:
- REI 31 Schenck Parkway. Asheville 28803. 828-687-3499
- Craggy Brewery 197 Hilliard Ave. Asheville 28801. 828-254-0360 Wed – Sat. 4pm – 10pm
- Terra Nostra 49 N. Lexington Ave. Asheville 28801. 828-281-0777
- Black Dome 140 Tunnel Road. Asheville 28805. 828-251-2001
- Nantahala Outdoor Center, US 74, Wesser, NC
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
New study shows chamber of commerce members offer safer bet when it comes to business credit risk
Chamber members pay their bills faster, possess better credit scores than other businesses
The American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) today announced the publication of a new study detailing the credit scores and payment behavior of ten local chambers of commerce across the United States, comparing their member businesses with other regional, state and national business averages. Produced by Cortera™, a community-driven business credit bureau, on behalf of ACCE, the study includes the Bowling Green (KY) Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Boca Raton (FL) Chamber of Commerce, Greater Durham (NC) Chamber of Commerce, Greater Omaha (NE) Chamber of Commerce, Helena (MT) Area Chamber of Commerce, Lake Champlain (VT) Regional Chamber of Commerce, Lubbock (TX) Chamber of Commerce, Salem (OR) Area Chamber of Commerce, San Diego (CA) Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Tulsa (OK) Metro Chamber. According to the study, chamber of commerce members possess an average credit score of 629, compared to a 557 average score for businesses at large. Such scores – the payment behavior from which they are derived -- play a significant role in attracting lines of credit and securing favorable terms from lenders and suppliers.
A complete copy of the study, which includes both the aggregate findings, as well as the individual commercial credit scores for each of the ten local chambers, is available on the ACCE and Cortera sites. The study was contracted by ACCE and performed by Cortera, which reviewed payment behavior for chamber member businesses.
"Chamber members have long been seen as responsible and reliable members of their community," said Mick Fleming, president and CEO of ACCE. "What this study indicates is that the perception is right. From a credit standpoint, chamber members on average are better businesses, and as a result they have significant advantages in obtaining the funds they need. In this economy and the tight credit environment we are experiencing, that's especially important."
"The economic health of the entire supply chain is dependent on the payment behavior of each of its stakeholders," said Jim Swift, president and CEO of Cortera. "This study suggests that chamber members are among the most dependable participants in this ecosystem."
About the American Chamber of Commerce Executives
Established in 1914, ACCE is the only national association serving the professional development needs of chamber professionals throughout the United States and Canada. Representing more than 7,300 individuals, ACCE enhances the knowledge, leadership skills, and management effectiveness of chamber executives and their staff through education, benefits programs, trend analysis, benchmarking, and network development. ACCE promotes the highest standards of professional excellence and integrity within the chamber profession.
The American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) today announced the publication of a new study detailing the credit scores and payment behavior of ten local chambers of commerce across the United States, comparing their member businesses with other regional, state and national business averages. Produced by Cortera™, a community-driven business credit bureau, on behalf of ACCE, the study includes the Bowling Green (KY) Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Boca Raton (FL) Chamber of Commerce, Greater Durham (NC) Chamber of Commerce, Greater Omaha (NE) Chamber of Commerce, Helena (MT) Area Chamber of Commerce, Lake Champlain (VT) Regional Chamber of Commerce, Lubbock (TX) Chamber of Commerce, Salem (OR) Area Chamber of Commerce, San Diego (CA) Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Tulsa (OK) Metro Chamber. According to the study, chamber of commerce members possess an average credit score of 629, compared to a 557 average score for businesses at large. Such scores – the payment behavior from which they are derived -- play a significant role in attracting lines of credit and securing favorable terms from lenders and suppliers.
A complete copy of the study, which includes both the aggregate findings, as well as the individual commercial credit scores for each of the ten local chambers, is available on the ACCE and Cortera sites. The study was contracted by ACCE and performed by Cortera, which reviewed payment behavior for chamber member businesses.
"Chamber members have long been seen as responsible and reliable members of their community," said Mick Fleming, president and CEO of ACCE. "What this study indicates is that the perception is right. From a credit standpoint, chamber members on average are better businesses, and as a result they have significant advantages in obtaining the funds they need. In this economy and the tight credit environment we are experiencing, that's especially important."
"The economic health of the entire supply chain is dependent on the payment behavior of each of its stakeholders," said Jim Swift, president and CEO of Cortera. "This study suggests that chamber members are among the most dependable participants in this ecosystem."
About the American Chamber of Commerce Executives
Established in 1914, ACCE is the only national association serving the professional development needs of chamber professionals throughout the United States and Canada. Representing more than 7,300 individuals, ACCE enhances the knowledge, leadership skills, and management effectiveness of chamber executives and their staff through education, benefits programs, trend analysis, benchmarking, and network development. ACCE promotes the highest standards of professional excellence and integrity within the chamber profession.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Posana Earns Green Restaurant Status
This week Posana Café in downtown Asheville furthered their commitment to the community by becoming the only 2-Star Certified Green Restaurant® in North Carolina. “We believe that we had to go beyond just ‘saying’ that we were committed to the environment, and really put ourselves to the test,” says Posana co-owner Martha Pollay. The certification is awarded by the Green Restaurant Association (GRA), a non-profit organization that specializes in helping restaurants become more environmentally sustainable through their Certification program and consulting services.
“We worked intently to meet the GRA’s requirements,” says Posana Café Executive Chef Peter Pollay. “We’re proud of what we accomplished and we will continue to look for new ways to evolve. We want the quality of our role as conscientious members of the Asheville community to match the quality of our food.”
Located on Asheville’s historic Pack Square, Posana Café began working toward GRA certification in 2009. “We decided from the start that we wanted to reduce our impact on the environment,” explains Peter, “And now, when we show our ‘Green Restaurant’ certification to our customers, they’ll understand that we are willing to hold ourselves accountable to a totally objective institution that can monitor how well we achieve our goals.” Posana Café is one of only 265 restaurants in North America that can call themselves a Certified Green Restaurant®, while the GRA currently works with over 650 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada.
Before Posana Café was even open, they incorporated environmentally sound materials and eco-friendly building procedures into remodeling the restaurant for the grand opening in May of 2009. “Our bar top is crafted from Kirei Board, a material made from compressed sorghum stalk and we utilized sustainable products such as Paperstone, Icestone and Torzo on our other surfaces,” says Martha Pollay. “In addition, our carpeting is cradle to cradle and made from a minimum of 25% recycled material and our walls are painted with low VOC paint.” GRA statistics claim that restaurants throw away 100,000 pounds of garbage each year, but Posana Café uses no Styrofoam and has a thorough composting and recycling program.
According to the GRA’s Communications Manager Coleen Oteri, Posana Café has already earned 140 points in the detail-oriented program, which requires that 2 Star Certified Green Restaurants® earn a minimum of 100. Some of Posana Café’s other points came from:
"Posana Café has made great strides toward becoming more environmentally sustainable, and we commend them for their commitment to these initiatives," says Michael Oshman, Executive Director of the Green Restaurant Association. “We look forward to helping them make more changes in years to come.”
“We worked intently to meet the GRA’s requirements,” says Posana Café Executive Chef Peter Pollay. “We’re proud of what we accomplished and we will continue to look for new ways to evolve. We want the quality of our role as conscientious members of the Asheville community to match the quality of our food.”
Located on Asheville’s historic Pack Square, Posana Café began working toward GRA certification in 2009. “We decided from the start that we wanted to reduce our impact on the environment,” explains Peter, “And now, when we show our ‘Green Restaurant’ certification to our customers, they’ll understand that we are willing to hold ourselves accountable to a totally objective institution that can monitor how well we achieve our goals.” Posana Café is one of only 265 restaurants in North America that can call themselves a Certified Green Restaurant®, while the GRA currently works with over 650 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada.
Before Posana Café was even open, they incorporated environmentally sound materials and eco-friendly building procedures into remodeling the restaurant for the grand opening in May of 2009. “Our bar top is crafted from Kirei Board, a material made from compressed sorghum stalk and we utilized sustainable products such as Paperstone, Icestone and Torzo on our other surfaces,” says Martha Pollay. “In addition, our carpeting is cradle to cradle and made from a minimum of 25% recycled material and our walls are painted with low VOC paint.” GRA statistics claim that restaurants throw away 100,000 pounds of garbage each year, but Posana Café uses no Styrofoam and has a thorough composting and recycling program.
According to the GRA’s Communications Manager Coleen Oteri, Posana Café has already earned 140 points in the detail-oriented program, which requires that 2 Star Certified Green Restaurants® earn a minimum of 100. Some of Posana Café’s other points came from:
- Eliminating bottled water by installing state-of-the-art water filters
- Recycling waste grease to be made into biodiesel
- Installing energy efficient equipment and water-conserving faucet aerators
- Sourcing to-go utensils and cups made from compostable materials
- Carpeting made from recycled materials and flooring made from rapidly-renewable resources
"Posana Café has made great strides toward becoming more environmentally sustainable, and we commend them for their commitment to these initiatives," says Michael Oshman, Executive Director of the Green Restaurant Association. “We look forward to helping them make more changes in years to come.”
Lights Out: Fundraiser for Haiti
I received this note from our friend Marta at the Venue about an event they are hosting for to raise funds for Haiti Relief.
Saturday, February 27th 8:00 PM-Midnight
We would love to see everyone at this party to help out Haiti. Admission is $5.00 and the option to bring a medical supply (i.e. bandages, first aid kits). There will also be a donation jar in case you want to help out even more. The party upstairs is for teenagers aged 14-19. The party on the main level is for adults 20+.
Upstairs:
Teenage Party Ages 14-19
DJ from Sound Extreme Entertainment will be there to play the hottest music of today! THE UNKNOWN will also be there to perform. They are the newest hip hop dance crew in Asheville!
Downstairs:
Adult Party Ages 20+
Bands that will be playing, The Vinyl Brothers Big Band, Rattle, and The Mike Luca Project.
This Party will be fun for everyone and you'll feel good about Helping Haiti all at the same time!
All Proceeds will be given to the American Red Cross to benefit Haiti Relief Efforts
Where & When
The Venue
21 North Market Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
Saturday, February 27, 2010
8:00 PM-Midnight
Saturday, February 27th 8:00 PM-Midnight
We would love to see everyone at this party to help out Haiti. Admission is $5.00 and the option to bring a medical supply (i.e. bandages, first aid kits). There will also be a donation jar in case you want to help out even more. The party upstairs is for teenagers aged 14-19. The party on the main level is for adults 20+.
Upstairs:
Teenage Party Ages 14-19
DJ from Sound Extreme Entertainment will be there to play the hottest music of today! THE UNKNOWN will also be there to perform. They are the newest hip hop dance crew in Asheville!
Downstairs:
Adult Party Ages 20+
Bands that will be playing, The Vinyl Brothers Big Band, Rattle, and The Mike Luca Project.
This Party will be fun for everyone and you'll feel good about Helping Haiti all at the same time!
All Proceeds will be given to the American Red Cross to benefit Haiti Relief Efforts
Where & When
The Venue
21 North Market Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
Saturday, February 27, 2010
8:00 PM-Midnight
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
