Applied University Research, Inc.

Applied University Research, Inc. (AUR, website: http://www.aurinc.com/) was founded in 1973 by Dr. Roger L. Simpson with the goal to develop unique, state-of-the-art instrumentation systems that deliver real information to understand tough fluid flow problems. Since that time, Dr. Simpson has continuously conducted cutting-edge research to develop and apply the most capable laser Doppler turbulence instrumentation systems in the world. AUR now offers to share some of this extensive experience in solving real-problems to help tackle tough flow and flow-instrumentation problems facing researchers today.
In addition to our laser instrumentation expertise, AUR has capabilities for complex flow modeling and experimental validation using proprietary turbulent flow simulation software and our mobile aerodynamic test facility. Please contact AUR’s VP for Research and Development, Todd Lowe (email: toddlowe@aurinc.com), with your water or air flow applications.

BAE Systems

BAE Systems is delighted to locate a Radford Field Office in the New River Valley Competitiveness Center. BAE Systems is a global, defense, security and aerospace company looking to further consolidate its activities in Virginia. The office will be open for business at the start of the 2010 New Year and provide an excellent base from which to develop new business opportunities.  BAE Systems delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. For further information contact Tony Hewitt at (423) 578-6255.

Blue Ridge Satellite

Blue Ridge Satellite joined the Center in September 2008. Greg McCracken, Owner/Installer, started the business as a home-based business in December 2003, providing Dish Network as the sole satellite system. During the next several years, the company continued focusing on Dish Network as their primary product and numerous successes were achieved.  In 2006, the company added Wildblue Satellite Internet to their product line and Tracy Shelton was brought in as a partner. During 2007, Blue Ridge Satellite established an office and brought on DIRECTV to their product line. As the company continues to expand Blue Ridge Satellite will continue to position itself in the commercial market place.

The company has leased approximately 240 square feet of office space in the Center, conducting business operations.  Blue Ridge Satellite continues to help the Center increase visibility throughout the Region. To learn more about the products provided by Blue Ridge Satellite, please contact Tracy Shelton or Greg McCracken at (540) 633-0797 or send an email to blueridgesatellite@wildblue.net for further information.

Communicate Consulting

Communicate Consulting helps businesses and non-profits increase their profits and build long-term relationships through strategic marketing and precise communication. What that means is they help you find the right words and images to tailor your message, and combine them with the right places and times to get in front of your target audiences. If you’re going to say something, say it right the first time. That’s why they tailor each message to the people you’re trying to reach, and then follow-up by measuring the results. That way you know exactly what you’re getting for your money and time.
Their services include:

• Marketing strategy and planning
• Graphic design
• Advertising strategy in all media
• Web design and development
• Market research and survey design
• Event planning and strategy
• Public relations and media campaigns
• Staff training and presentations
• Public speaking training

Ready to start getting your message out? Visit their website at www.communicateconsulting.com or contact them at 540.267.3404.

Hall and Sons Developers, Inc.

Hall and Sons moved into a small office with expectations of needing more space. The developers are currently removing timber from a lot across from the Center in preparation for the start of construction of a new restaurant. In addition, they have plans for other commercial projects in the future. For futher information, please call Mark Hall at (540) 633-6772.

MACO TOOL

MACO TOOL, INC. is a forward thinking company with small shop values.

Maco Tool is a precision machining and fabrication facility located in Christiansburg, VA and they have now added a second location at the Competitiveness Center. Their staff are trained professionals as evidenced by the precision workmanship and quality that go into each project.  They also maintain a commitment to continually update their equipment, utilizing the latest computers, precision CNC machining technology, and a COORDINATE MEASURING MACHINE for inspection.

MTI has become a major supplier for many well-known companies such as Federal Mogul, Bucyrus International and Volvo, with tooling and machines through out the entire world. Please feel free to call (540-382-1871), fax (540-382-1296), or e-mail fredcecil@macotool.com or edcampbell@macotool.com with your quote today. For further information, please visit http://www.macotool.com.

INTER Materials

Joined the Competitiveness Center in September 2009 and occupies 1900 square foot of space. INTER Materials, LLC, is a small company incorporated in Richmond, Virginia, with two major SBIR Phase II Research & Development programs: 1) Development of a low cost manufacturing process for thermoplastic matrix ballistic helmets for the US Army, and 2) Development of a scratch and abrasion resistant coating for polymer windscreens for rotary wind aircraft for the US Army SOCOM. For further information, please contact (804) 378-6034.

Mobile Medical Diagnostic Services of New River Valley, LLC

MMDS has as its purpose to serve the community’s diagnostic needs for Mobile X-ray and EKG studies. As an extension of a national corporation, MMDS, Intl., headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, the firm currently employs mobile units which house an array of technologically advanced and patented equipment to achieve this function. The equipment in the units is highly mobile and is used to provide diagnostic procedures for patients without being removed from the familiar and comfortable surroundings of their home or nursing facility. This service eliminates the inconvenience and stress of dislocating patients from surroundings in order to have image procedures performed. Research has shown that patients, families and medical care givers alike, list the difficulties associated with dislocating patients, as a major problem. In addition to this trauma, there is the increased risk of causing additional medical complications, especially since many geriatric patients are more fragile and prone to injury. Call them at (540) 633-6760 for services!

North South Partners Inc.

North South Partners Inc. stands on the philosophy of bringing progressive thinking into the beef industry by firmly believing in the principle of producing the best beef naturally.  We strive to be a leader in the forward movement of the beef industry and to ensure that future generations continue in the time honored profession of farming through teaching by example and providing an environment in which all may learn. 

Nuvotronics, Inc.

Joined the Competitiveness Center in August 2009 and occupies 4000 square feet of space. Nuvotronics LLC was formed in 2008 with the mission of delivering ground-breaking technology that is essential to a select group of customers.  With a portfolio of over 200 patents issued or pending, they have built their foundation on innovation. Nuvotronics Inc is a private company categorized under Semiconductors and related devices. To learn more about the company, contact sales@nuvotronics.com or call (540) 552-4610.

Safe Water, Inc.

Established September 20, 2004, Safe Water Incorporated (SWI) is a water analysis and research corporation, that provides bacteriological testing services for drinking water, and wastewater as a Virginia State certified laboratory. The services are offered to residents/homeowners as well as public waterworks owners. The Company intends to expand its services as it grows, and to pursue research opportunities in drinking water and wastewater monitoring through funding by governmental and/or private agencies.

The mission of SWI is to provide the community with high quality scientific services at minimum possible cost. Customer satisfaction is their number one priority. They expect profits, but only from work that satisfies customer needs and benefits humanity.

ServiceMaster Janitorial Service

Adam Thompson opened this franchise in September 2005 to provide janitorial service to businesses throughout Southwest Virginia. They currently lease storage space and will have an office by the beginning of 2006 and also have first refusal on a 125 square foot space. For further information, please call (540) 381-0757.

Smiling Bulldog Enterprises, LLC

Smiling Bulldog Enterprises is a young company that has come a long way in a short time.  Smiling Bulldog designs and directs the manufacture of two unique product lines- the Tailgate Party Rug and Door Mate™.  The Tailgate Party Rug® turns a truck tailgate into both a utilitarian and decorative surface for tailgate parties, family activities and entertainment events of all kinds.  Both products are made with a solid urethane backing and woven polyester surface.  A clear coat polymer finish is added to the surface for protection and a non-skid sticky coat is added to the back to prevent slipping.  Each design is unique, incorporating school, corporate or licensed logos with real photography.  The combination of these factors makes Smiling Bulldog’s product lines some of the most durable and vibrant on the market today.  From concept to finished product, both lines are made in the USA.

Smiling Bulldog currently holds licenses for nearly 30 colleges and universities including Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, VMI, UNC, NC State, Appalachian State, LSU, Auburn, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.  The company continues to expand its collegiate licensing program and to explore other product ideas for sports and entertainment venues.  A list of licensed schools and a growing list of designs can be found on Smiling Bulldog’s website at www.smilingbulldog.com. For further information, please contact Harriet Anderson at (540) 633-6755.

Wessex, Inc.

Wessex Inc obtained an exclusive license for PCC from NASA in 2001.  The PCC technology, while sufficient for NASA research purposes, was not commercially viable. Wessex Inc spent three years modifying the PCC composition and binder systems to create Emisshield®.  

There are currently over 20 Emisshield® Products with the ability to adhere to multiple types of substrates including ceramic, fiber, and metals and withstand continuous temperatures up to 3000°F.  Wessex Inc uses these products in combination with industrial knowledge to provide their customers with Emisshield® Solutions.  These Emisshield® Solutions can be beneficial to numerous industries including: Metal Production, Hydrocarbon Processing, Power Generation and Kilns.  Significant Energy Savings, Production Increases, Reduced Maintenance/Downtime due to prolonged substrate life, and Reduced Air Emissions due to Improved Combustion have been achieved in various applications across these industries.    

Wessex Inc has obtained two US Patents and has other International Patents Pending for their Products. Wessex Inc continues to develop the Emisshield® Products creating systems with different formulations, operating temperatures and performance capabilities. For further information, visit www.emisshield.com.

Pulaski County Department of Social Services

The Partners for Self-Sufficiency (PSS) is a collaborative effort made up of the five local Departments of Social Services. With the onlslaught of welfare reform, the partnership was formed so the fivel local agencies could work together on issues that affect their clients' ability to achieve self-sufficiency. Program components that support the achievement of those goals are as follows:

Job Readiness Classes- The job readiness class focuses on a variety of skills that are important for both obtaining and retaining a job. These inlcude communication skills, scheduling, budgeting, goal setting, anger management, and teamwork. Work-related activities such as resume development, targeting skills, completion of job applications, mock interviewing and computer skills, are also part of the job readiness class.

Vocational Speciliasts- The Vocational Specialists work one-on-one with clients to address multiple employment barriers and teach soft skills essential to successful employment. The Vocational Specialists are a resource to employers and may be called upon to assist the employer with work-related issues.

Employer Liaison- The employer liaison works with employers interested in gaining access to qualified, trained employees on a regular basis. When employment opportunities arise within an organization, employers may draw upon a database of potential employees through contact with the employer liaison. The employer liaison sends a weekly listing of job opportunities to VIEW (Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare) workers in the five local DSS agencies and will post free advertisement of job opportunities for your company. For futher information, please contact the PSS at (540) 633-6748.

REMSI utilizes career personnel to provide services during periods when Pulaski County squad personnel are not available. The Training Center provides training and continuing education for Emergency Medical Technicians throughout the NRV. Additionally, the Center is preparing to offer both CPR and first aid courses to local businesses and industrial facilities. For further information, contact Joe Trigg at (540) 633-6738.