VSD Corporate News
VSD attends I/ITSEC 2011
VSD recently participated in the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) in Orlando, Fla. Just about a week long, I/ITSEC was an opportunity for VSD to showcase recent project successes while learning about the newest technologies in the world of training and simulation. The conference also facilitated networking and relationship building with other industry professionals.
As part of the event, VSD again hosted Bourbon & Blackjack and raised over $1,200 for Homes for Our Troops. Attendees of the fundraising event at the Hilton Orlando’s Bistro played blackjack and mingled while enjoying food and drinks. View and download pictures from the red carpet photo shoot.
Next year’s conference will be held Dec. 3 through Dec. 6, 2012, in Orlando.
Fred Stewart presents at 2011 U.S.-Saudi Business Opportunities Forum
Fred Stewart, VSD’s director of international business development, presented at the Second Annual U.S.-Saudi Business Opportunities Forum held December 5-7 in Atlanta, Ga. The three-day event highlighted the commercial and trade relationships between the United States and Saudi Arabia and how U.S. companies can participate in Saudi Arabia’s expansion. The 2011 forum featured Davos-style panels, keynote speakers, and concurrent breakout sessions. Fred presented during the workshop titled “Doing Business in Saudi Arabia: An Insider’s View for New-to-Market Companies,” and shared VSD’s commercial strategies and successes from the past three years.
Fred Stewart offers keynote address
VSD’s Fred Stewart, director of international business development, gave the small business perspective keynote address Nov. 30 at the “Doing Business in Saudi Arabia” conference hosted by international law firm Crowell & Moring in Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council, the briefing touched on topics such as attracting foreign investments, legal issues involved with doing business in Saudi Arabia, and partnering and relationships with the Saudi government.
Other speakers included Usamah Al-Kurdi, chairman of the U.S.-Saudi Congressional Friendship Committee and member of the Majlis Ash-Shura Council; Dr. Mohammad Al Jufry, president of the Economic Committee, Shura Council; Morris DeFeo and Walid Hegazy of Crowell & Moring; Eid Rawach and Fahd Al Enizy of Al Enizy & Associates; and The Honourable James B. Smith, U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia continues to be ranked among the better places to do business in the Middle East.
VSD awarded $6.8M sole source contract
VSD has been awarded a sole source contract from Naval Air Warfare Center, Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD), Orlando, Fla., for the refurbishment, delivery, installation, testing, trainer training, and contractor support for the Iraqi navy 35-Meter Patrol Boat and 60-Meter Offshore Support Vessel training systems in Umm Qasr, Iraq. Included in the contract is one year of logistical support for Iraqi engineering students in Morgan City and Houma, La., while the boats are being built.
VSD was involved in the original curriculum development and delivery as a subcontractor on the 35-meter project and the prime contractor on the 60-meter project. Total contract value is approximately $6.8 million with a performance period through June 2014.
VSD holds Toys for Tots campaign
VSD hosted its first Toys for Tots campaign in December. Toys for Tots is a Marine Corps charity that has been providing holiday toys to underprivileged children since 1948. This year VSD employees donated more 40 new toys, including games, books, crafts, and stuffed animals. VSD plans to make the Toys for Tots campaign an annual event.
VSD and Edmarc team up for Thanksgiving
Salim Khalaf, VSD systems engineer, presents the turkeys to Edmarc Executive Director Debbie Stitzer-Brame on November 17.
VSD teamed up with Edmarc Hospice for Children (www.edmarc.org) to help Edmarc families celebrate Thanksgiving. VSD donated 31 Butterball turkeys to Edmarc, a United Way agency serving children with potentially life-limiting illnesses and their families, regardless of their ability to pay for services. Established in 1978, Edmarc is Hampton Roads’ only pediatric hospice organization.
VSD named one of Virginia’s best places to work
VSD, LLC (VSD) has been named one of the "2012 Best Places to Work in Virginia" by Virginia Business and Best Companies Group.
The annual survey and award program identifies, recognizes, and honors the best places of employment in Virginia. The Best Places to Work in Virginia list is comprised of 70 companies, split into three groups: small employers (fewer than 100 employees) mid-sized employers (100-250 employees), and large-sized employers (more than 250 employees).
The ranking of the second annual Best Places to Work in Virginia will be unveiled and published in the February 2012 issue of Virginia Business.
Organizations from across the state participated in the two-part survey process. The first part consists of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics. The second part is an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top organizations and the final ranking.
For more information on the Best Places to Work in Virginia program, visit www.BestPlacesToWorkVA.com.
Kantrovich appointed to DoD task force
Harry J. Kantrovich
VSD’s Harry Kantrovich, Ed.D., manager of D.C. Operations, has been invited to serve as a member of the Department of Defense (DoD) Human Systems Integration Task Force.
Established in 2008 under the direction of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and aligned under the Defense Safety Oversight Council (DSOC), the purpose of the task force is to reduce mishaps by applying evidence-based strategies derived through the Human Systems Integration (HSI) process. Through his work with the task force, Harry will help bring actionable proposals to the DSOC based on user feedback, combat, accident, and HSI data; preserve lives and assets; reduce accidents and combat losses; and enhance human performance.
VSD wins SBA export video award
VSD’s Fred Stewart, second from right, stands with Emma Granada of Steelmaster Buildings, second from left, Janet Zablock, head of Visa Small Business, far left, and Dario Gomez, SBA associate administrator for the Office of International Trade.
VSD’s video submission “From Small to International Business” was the winner in the professional services category in the Small Business Administration (SBA)-Visa Export Video Contest, and won fourth place overall. The ranking of the five finalists was determined by an online public vote on the SBA’s YouTube site.
Fred Stewart accepted the award Nov. 5 on behalf of VSD at a luncheon award ceremony during the National District Export Council Conference at Caesar’s Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The award consisted of $6,000 cash, $1,000 for travel expenses for the trip to Las Vegas, and $1,000 toward the purchase of a Commerce Department Gold Key matching service, which assists small business exporters with foreign market and industry briefings and interpreter services and provides assistance in many additional international business areas. VSD’s submission can be viewed here.
VSD to host Bourbon & Blackjack event
VSD’s Bourbon & Blackjack event will be held Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the Hilton Orlando’s The Bistro. “Invited guests will play blackjack while enjoying food and cocktails and mingling with colleagues throughout the evening,” says Lisa Moore, VSD’s corporate event planning manager. VSD has chosen Homes for Our Troops as the beneficiary of the event, and all proceeds will benefit this organization. VSD will be exhibiting at I/ITSEC in Orlando, Fla., in Booth #1921 at the Orange County Convention Center, Nov. 28 - Dec. 1.
