Stennis Space Center, Miss., Sept. 8, 2014”The Enterprise for Innovative Geospatial Solutions (EIGS) announced its key business metrics and business award winners for the 2014 US Small Business Administration Geospatial Regional Innovative Cluster.
EIGS,a program of the Magnolia Business Alliance (MBA), and a non-profit, industry-independent organization formed by Cluster members with a passion to enhance the small business ecosystem in the region, provided 8,800 hours of one-on-one mentoring to 112 companies this past year on critical business topics to support company growth. EIGS companies received an over 130 new contracts totaling over $40 million dollars. Not only did the EIGS assist in new job growth with 112 new jobs, but also saved 218 jobs this year according to surveys of members.
The EIGS presented Cluster Awards for 2014 in 8 categories:
Global Commerce & Services
New Member of the Year
Through introductions made by the cluster, GCS was selected by two large primes to team on major proposals this year. In addition GCS has continuously looked for opportunities that include other member companies.
Melhcorp LLC
Cluster Networking Award
Melhcorp has been a great partner in the Cluster and has fully taken advantage of the networking opportunities provided to not only further his business but to help other cluster companies in building their business as well.
Worldwinds Inc.
Exporter of the Year
Using cluster resources they began exporting internationally this past year and continue to watch for international opportunities.
The West End
Sponsor of the Year
We greatly appreciate your service and support and we look forward to continue partnering.
Geocent
Cluster Growth Award
Geocent not only is growing in business opportunities, but career growth opportunities and continuing education and certifications as well.
NVision Solutions Inc.
Cluster Partner Award
We would like to recognize NVision Solutions Inc. with our Cluster Partner Award. As one of the clusters key metric’s, partnering within our cluster (both with our Small Business Members and Large Business Partners) is extremely important to the growth of our cluster, in both jobs and contract awards.
CSC
Large Business Partner of the Year
As a large prime, CSC has successfully partnered with more cluster members than any other large prime. CSC completed 2 mentor-protégé agreements with area small businesses for NASA and DOD.
Loglinear Group
Member of the Year
Since joining the cluster they have been able to use cluster resources to secure two major contracts for military products including their wiper wind profiling radar system which is a multi-year program with the airforce. Loglinear has also partnered with many members on contracts including NVision and Qinetiq North America.
“These awards represent the success of the companies who understand the power of industry-focused collaboration,” said Craig Harvey, EIGS Executive Director, “Our members have shown that the cluster model is the best way to create a thriving and diverse economic environment.”
The EIGS geospatial industry cluster represents companies from small operations to global corporations with tens of thousands of employees. The majority of the companies have been in business for an average of 15 years. Some companies are headquartered in Mississippi while others are branch operations of larger organizations. With a business network spanning the nation, the cluster also has the potential for global reach. EIGS membership is open to companies in the geospatial industry. EIGS provides its members with business support, counseling, and classes for businesses that provide services using GIS and allied technologies.
For more information about EIGS, its business members, or how to join, please visit www.mseigs.com.
About EIGS
The EIGS cluster, whose geographic region currently encompasses the northern Gulf Coast from the East Texas border to Pensacola, consists of similar and complementary organizations in the geospatial industry sector, including private companies, universities, associations, state agencies, and Federal agencies. For more information, visit www.mseigs.com
