Austin Business Journal articles from December 2001

Austin Business Journal archives from December 2001

Tourism generates $3.3B: Study: Industry accounts for 7 percent of Austin area's economy.(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Tourism is a multibillion-dollar industry in Austin, accounting for 7 percent of the regional economy, according to a new study. The study, presented in early December to the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau, states Austin tourism...

nLine gains $5M in VC: Semiconductor equipment company plans to raise another $10M through private placement.(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Austin-based semiconductor equipment company nLine Corp. has raised $5 million in venture capital and plans to raise another $10 million through a private placement of stock. Privately held nLine has hired San Francisco-based Thomas Weisel...

Economic signals mixed.(Austin Software Council)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
December 7, 2001... While they realize the economy is down, Central Texas high tech entrepreneurs' spirits about their own businesses are up, according to new survey from the Austin Software Council. The Software Council hired San Francisco's Socratic...

Hosts with the most. (Capital Gains).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... The host list reads like a "Who's Who" in Austin and state politics -- not to mention the movers and shakers behind the political scenes. A Dec. 6 reception honoring Texas Democratic gubornational candidate A.R. "Tony" Sanchez Jr. served...

Take that, silicon valley. (Capital Gains).(Austin, Texas startups)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Austin startups still are starting up and gaining recognition, too. Three Austin companies have been recognized by the Fabless Semiconductor Association as a "Startup of the Year." Banderacom Inc., Legerity Inc. and Layer N Networks Inc. --...

Local lucky star. (Capital Gains).(Kevin Tuerff of Tuerff-Davis EnviroMedia Inc.)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Nov. 29 turned into one heck of a great day for Austin ad agency executive Kevin Tuerff. That's when Tuerff, president of Tuerff-Davis EnviroMedia Inc., made his national television debut on the ABC News show "Primetime." "Primetime"...

Not just for the winter. (Capital Gains).(Vignette Corp.)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Vignette Corp. is moving south. Its headquarters, along with other offices, soon will be moving "down the road apiece." The company is consolidating its Austin offices into an office building off South MoPac Expressway and vacating its...

Law with an Austin accent. (Capital Gains).(Brobeck, Phleger and Harrison L.L.P.)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... The Austin office of Brobeck Phleger & Harrison LLP just gained a little more influence over the international law firm's direction. The firm announced Dec. 5 that Austinite Steven Zager, Brobeck's Texas managing partner, has been chosen...

Clarification. (Capital Gains).(land use for State Highway 130)(Texas)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... An article in the Nov. 30-Dec. 6 issue of the Austin Business Journal, "1900-acre zoning on track," didn't clearly reflect the Wildhorse Ranch developers' opinion on land for State Highway 130 through the land. The developers expect...

Regions set to buy Dallas-based bank. (Around Texas).(Regions Financial Corp.)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... DALLAS -- Regions Financial Corp., the country's 26th-largest banking company, is making a major move on North Texas, preparing to snap up Dallas-based Brookhollow National Bank in a transaction set to close by next summer. The purchase...

Steel plant teetering toward closure. (Around Texas).(Gulf States Tube)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... ROSENBERG -- More than 550 people in Rosenberg are in danger of losing their jobs because the steel manufacturing plant where they work is on the verge of shutting its doors. Gulf States Tube is a division of Vision Metals Inc., which spun...

Planet hollywood shuts down in S.A. (Around Texas).(San Antonio's Planet Hollywood International Inc.)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... SAN ANTONIO -- Planet Hollywood International Inc. says its San Antonio location has closed -- for good, not for remodeling, as some had first speculated. Orlando, Fla.-based Planet Hollywood is in the midst of Chapter 11 bankruptcy...

Chamber diversifies: Variety of industries, recruitment trips are keys in new economic blueprint.(Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Diversification and recruitment trips are cornerstones of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce's new five-year economic plan. John Breier, vice president of economic development for the Chamber of Commerce, says the current economic...

Bankruptcy: $5.7M debt.(Electrosource Inc.)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... The bankruptcy filing of San Marcos' only publicly held company has left a number of local creditors, including several prominent Texas law firms, in line to collect debts. Electrosource Inc. [OTC BB: ELSI], a rechargeable battery developer...

ACC to open training fab.(Austin Community College)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Austin Community College is building a simulated semiconductor fabrication plant at its campus on Riverside Drive. Richard Fonte, president of ACC, says the fab will help the college provide a complete program for training semiconductor...

Big GOP event coming.(Republican National Committee)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Leaders of the Republican National Committee will descend on Austin next month for the group's high-profile annual winter meeting. Exactly which political luminaries will attend is unknown, according to officials at the RNC's headquarters...

ACC looks at expansion into booming Hays Co.(Austin Community College)(Hays County, Texas)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Austin Community College plans to boost its presence in Hays County and has let Advanced Micro Devices Inc. know it would help the company if it decides to build its next chip fabrication plant south of Austin. Richard Fonte, president of...

EmStat acquired by competitor in N.C. (News in Brief).(A4 Health Systems Inc.)(North Carolina)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
December 7, 2001... Austin's EmStat Corp. has been acquired from its California parent company by one of its competitors, A4 Health Systems Inc. Financial details about the cash acquisition weren't disclosed. Austin-based EmStat provides emergency...

Alabama bank to enter central texas market. (News in Brief).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Montgomery, Ala.-based Colonial BancGroup Inc. [NYSE: CNB] says it is entering the Austin market through a merger with Dallas-based First Mercantile Bank NA. The First Mercantile Bank at 12007 Technology Blvd. in Far Northwest Austin will...

Engineering firm keeps up rapid pace of growth.(Brief Article)(Company Profile)(Statistical Data Included)
December 7, 2001... One of Austin's fastest-growing small businesses is doubling in size with a move to The Terrace off South MoPac Expressway. CFX LP, a civil and structural engineering firm, has subleased the 21,500-square-foot second floor of Terrace II at...

BGI appoints new president, CEO. (News in Brief).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Ed Reckdenwald has been named president and CEO at Austin-based gaming company BGI Inc. Reckdenwald replaces BGI founder Reid Funderburk, who remains with the company as chairman. Funderburk will continue to direct product development....

Group claims store, mall hinder petition drives.(Independent Texans)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... A newly formed political action group claims a grocery store chain and shopping mall owner are violating constitutional rights and jeopardizing the political futures of three Austin City Council members. Independent Texans, which...

Biopharmaceutical company sues new competitor.(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Paragon Scientific Corp. is asking a judge to shut down a newly formed competitor, Prodigy Health Supplier Corp. In a lawsuit filed Nov. 26 in Travis County District Court, Paragon claims Prodigy Health's founders are former employees who...

CB Richard Ellis takes advantage of slow times.(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Real estate firm CB Richard Ellis Inc. is taking advantage of the soft market with a move to newer, larger offices. "It is space which was formerly rented by Vignette [Corp.] that we have now taken over in a direct deal with Prentiss...

Northrop grumman IT leases space at chase.(Brief Article)(Company Profile)(Statistical Data Included)
December 7, 2001... Northrop Grumman Information Technology has signed on to become the first tenant in a renovated office park at Research Boulevard and I-35. Northrop Grumman Information Technology is one of six sectors of Los Angeles-based Northrop Grumman...

Businesses energized by 'green' power program.(Austin Energy)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Austin Energy has attracted 28 midsize and large companies and 125 small businesses to its renewable energy program even though the businesses have to pay an average of 2 percent to 3 percent above standard energy rates. The tradeoff is...

Commodities-trading startup lines up 20 customers.(Spooz Publishing Group Inc.)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Austin has a new commodities trader on the block. Spooz Publishing Group Inc. has signed up 20 customers in one month and stands to generate $35,000 in revenue in the first two months of selling its product. The company operates a...

Football fans, lawmakers kick millions into Austin.(AngelouEconomics)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
December 7, 2001... On a typical weekend, Bryan Martin spends most of his time relaxing at his Houston home. Aside from an occasional outing with friends or urge to buy the latest computer gadget, the 29-year-old information technology consultant doesn't stray far...

Former Perry aide joins Bracewell law firm. (News in Brief).(Gov. Rick Perry)(Bracewell and Patterson L.L.P.)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Barry McBee, former chief of staff for Gov. Rick Perry, has been named head of Bracewell & Patterson LLP's government relations, advocacy and strategy group in Austin. McBee joins the Houston-based firm as a partner. McBee was...

Tonic investor named interim chief executive. (News in Brief).(Tonic Software Inc.)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... A venture partner at one of Tonic Software Inc. investors has been named interim CEO at the company. Sevin Rosen Funds' Avery More is replacing Brian Phillips, who resigned from Austin-based Tonic to pursue other opportunities. Founded...

Devising a new strategy: Owner of career strategists switches from PR career to working with clients on setting career goals. (Profile).(Renee Peterson Trudeau of Career Strategists)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Renee Peterson Trudeau helps clients discover their ideal life's work, much the same way as she has found her own. Trudeau owns Austin-based Career Strategists, a career planning, coaching and marketing company. During her 14-year career...

Holiday parties trimmed back. (Toolbox).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... With the economy slipping into recession and the nation at war against terrorism, holiday office parties this year will be less extravagant and more patriotic -- if not postponed or canceled, according to a new survey. Safety threats at...

Ask the Experts: How can a small business build an online presence?(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Before beginning your Web site, examine your expectations. What will your business gain? Will the site make money, save money or provide information? What are your audience's needs? Identify long-term and short-term objectives. Divide the...

Money is top motivator of American sales reps. (Growth Strategies).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... What's the best way to motivate salespeople? It depends on the type of salesperson and where you are around the globe. Although various things motivate salespeople in other countries, most U.S. salespeople say: "Show me the money!" In...

No matter what you do, success requires sales. (Coaching Concepts).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Sales. You either love or hate it. It'll make you sing or make you somber. Sales is one of the most dreaded or fervent aspects of business. There's no middle ground when it comes to sales -- you either boom or bust. To make things worse,...

Manufacturers can't find enough skilled workers. (Washington Briefs).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Manufacturing has been in a recession for a year, but this battered sector of the economy still faces a shortage of skilled workers despite widespread layoffs. Eighty percent of manufacturers surveyed by the National Association of...

New Web site offers gateway to small business regulations. (Washington Briefs).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... A new Web site, (www.businesslaw.gov), offers small business owners a gateway for finding, understanding and complying with federal, state and local regulations. The U.S. Small Business Administration launched, the site as part of the Bush...

SBA grants help organizations train low-income entrepreneurs. (Washington Briefs).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... The U.S. Small Business Administration has awarded grants to 69 organizations that will offer training and technical assistance to low-income entrepreneurs. The grants are part of the SBA's new Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs,...

Poll finds employers, workers satisfied with OSHA dealings. (Washington Briefs).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... A new Gallup Poll commissioned by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration finds an overwhelming majority of employers and workers are satisfied with their dealings with the agency. The poll finds 84 percent of employers...

Salion secures $10M from AV, AV Labs. (News in Brief).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Austin-based Salion Inc. will expand its marketing efforts as a result of $10 million in second-round funding, according to a company news release. Salion develops software for suppliers. Salion will use the money to expand its...

ClearCube receives $4M in comerica credit. (News in Brief).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Austin's ClearCube Technology Inc. has received $4 million in credit from Comerica Inc. [NYSE: CMA], according to a Comerica new release. The company was approved for a $3.5 million revolving credit line and a $500,000 equipment credit...

Austin's dark mountain: As companies close or consolidates, prime properties in the suburbs turn out the lights.
December 7, 2001... Throughout Austin's suburbs, scores of office buildings have emptied of tenants or will do so in coming months. Whether due to expiring leases or tenants going out of business, downsizing, or never moving into buildings they committed to take,...

Denver land prices dip as recession takes hold. (Commercial Real Estate Report).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Prices for undeveloped land in the Denver metro area are softening in yet another effect of the economic recession reverberating through the real estate market. Local land brokers say there is very little activity in the land sales market...

Austin native knows how to weather the market. (Commercial Real Estate Report).(Brackenridge Hospital)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Been there. Done that. In the '80s. This isn't the first time Randall Beaman, vice president and broker for The DuPont Group in Austin, has weathered a challenging market. As a lifetime Austinite -- born, in fact, at Austin's very own...

One company's 'bust' is another's good fortune. (Commercial Real Estate Report).(Communications Specialists Inc.)
December 7, 2001... Instead of buying retail, some Austin business people are discovering the value of gently used office furniture and equipment. The business landscape has changed in Austin over the past months, with a number of companies closing their doors --...

Concrete economics cast a positive eve on future. (Commercial Real Estate Report).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Now that a recession has been "officially" declared in the United States, the continued slowdown in home and commercial construction has concrete and aggregate suppliers bracing for a period of lower sales and net revenues. With a boom of...

Better building security needs more planning. (Commercial Real Estate Report).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Even before the tragic events of Sept. 11, building security was a topic of discussion in urban areas because of bomb threats and other malicious acts. The recent attacks and the threats that followed have created a new urgency in the...

Boston's market may have bottomed out. (Commercial Real Estate Report).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Office rents looked quite daunting when Leerink Swann & Co. started searching for space in Boston a year ago. The Boston-based investment bank was getting cramped in its 24,000-square-foot offices at 60 State St., space it had been...

Applied materials acquires austin company. (News In Brief).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Santa Clara, Calif.-based Applied Materials Inc. [Nasdaq: AMAT] has acquired Austin-based Global Knowledge Services Inc., according to an Applied Materials news release. Applied Materials acquired the outstanding equity of Global...

Central Florida retail properties sell and sell. (Commerical Real Estate Report).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Retail sales may be slumping, office space may be spurned by investors, but the retail property market has 'em laughing in the aisles in Orlando, Fla. According to Dan Baker, a first vice president with CB Richard Ellis in Orlando, the...

Top 25 multitenant office parks: Ranked by amount of rentable square feet. (Commerical Real Estate Report - The List).(Statistical Data Included)
December 7, 2001... TOP 25 MULTITENANT OFFICE PARKS: Ranked by amount of rentable square feet Total Total Name/ rentable planned Address/ ...

Top commerical interior design firms: Ranked by number of liensed designers. (Commerical Real Estate Report - The List).(Statistical Data Included)
December 7, 2001... TOP COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN FIRMS: Ranked by number of liensed designers Number of liensed designers/ Name ...

People. (Busines Leads).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... The Austin Business Journal publishes news about promotions and hirings each week. Listings in People are free. Send a typewritten announcement including the person's name, new position title, the name of the company, job responsibilities,...

Calendar. (Business Leads).
December 7, 2001... The Austin Business Journal publishes the Calendar each week to announce upcoming business-related events costing less than $50. Listings are free. To have an event listed, send a typewritten notice to reach the Austin Business Journal no less...

We've become more diligent: Lessons learned from free fall from 2000's peak returning us to standard business practices. (Editorial).(venture capital practices in Austing, TX)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... At least we learn from pain. We're spending a lot of time in the final throes of 2001 looking back over what seems like a business free fall and bemoaning "the good old days." Yes, 2000 was an incredible year. In fact, a year like a...

Taking stock of my legacy. (View From Another Perch).(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... I've written a lot about my grandfather because, in retrospect, it has become obvious he exemplified standards and ethics that I've come to admire and hope to reflect. It's not like he pontificated on them constantly. Not unlike...

SBC laying off 40 percent of Prodigy employees. (News in Brief).(Prodigy Communications Corp.)(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Austin's Prodigy Communications Corp. has notified 130 employees they are being laid off, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. Larry Solomon, a spokesman for San Antonio-based SBC Communications Inc. [NYSE: SBC], declines to...

AIA Austin: A Chapter of The American Institute of Architects.(Brief Article)
December 7, 2001... Design! It has returned to the public consciousness. From Target's houseware product line by Michael Graves, FAIA, to the computer product designs instigated by Apple, to cars like the Volkswagen Beetle and the Ford Thunderbird, products...

Historic water deal reached: LCRA, GBRA prepare for possible arrival of AMD chipmaking plant.(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... Two of the region's largest water suppliers plan to work together to ensure economic development in the 1-35 corridor isn't stifled by water constraints. Communities hoping to lure Advanced Micro Devices Inc.'s proposed multibillion-dollar...

Really Compulsive move: Gaming software developer to occupy all of former adult theater on South Congress.(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... An Austin developer of gaming software is doubling in size with a move to a former adult movie theater on South Congress Avenue. Compulsive Development Ltd. takes center stage in the former Cinema West building at 2130 S. Congress Ave. by...

News Stand taps new CEO.(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... Francis "Kit" Webster III -- most recently president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Austin's TippingPoint Technologies Inc. -- is joining Austin startup NewsStand Inc. as CEO. Webster has submitted his resignation,...

A stylish benefit. (Capital Gains/News, Talk & Speculation).(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... Bradz Aveda Salon at 1822 W. 35th St now offers half-price haircuts for customers who have lost their jobs. At the usual $45 for a man's haircut, the discount can be particularly useful for those watching their now-lean budgets. Brad...

New colors for Christmas. (Capital Gains/News, Talk & Speculation).(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... The huge Christmas tree of spiraling lights that's the focal point of the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park glows with patriotic colors this year, thanks to an idea from an Austin production company and a little creative engineering by Austin...

Bee Caves buzz. (Capital Gains/News, Talk & Speculation).(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... Our own Bee Caves Road is getting some mileage on prime-time television. The plug is courtesy of Bee Caves Road Productions, the production company behind The WB network's "Reba" sitcom. You see, the closing credits for "Reba" show a...

Taking center stag. (Capital Gains/News, Talk & Speculation).(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... Arts Center Stage -- the local organization behind the transformation of the Palmer Auditorium into the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts -- unveiled its first billboard Dec. 14. Located at the northwest corner...

An Elite corps. (Capital Gains/News, Talk & Speculation).(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... Joe Aragona, a founder and general partner at Austin Ventures, has been named to Upside magazine's Elite 100 list. Upside says the list includes those the magazine views as the most powerful and influential U.S. business leaders working in...

Holiday hosting. (Capital Gains/News, Talk & Speculation).(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... Employees with the Austin office of a multimedia production firm wanted to give something this. holiday season, and they wanted it to be creative. That's how they decided to open their studio to families associated with the local Muscular...

Green grows the economy. (Capital Gains/News, Talk & Speculation).(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... At the same time many area employers are cutting back, Austin-based Green Mountain Energy Co. says it might need an additional 10 to 20 employees. The company is taking steps to move call center services in house that now are handled by...

Outlook good for new zone: Local leaders optimistic about E. Austin 'empowerment zone'.(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... Recent feedback from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has Austin cautiously optimistic about its chances of obtaining an "empowerment zone" designation for East Austin. The designation could mean federal grants, tax...

Office building to break ground.(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... An office building is set to break ground in Far Northwest Austin in the midst of a soft market, but the developer is counting on small users and a rebounding economy to fill the space. "We're gambling on the fact that the economy is...

A new Florida flavor: Truluck's to introduce Floridita Seafood Grill concept end of this year.(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... The Austin company that owns Truluck's restaurants is launching a new concept the owners hope will be more conducive to expansion. The first Floridita Seafood Grill will open for dinner by the end of December in Houston. The restaurant...

Zoning changes floated.(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... Pending changes in San Marcos' land ordinances likely will determine how development the city will be. Residents and city staff will begin meeting later this month with Dallas-based urban planning consultant firm Dunkin Sefko & Associates...

Utility co-op halts real estate loans. (Around Texas).(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... CORINTH -- CoServ Electric quietly entered the Metroplex real estate market in 1998. In four years' time, it lent $450 million for development of upscale homes, offices, hotels and a golf course. Now, the utility cooperative's real estate...

Consultant tries to form angel network. (Around Texas).(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... SAN ANTONIO - A San Antonio businessman is spearheading an effort to set up what could develop into the first statewide network for angel investors in Texas. Luke Robinson, CEO of San Antonio-based investment consulting firm EPSM,...

Attorneys jump to competing firm. (Around Texas).(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... HOUSTON - Eight attorneys from Houston law firm Morris & Campbell PC, including founding partner Rhett Campbell, have joined the Houston law office of Thompson & Knight LLP. Seven of the attorneys practice bankruptcy law in the energy...

Chemical supplier favors acquisition over campus.(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... A low-profile Austin chemical company has put a local expansion on hold while it focuses on an overseas expansion. Sachem Inc. had planned to build a research and development campus on 16 acres in South Austin near St. Edward's University...

Alliance raises concerns over Hays Co. proposals.(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... A Hays County neighborhood association called The Friendship Alliance is contemplating legal action aimed at halting progress on two development agreements reached with the City of Dripping Springs in April. The alliance is fretting over...

Power struggle ensues over downtown planning.(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... Developers and downtown property owners are eager to see which city panel will win a power struggle over downtown planning. Austin's Planning Commission and Zoning and Platting Commission both want control over downtown development and...

N. Austin nightclub seeks Chapter 11 bankruptcy.(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... The Syndicate Nightclub in North Austin hopes to stay open by seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The club was served with a lawsuit and property lien in November by the, construction company that built the posh club, according to...

$5 million expansion of medical center delayed.(Westlake Medical Center)(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... The groundbreaking for a 70,000-square-foot expansion of the Westlake Medical Center has been pushed back to the second quarter of 2002. Administrators hoped to start the $5 million project this month, which would double the medical...

Moving company to move into new N. Austin project.(Lansons Group's American Relocation and Storage Systems)(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... An Austin moving and storage company has signed a lease to become the first tenant in an. industrial project being developed in North Austin. Lansons Group LLC, which does business as American Relocation and Storage Systems, will move...

Software company associates with Chicago firm: New contract valued at $600,000 for Advanced Solutions International.(Advanced Solutions International Inc.)(Smith, Bucklin and Associates Inc.)(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... An Austin software company has won a contract with a Chicago company that brings 150 potential customers. Advanced Solutions International Inc., which provides customer relationship management software to associations, has signed a deal...

Software firm seeks acquisitions.(ALVE Technology Inc.)(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... Austin-based ALVE Technology Inc., which designs monitoring software for call centers, is planning two acquisitions, including one in Central Texas. Jay Valentine, CEO of ALVE, says he can't name either acquisition target, but one is in...

Forgent names first chief operating officer. (News in Brief).(Brief Article)
December 14, 2001... Roy Wilson has been named the first chief operating officer at Austin-based Forgent Corp. [Nasdaq: FORG]. Wilson, who had been interim chief operating officer since July, will oversee sales, marketing, human resources, operations and...