Stennis Space Center, MS, September 8, 2015 –The Enterprise for Innovative Geospatial Solutions (EIGS) announced its key business metrics and business award winners for the 2015 US Small Business Administration Geospatial Regional Innovative Cluster. EIGS partnered with Marine Industries Science and Technology (MIST) to host a joint annual meeting to bring our member companies together and share the results of our year in review.
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 9,200 hours of one-on-one mentoring to 187 companies this past year on critical business topics to support company growth. EIGS companies received over 156 new contracts totaling over $153 million dollars. Not only did the EIGS assist in new job growth with 312 new jobs, but also saved 116 jobs this year according to surveys of members.
The EIGS presented Cluster Awards for 2015 in 9 categories:
Global Commerce & Services
EIGS recognized Global Commerce & Services with the 2015 Cluster Growth Member of the Year Award. Global Commerce & Services has been experiencing outstanding growth. Global Commerce & Services was named among LSU’s 100 fastest growing businesses in the world, Ranked No. 219 on Inc. Magazines top 500 fastest growing businesses.
University of Southern Mississippi
EIGS recognized the University of Mississippi with the 2015 Cluster Partner Award. The University of Mississippi has been an integral part of EIGS for many years. Since EIGS has obtained the SBA-RIC contract in 2010, they have provided SBIR, Tech Transfer, and many other services to our member companies. Through this collaboration, EIGS companies have been awarded several million in SBIR/STTR, grants and contracts. EIGS has worked closely with the newly formed MIST Cluster which is under the direction of USM. EIGS appreciates the continued support and collaboration.
MS Engineering and Development, LLC
EIGS recognized MS Engineering & Development, LLC as the 2015 New Member of the Year. MS Engineering and Development has been an outstanding cluster member by participating, sharing, and attending many of our cluster events. We appreciate MS Engineering and Development being such an engaged member and we look forward to the growth this company will experience over the years to come.
Geocent
EIGS recognized the University of Mississippi with the 2015 Member of the Year Award. Geocent as the 2015 Member of the Year. Geocent has been an outstanding cluster member by participating, contributing, and attending many of our cluster events. Since joining the cluster they have been able to use cluster resources to secure the Shared Services contract at Stennis Space Center that include small business EIGS cluster members. Geocent has also been a wonderful resource to the Magnolia Business Alliance for our fundraising efforts in order to support small businesses in our region.
PAE
EIGS recognized PAE as the 2015 Large Business Member of the Year. PAE has been an outstanding cluster member by participating, sharing, and attending many of our cluster events. Since joining the cluster they have been able to use cluster resources to secure two major contracts for NDBC and SACOM that include small business EIGS cluster members. PAE has engaged the Magnolia Business Alliance for the upcoming Regional Marine Instrument Council meeting happening in early 2016. PAE also looks to the Magnolia Business Alliance for small business partners on proposals helping them meet outstanding small business goals at Stennis.
NVision Solutions, Inc.
EIGS recognized NVision Solutions Inc. as the 2015 Exporter of the Year. In the past year, NVision has successfully exported, through two large contracts, products to Canada, New Zealand, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. NVision also participates in mentoring other small businesses to navigate the procedures to undertake the task of exporting.
Lazy Magnolia Brewery
EIGS recognized Lazy Magnolia Brewery as the 2015 Sponsor of the Year. Lazy Magnolia Brewery has shown commitment to our organization and our members and is always striving for our organization to be successful. They are leaders not only in their industry, but in the community as well. We cannot explain the gratitude we have for this organization for the support they have shown us over the past few years.
Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission
EIGS recognized the Hancock Port and Harbor Development Commission (HCPHC) as the 2015 State and Local Government Partner of the Year. HCPHC has shown commitment to our organization and our members. HCPHC is a strong economic development leader in our region and is continually showing support to the businesses here and striving to bring more business to this community. They have reached out to member companies with regular visits, performed case studies on member successes, and assisted with multiple building projects for members to support expansion.
South Mississippi Contract Procurement Center
EIGS recognized the South Mississippi Contract Procurement Center (SMCPC) as the 2015 Resource Partner of the Year. SMCPC has shown commitment to our organization and our members and is always partnering with us to offer better, stronger support to the community and our members. SMCPC is consistently finding ways to better business in the community and we are thankful for them and the partnership we have.
“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.magnolia-ba.biz
