Local companies announce acquisitions and awards
Two local businesses founded in Gainesville in 2011 have been acquired by larger companies, where…
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Two local businesses founded in Gainesville in 2011 have been acquired by larger companies, where their tools and products will be used on a grander scale than before.
Additionally, a dozen other businesses were acknowledged by the local chamber of commerce for their commitment to the community and employees this year.
And as the year comes to an end, one local organization has announced its new board of directors for 2021.
Here’s a look at some recent local business news:
Elsevier acquires Gainesville’s Shadow Health
Shadow Health, a Gainesville-based developer of virtual simulations in nursing and health care education, has been acquired by Elsevier, a global leader in research publishing and information analytics.
Shadow Health, founded in 2011, was originally a UF Innovate start-up, a University of Florida program established to foster innovative businesses. Its digital clinical experiences simulations train and prepare nurses and health care practitioners for clinical settings.
Elsevier works with health care educators to prepare students for successful careers in medicine, nursing and health professions and to provide world-class content and innovative learning tools and analytics that improve educational outcomes and help prepare students for health care practice.
Drone manufacturer acquired by D.C. company
Gainesville’s Altavian Inc., which manufactures small drones for defense and public safety customers, has been acquired by the Washington, D.C.-based FLIR, a global leader in thermal imaging technology and unmanned robotic systems.
Founded in 2011, Altavian designs and manufacturers unmanned aircraft systems that are under 20 pounds in weight for long- or short-range operations. Altavian’s expertise includes aeronautics, avionics and software, and its solutions are engineered to meet the needs of government and defense customers.
It’s one of five drone manufacturers approved by the U.S. Department of Defense under the Blue sUAS program to sell to the U.S. military and federal agencies.
Altavian will be integrated into the Unmanned Systems and Integrated Solutions business of FLIR Systems’ Defense Technologies Segment, where it will strengthen the company’s existing drone lineup.
Chamber lauds local businesses
The Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce recognized a dozen local businesses at its 2020 Business Awards ceremony earlier this month.
The honorees include: Scorpio, large business of the year; Student Maid, small business of the year; Celebrate Primary Care, leading women’s business; SharpSpring, tech company of the year; Ology Bioservices, human life sciences company of the year; Infotech, employer of the year; and True North — an advertising agency started by Scott Costello and Christy Robinson-Costello — new company of the year. Costello was previously the vice president of marketing and communications at the Chamber.
Also recognized were Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, large nonprofit of the year; The Education Foundation, small nonprofit of the year, Ology Bioservices, the diversity and inclusion award; Solar Impact, the commitment to the environment award; and Florida Credit Union, the community involvement award.
Builders Association names board of directors
The Builders Association of North Central Florida, a 500-company member professional and trade association representing the building industry, recently installed its 2021 leaders.
Oelrich Construction Inc.’s Matthew Marino was selected to serve as president, taking over for current president Domenic Scorpio, of Scorpio.
Kim Wolfmeyer of Wolf Security Systems LLC will be associate vice president of the organization, Jennifer Lyons of Charles Perry Partners Inc. will be treasurer and Steve Burroughs of Crime Prevention Security Systems will be the organization’s secretary.
For more information on BANCF and its activities, call 372-5649 or visit www.bancf.com.
