Day Two of the 4-H Fair and Carnival Continues — Day two of the 71st annual 4-H fair and carnival continues today (Friday). Parking and admission is free all day. Carnival hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. [Fairfax County Government]
Swingin’ Swamis at Reston Station Plaza Tonight — Experience R&B Rock and work through dance moves tonight at Reston Station Plaza from 7-9 p.m. [Reston Station Plaza]
Hunter Mill Road Now Open — The road between Mount Sunapee Road and Hunting Crest Lane has reopened after an extended closure due to downed wires. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Meet the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority Next CEO — “When Victor Hoskins was introduced as the next president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, he tossed out some revelations and showed off his trademark enthusiasm for his chosen profession.”  [Fairfax County EDA]
Photo by vantagehill/Flickr
(Editor’s note: This story was updated at 9:22 a.m. to clarify information about the location of the Reston headquarters.)
Global firm IDEMIA, a company that specializes in augmented identity, plans to move its headquarters to Reston and create 90 new jobs.
The company will move its North American Identity & Security headquarters from Billerica, Mass. to Reston Town Center, Gov. Ralph Northam announced today (Dec. 19).
IDEMIA develops, manufactures and markets security technology products and services for the telecommunications, payments and identity markets. The company describes its “Augmented Identity” as “an identity that ensures privacy and trust and guarantees secure, authenticated and verifiable transactions.”
The company provides 80 percent of the U.S. driver’s licenses and ID-issuance solutions to 37 states, according to the press release.
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) helped Virginia beat out Washington, D.C and Maryland for the company’s move, according to the press release. IDEMIA, which has offices in Chantilly and Alexandria, will move into an 18,000-square-foot space in One Freedom Square (11951 Freedom Drive), according to Alan Fogg, the vice president of communications and research for FCEDA.
IDEMIA’s website lists the headquarters at 11911 Freedom Drive.
“Moving to Northern Virginia will enable both close proximity to our U.S. government customers and the ability to attract world-class talent,” Ed Casey, the chief executive officer of IDEMIA’s Identity & Security in North America, said in the press release. “The new workspace will feature a technology center to demonstrate our leading digital security and identification technologies.”
Gerald Gordon, president and CEO of FCEDA, said IDEMIA will fit into the county’s innovative companies.
“The county’s ever-growing technology ecosystem has the kind of assets these companies need to succeed in terms of workforce talent, potential customers, suppliers and partners, and a strong communication and transportation infrastructure,” Gordon said.
The FCEDA will support IDEMIA’s job creation through the state-funded Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs or undergoing technological changes for employee-training activities.
Photos via Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and IDEMIA/Facebook
This story has been updated
IT services firm 1901 Group (2003 Edmund Halley Drive) will bring more than 200 jobs to Reston in the next three years as part of a $4 million expansion.
The Reston-based company, which provides internet technology services for the public and private sectors, plans to bring 225 more jobs to Reston, along with 580 new jobs to Montgomery County by 2021, according to an announcement released today (Nov. 15). The additional 805 jobs across both counties are part of the company’s expansion of its corporate footprint in Reston and IT operations center in Blacksburg, the press release said.
1901 Group’s growth in the two counties will result in “tremendous” opportunity for the state’s citizens, State Gov. Ralph Northam said.
“With one of the largest technology talent pools in the nation, Virginia’s thriving IT industry promises high anticipated growth and upward mobility for employees,” Northam said, adding the decision reflects Virginia’s ability to compete for major projects.
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority worked with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to secure the project for Virginia, according to the press release. VEDP will support 1901 Group’s recruitment activities through the state-funded Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which provides consultative services and funding to companies creating new jobs.
Founded in 2009, the company provides internet technology services for public and private sectors, offering infrastructure, applications management and security services through the IT-as-a-service delivery model. The Virginia Chamber of Commerce recognized the company as one of its “Fantastic 50” in 2016.
1901 Group anticipates future growth after experiencing a substantial increase in the federal government’s use of its services, according to the press release.
“1901 Group’s revenue in the federal market has increased thirty-fold in the last six years,” said Sonu Singh, CEO of 1901 Group. “Much of this growth can be attributed to operating in the Fairfax region, which has a strong technology focus and great access to talent.”
The announcement comes days after Amazon chose to locate its second headquarters to Crystal City — a decision that business leaders in the area said will transform communities including Reston into a technology corridor. Secondary and tertiary businesses lured by Amazon’s Arlington presence may entice new and emerging developments in Reston around the Silver Line, Mark Ingrao, CEO and president of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, previously told Reston Now.
Photo courtesy 1901 Group
Let the skating begin — The Reston Town Center ice skating pavilion reopens today, just in time for colder temperatures that are expected to befall the region this week. [Reston Town Center]
Getting a little trashy — In Fairfax County, nearly 30 percent of all recycling material received was actually trash. Here’s what you need to know to reduce the amount of contaminated materials placed in recycling bins. [Fairfax County Government]
841 stronger — The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority worked with 21 businesses in the third quarter of the year to bring in 841 jobs to Fairfax County. Bechtel, a leading engineering and construction firm, consolidated its company headquarters in Reston, adding 150 jobs as a result. [Fairfax News]
Veterans Day Closures Next Week — Fairfax County Government offices will be closed Monday for the observance of Veterans Day, but county schools will remain open. [Fairfax County Government]
Shedding light on Diwali — South Lakes High School’s International Club learned about Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights recently. [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Wrongful entry — A car crashed into a garage on the 11400 block of Summer House Court in Reston on Tuesday. The Car took out two columns. The driver was taken to the hospital for a check-up. No major injuries were reported. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Longtime CEO leaves Fairfax County Economic Development Authority — Gerald Gordon, president and CEO of the FCEDA, will retire at the end of the year. He led the organization since 1987 and has been known for his efforts to diversify and build the county’s business community and economy. [FCEDA, The Washington Business Journal]
Take a Break concert tonight at 7 p.m. — Enjoy New Orleans jazz by listening to the New Line Brass Band play at Lake Anne Plaza. The event is free and open for all ages. Today’s event is the last “Take a Break” concert of the summer. [Reston Community Center]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Getting real [estate] — The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority has published its 2017 real estate report. New building deliveries hit a three-year high while vacancy rates in the county remained unchanged. [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]
A special shoutout to — Willa Suter, Reston Association’s aquatics manager, who was recognized as an aquatic professional competitor of the month. [Association of Aquatic Professionals]
Partnering with Amazon — SAPT National Security Services, Inc, a Herndon-based company, is partnering with Amazon Web Services to bring more people onto the cloud (nine?). [Cision]
Photo by Wade Gilley Sr.
Early Education Discussed in ‘Connecting with Supervisor Hudgins’ Show — In this month’s Channel 16 program, Cathy Hudgins discusses the importance of pre-K programs to help children get a head start in school. [Channel 16]
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority Creates Reston Profile — The organization created a profile for Reston, which lists the community as the second-largest commercial market in Fairfax County and indicates 66 percent of the population has a bachelor’s degree or higher. Major employers in the area include Fortune 500 firms like Leidos and NVR. [Fairfax County EDA]
Herndon Restaurant Fire Caused By Unattended Cooking — A fire on Saturday in the late afternoon on the 1000 block of Eldon St. in Herndon was caused by unattended cooking. A wok filled with cooking oil was left on the stove. A violation notice was issued for the restaurant’s commercial fire suppression system. Crews from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue and Loudoun County Fire and Rescue responded to the scene. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Herndon High School and Herndon Middle School Partner to Provide Thanksgiving and Holiday Meals — The schools are partnering to raise money for 210 meals for students who struggle with food insecurity. A goal of $10,500 has been set for the initiative, which is run through a partnership with Food For Neighbors. Donations can be made online. [Food for Neighbors]
Photo via Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department
Fairfax County Adopts Social and Racial Equity Policy — The county’s Board of Supervisors and the school board have instituted the policy, called One Fairfax in order to consider equity in decision-making and in the development of future policies, programs, and services. [Fairfax County Government]
Cops and Kids Coat Drive Seeks New or Gently Used Coats and Warm Clothes — Bring the items to Herndon’s station at 397 Herndon Parkway through Sunday. The drive is made possible through a partnership between the Herndon Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #64 and the Loudoun-Dulles FOP Charitable Foundation Lodge #69. [Herndon Police Department]
Company in the Spotlight: Serco — The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority recently featured the Reston-based technology company Serco on its website. [Fairfax County EDA]
Police Body Cameras Coming to Fairfax County Early Next Year — Patrol officers from district stations in Mount Vernon and Mason will be equipped with the body cameras as part of a three month pilot approved by the county’s Board of Supervisors this week. [Fairfax County Police Department]
Season Subscription Now Available for Players — The 51st season of Reston Community Players will include performances of “Aida,” “Peter and the Starcatcher,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Season tickets are $82 for adults and $72 for students and senior citizens. [Reston Community Players]
Telehealth Provider Expanding in Reston — An expansion of Avizia, who partners with providers to deploy and power system-wide telehealth, will bring 27 more jobs to the community. [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]
Reception for ‘Althea’ is Tonight — The latest public artwork installed on the Lake Thoreau spillway by the South Lakes High School STEAM Team will have its official reception tonight from 6:30-8 p.m. at Reston Association headquarters (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive). RSVP to [email protected]. [Reston Now]
Sobriety Checkpoint Planned for Saturday Night — AÂ sobriety checkpoints will be conducted by the Fairfax County Police Department on Saturday from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. [FCPD]
BXP Senior VP Talks About Reston Gateway — In an interview with Bisnow, Boston Properties Senior Vice President Peter Otteni says the property between Reston Town Center and the future Silver Line Metro station will be “a great complement to Reston Town Center” that won’t have “as soft-goods-driven of a user base.” Rather, he says, it “will be much more food, entertainment and convenience.” [Bisnow]
Best Reston Business Awards Ballots Go Out Today — Don’t forget to sign up for Reston Now’s email list so you can vote in the 2017 Best Reston Business Awards. [Reston Now]
Thousands of Jobs Added in County — The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority says 160 U.S.-based and 34 foreign-based companies worked with them to add about 7,500 jobs in 2016. [Fairfax County EDA]
Reston Association Committees Meet Next Week — The calendar for Reston Association next week includes meetings of the Board Operations Committee, Environmental Advisory Committee and Community Engagement Advisory Committee, as well as the Design Review Board panel. [Reston Association]
Seniors Invited to See ‘Age of Love’ — Reston Community Center will host a showing of “Age of Love” for people 55 and up next Friday. The film is described as “comic and poignant.” Dessert and a discussion will follow. [Reston Community Center]
Polar Plunge is Next Weekend — Don’t forget, the 10th annual “Freezin’ for a Reason” Virginia Polar Dip is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11 at Lake Anne Plaza. There is still time to get involved, or to just make plans to attend. [Lake Anne Plaza]
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority provided services to 25 companies that added more than 1,100 jobs in Fairfax County in the second quarter of 2015. More than half of the jobs (595) were in Reston, says the FCEDA.
Among the growth in Reston:
- Walmart Technology, the IT and cybersecurity portion of the large retailer (173 jobs)
- TEKsystems, an IT staffing subsidiary of Allegis Group, the largest privately owned talent management firm in the world (324 jobs)
- Canvas Solutions, software (35 jobs)
- Datapipe, security and IT services (35 jobs)
- Drainage and Erosion Solutions, construction (10 jobs)
- Lookout Inc., mobile cybersecurity (9 jobs)
- Vrid, ecommerce (5 jobs)
- Washington First Bank, banking (4 jobs)
Janis Parker Moore, senior HR manager for Walmart Technology, said locating an office in Reston is a strategic move to take advantage of the skill set of local employees.
“Today, one of the largest technology-based challenges exists in the retail sector, and Walmart is actively recruiting the world’s best STEM-specialized talent that will help the company make this historic pivot,” she said. “Our Reston office in Fairfax County is an extension of that effort, drawing upon the industry leading talent in the surrounding areas to help grow expertise and best-in-class technologies.”
Gerald Gordon, president and CEO of the FCEDA, agrees.
“The announcements by Walmart Technology, TEKsystems and Intelsat (109 jobs in Tysons Corner) illustrate how market leaders in diverse technology sectors look to Fairfax County to find the workforce and the partners they need to be successful, ” Gordon said in a statement. “This is what makes Fairfax County a market leader as a business location, most notably for IT and professional services firms.”
