Several employers in Reston and Herndon ranked high in Military Times’ annual ‘Best for Vets’ list.
The ranking determines how companies nationwide have expanded efforts to recruit and retain former service members into the job market.
Of the 14 companies in Fairfax County that made it to the list, five are in Herndon and Reston.
Here’s a list of the local companies that made it to the list:
- ManTech International Corporation (2251 Corporate Park Drive) – #15, 48 percent veterans
- Leidos (1750 Presidents Street) – #39, 22 percent veterans
- MAXIMUS (1891 Metro Center Drive) – #54, six percent veterans
- Peraton (12975 Worldgate Drive) – #87, 19.6 percent veterans
- Constellis (13530 Dulles Technology Dr) – #133, 25 percent veterans
A total of 144 employers took part in this year’s survey. Military Times conducted the survey with ScoutComms, a marketing and research firm that focuses on the military community. The firm recently ceased operations due to COVID-19, according to its company page.
Firms responded to nearly 100 questions detailing their policies and practices related to veterans.
Here’s more from Military Times on the project:
The success in recent years is evident in veterans unemployment figures, which have fallen steadily from their peak a decade ago. Even with this year’s spike in joblessness due to the coronavirus, unemployment among veterans remains lower than among their civilian counterparts.
In recent years, more companies are focused on not just hiring veterans but making sure the veterans who are hired succeed in the long term.
“It’s not about a job. It’s about a career. It’s about fit,” said Rosalinda Maury, who serves as IVMF’s director of research and analytics.
Comcast NBC Universal topped the list, followed by Southern Company.
Rendering via Boston Properties
Flu Shots Available at Giant Food Stores in Reston — “Giant Food announced Monday flu shots are available at in-store pharmacies, including locations in the Reston area. The flu vaccines are administered by Giant pharmacists and do not require an appointment.” [Reston Patch]
County Fire Chief Selected for Award — “Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Fire Chief John Butler has been selected as a recipient of the 2020 International Association of Fire Chiefs President’s Awards of Recognition.” [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Underwhelming Response to Sale of Comscore — “ComScore, based at Reston Town Center, has been pursuing a sale since late 2019. Comscore Inc.’s attempt to sell itself has hit some snags — its potential suitors’ offers thus far have been underwhelming, it said in new Securities and Exchange Commission filings.” [Washington Business Journal]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
A Sterling man allegedly used four corporations — including two in Reston and Herndon — in a $21 million H-1B visa fraud conspiracy.
According to court documents, Ashish Sawhney, 48, used the corporations to submit fraudulent applications for H-1B work visas. He was arrested yesterday (Thursday) on charges of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. Two of the companies include Value Software Products, Inc. in Herndon and Business Pointers Inc. in Reston.
Court documents indicate Sawhney allegedly used the companies to provide information technology staff and software development services. Authorities believe the Sterling man submitted applications for H-1B visas, which stated that the foreign workers would fill jobs that did not exist at the time of filing.
According to the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Sawhney’s companies may have generated $21 million in gross profits from 2011 to 2016. The indictment also stated Sawhney, who is an Indian national, attempted to naturalize as a U.S. citizen by submitting an application with false statements.
Here’s more from the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia:
The case is being investigated by the Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, which is comprised of multiple agencies including the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Office of Fraud Detection and National Security that coordinate investigations into fraudulent immigration documents.
If convicted, Sawhney faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. He was charged with two counts of conspiracy, three counts of inducing an alien to come to the U.S. for commercial advantage or personal gain, and one count of attempted naturalization fraud.
Photo via Google Maps
A cloud-based data protection company has relocated its headquarters from Los Angeles to Reston.
Infrascale announced the move in a release today (Wednesday). Company officials said that the move allows the business to centralize its core leadership team and business operations.
Russel Reeder, the company’s CEO, says the move “represents a significant milestone in our 2020 plan” despite hiccups related to COVID-19.
“Recognized as a top-two technology destination, Northern Virginia and the greater DC Metro area contain an impressive talent pool that will only grow with the continued expansion of technology innovation in the region. We are excited to build out the team here and across the US,” Reeder wrote in a statement.
Here’s more from the company on the relocation:
Infrascale is backed by premier investment firms, Route 66 Ventures (Alexandria, Virginia) and Carrick Capital (San Francisco), which have stewarded the change in leadership and support the company’s strategic growth plans in the rapidly expanding business continuity technology sector.
“Infrascale continues to deliver flexible, secure and easy-to-use cloud data protection and recovery solutions to a growing number of top-tier customers,” said Ryan Katz, Founding Partner at Route 66 Ventures. “Their continued success is reflected in ongoing growth, and the company’s move to Reston – the home region for much of the nation’s tech talent – represents a positive and exciting development in the evolution of Infrascale as they grow into a key player in the enterprise market and continue to innovate.”
Infrascale was founded in 2011 and offers cloud-based data protection. The company is now located in the RTC West development (12110 Sunset Hills Road).
Big Contract for Reston Company — “The General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded Reston-based government technology company Octo Consulting Group an $11.8 million contract to provide framework and architecture services for the GSA’s System for Award Management (SAM).” [Virginia Business Monthly]
Public Art Reston to Host Virtual Talk Today — DeWitt Godfrey will discuss his latest work at Valley & Park, a new townhouse development in Reston. His sculpture is titled ‘Simon,’ and is expected to be installed this month. [Public Art Reston]
Collects for Kids Campaign –The Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools is collecting donations for school supplies. Donations can be made online. [FCPS Foundation]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Bechtel Taps New President — “For the first time in four years, Bechtel Corp. will have a new president and chief operating officer. Executives for the Reston engineering and construction company said Thursday that Craig Albert, president of its infrastructure segment, will take the reins as its president and COO, stepping in for current COO Jack Futcher, who is set to retire at the end of 2020.” [Washington Business Journal]
Town of Herndon is Open for Business — “The town has launched a “Herndon is Open for Business” promotional video campaign. The town with the help of HCTV is visiting 10-15 small businesses a month to highlight the unique and variety of businesses in the community.” [Town of Herndon]
New State Grant Launching Soon — “A new program, Rebuild VA, will open for applications on August 10 to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations whose normal operations were disrupted by the economic emergency created by the pandemic.” [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]
Reston Firm Going Public — “SOC Telemed has signed a deal to go public through a merger with a blank-check company, 16 years after the Reston telemedicine provider launched as a videoconferencing service for hospitals — and as the coronavirus pandemic stimulates unprecedented demand for virtual care.” [Washington Business Journal]
Photo vis Marjorie Copson
Herndon Police Issues Warning about Unlocked Cars — Local police investigated reports of at least 10 vehicles that someone entered other than their owner. All vehicles were left unlocked. [Herndon Police Department]
Teachers’ Union Seeks Roles for All — The Fairfax County Federation of Teachers is asking Fairfax County Public Schools has a role for all staff including instructional assistants and bus drivers. [Fairfax County Federation of Teachers]
Arrest Made in Aggravated Assault Case — “Marian Jose Acuna Palma, 27, of Herndon, VA was arrested and charged with aggravated assault for the stabbing of a victim that is known to her. The victim went to Fair Oaks Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries,” according to police. The incident happened on the 1000 block of Elden Street on July 21. [Herndon Police Department]
Atlanta Firm Acquires Reston Company — “Atlanta-based investment company Battle Investment Group has acquired Reston-based telecommunications company Oceus Networks, the company announced Tuesday.” [Virginia Business]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Reston’s Apple store reopened on July 16 after moving to a new location following their old location’s closing back in March.
The store had been planning and building a reconstruction of the old store for over a year now, and has finally opened up right next to the old store. The new building is more than double the size of the previous, according to 9To5Mac.
Unlike the usual celebrations that follow Apple Store unveilings, the new Reston store chose to keep their opening quiet to prevent people from crowding, according to 9To5Mac. Cheering, lines and high-fives were frowned upon. A small notice on the window was the only evidence of the store’s opening.
The new store is designed with white quartz, a revolving door and a wall-to-wall glass facade. These changes are apart of a “breakaway” from the store’s stainless steel design most people are familiar with. According to 9To5Mac, other contemporary Apple Stores in Clarendon and Pentagon City have a similar look.
New COVID-19 safety protocols include mask requirements, temperature checks and a limited number of customers in the store. Customers will be asked to wait in a line outside before entering. Additionally, shopping and repair services are available online.
The Apple Store has not yet responded to questions regarding the reopening.
Photo via Apple
Herndon-FISH Inc. reopened its thrift store, The Bargain Loft, this week to the public.
The thrift store (336 Victory Drive) temporarily closed mid-March due to COVID-19 but is now open to the public again under safety protocol.
The store is requiring that every customer and employee wear a mask and maintain proper social distancing at all times. Hand sanitizer will be readily available and no more than 10 shoppers will be allowed in the store at a time, according to a statement from the company.
“We are delighted to reopen our store and look forward to serving our customers again,” said Mary Jo Baedecker, the Chair of The Bargain Loft Committee and a member of the FISH Board of Directors, and Barbara Williams, the manager of Bargain Loft.
The thrift shop sells household items, furniture, collectibles, toys, women’s clothing, and other treasures.
The Bargain Loft is also accepting donations. Donations can be dropped off at the store’s back door. All donations will go through a two to three-day quarantine period before going up on the shelves for sale.
The store is open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturday.
Photo via The Bargain Loft/Facebook
People who are allergic to gluten can order gluten-free doughnuts thanks to Sourdoughnuts.
The gluten-free, baked goods business just opened up about two weeks ago. Some of the baked goods include soft pretzels, brioche bread and, of course, doughnuts.
“I have been debating opening a gluten-free bakery for the last three years, but it finally seemed like the right time,” said Cindy Weinman, the owner of Sourdoughnuts.
The mission behind opening this gluten-free bakery was to offer kids and adults with Celiac disease a taste of a doughnut or a soft pretzel for the first time since it’s often a struggle to find good, gluten-free products.
“I’ve almost cried hearing about how a kid got to have a doughnut for the first time,” said Weinman. “Everyone deserves food that tastes good and is safe to eat.”
Weinman is running the bakery from her own home kitchen in Reston with scheduled deliveries throughout the week.
“It seemed like a better option for safety among the Celiac community,” said Weinman on why she’s baking from home. “Most shared kitchens aren’t guaranteed to be safe.” She said she is interested in opening a storefront someday.
According to Weinman’s Facebook post in the Vienna VA Foodies Facebook group, she is also allergic to gluten and is operating under the Virginia Cottage Food Law, so no gluten-containing ingredients enter her home.
Weinman’s dough contains egg and butter, but no dairy products. Additionally, many of her glazes can be made dairy-free, and all are lactose-free.
Her goods are available for delivery only. She has been able to maintain contactless delivery to ensure safety during the pandemic. Customers have only given positive feedback so far, Weinman said, adding that she is thankful for the responses she’s received.
Photo via Sourdoughnuts/Facebook
Madison Reed opened in Reston Town Center over the weekend.
The color bar welcomed visitors to its new location on Saturday. It was expected to open in June but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a company spokesperson told Reston Now.
Clients are being spaced every other chair and appointments are being staggered to allow for cleanings.
Patrons can book appointments in advance and will get texted-in to their appointments once they check-in. Walk-ins for retail purchases are welcome.
Two other locations are also opening over the weekend in Tysons and Rockville.
“After everything that has happened in the world, to be able to have these openings to serve our clients now seems even more special–we’re thrilled with our new homes, ” said Amy Errett, founder, and CEO of Madison Reed.
The openings come as growth for the brand balloons.
“During the peak of the pandemic, Madison Reed saw its new customers increase dramatically to 12X pre-COVID-19 levels, even as its Color Bars closed,” according to a press release.
Catherine Douglas Moran contributed reporting to this story
Photo via Madison Reed
GNC plans to close its location at North Point Village Center after the company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection early last week.
The vitamins and supplements retailer plans to close between 800 and 1,200 stores across the country.
A company representative told Reston Now the Reston location, which is located at 1456 North Point Drive, will likely shutter its doors within the next two weeks. An exact closing date has not yet been determined.
In a June 23 letter to its customers, the company stated that the COVID-19 pandemic “created a situation where we are unable to accomplish our refinancing and the abrupt change in the operating environment has had a negative impact on our business.”
Here’s more from the letter:
As a result, we felt the best opportunity for us to continue to improve our capital structure and address certain operational issues was to restructure through a Chapter 11 reorganization. This gives us the opportunity to improve our balance sheet while continuing to advance our business strategy, right-size our corporate store portfolio, and strengthen our brands to protect the long-term sustainability of our company.
Other Virginia locations are also closing, including the stores in Vienna, Sterling, Franklin and Charlottesville.
Photo by Laura Crielly
Reston Company Bought by McLean Contractor — “McLean-based defense contractor E3/Sentinel LLC announced Monday it has acquired Reston-based Lucid Perspectives, a software and systems engineering company. This is E3/Sentinel’s fifth acquisition in the past two years. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.” [Virginia Business]
Temporary Moratorium on Evictions in Va.— “The state’s Supreme Court issued the ban Monday following a request from Gov. Ralph Northam. It extends previous orders that had put a hold on evictions, but expired last month. Under the new rule, even renters who have been threatened with eviction but have not been served a formal notice cannot be legally removed from their homes until June 28 at the earliest.” [DCist]
Herndon Town Council to Meet Tonight — The council will meet virtually at 7 p.m. today (Tuesday) to discuss the proposed capital improvement program through fiscal year 2026. [Town of Herndon]
County Launches New 911 Service — “Fairfax County’s Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC) — the county’s 9-1-1 Center and the largest public safety answering point (PSAP) in Virginia — is leading the way regionally by becoming the first jurisdiction in Virginia, D.C. and Maryland to transition to Next Generation 9-1-1.” [Fairfax County Government]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Financial hardship created COVID-19 has forced a local beauty spa and studio in North Point Village Center to shutter its doors.
Ellada Studio (1458 North Point Village Center) closed its doors after the owner struggled to pay $20,000 in monthly rent and other expenses. The owner told Reston Now that the business received no relief from its landlord despite promises of receiving a lower rate before the COVID-19 crisis.
In a May 15 letter to the tenant, Lerner Corp stated that the business’s “obligation to pay rent is unaffected by the current circumstances or any event of force majeure.”
“Then they changed their mind and demanded the difference and the dollars for the time [we were closed],” Aidana Ablyazova, the co-owner, told Reston Now. She partners with her mom, Nurgul, to run the business.
Although the U.S. Small Business Administration offered a $10,000 grant, that amount was nowhere near enough to cover half of the studio’s rent or payroll. The owner applied for other federal grants, but received nothing. The owner and employees will now move over to Taaj Beauty Lounge, a beauty salon in Tysons Corner.
“The business itself is dead,” Ablyazova said. “But my employees are coming with me and I’m going as an employee to now.”
She says it doesn’t make sense to rent or have a business during the public health crisis.
The mother-daughter duo first opened Ellada Studio at North Point Village Center in November 2016.
Hair Cuttery, which is located at 1434 North Point Village Center, also appears to have closed, according to a message posted on its storefront.
Photos by Laura Crielly
Reston Company Emerges from Bankruptcy — Reston-based IT infrastructure company Internal Corp. has emerged from bankruptcy protection with a new CEO and $300 million in liquidity. The company restructured its finances and appointed its former president and chief financial officer, Michael Sicoli, to CEO. [Virginia Business]
Recap of Reston Farmers Market Opening — The Reston Farmers Market opened for the 2020 season over the weekend. Market managers spread out tents to facilitate social distancing and special rules were also in effect. [Reston Connection]
A Drive-by Celebration of Mother’s Day — The Herndon Harbor Adult Day Health Care Center organized a drive-by parade to distribute personalized Mother’s Day gifts and arts supplies. [Fairfax County Government]
Reston Association Board to Meet Today — The board will select new positions, including those for newly elected members. Forms for the organization’s new conflict of interest policy will also be distributed at the meeting. [Reston Association]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
