Originally published May 16, 2013 at 12:34p.m., updated May 16, 2013 at 12:34p.m.
Continuing consumer demand for innovative technology such as web filtering, data security and cloud computing has helped Fairfax County post gains to the local economy, countering the sequester effect stalling business growth in other sectors.
According to the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), 27 businesses added more than 1,400 jobs in Fairfax County during the first quarter of 2013. Most of these businesses are in the information technology and professional services sectors, and seven are foreign-based firms using a Fairfax County location to expand in North America.
One of the most prominent announcements came from Tysons Corner-based FrontPoint Security Solutions, a nationwide provider of interactive wireless home security systems that is adding 179 jobs to the county economy.
“We can certainly attribute a portion of FrontPoint Security’s success to our Fairfax County location,” said Chris Villar, CEO and co-founder of FrontPoint Security.
“From a recruiting perspective, qualified job candidates love the central location of the Fairfax County area. Not only is the close proximity to Washington D.C. and surrounding suburbs appealing, but access to top-tier universities and the high concentration of technology companies also make attracting top talent easier,” Villar said.
“In today’s environment, any business growth is remarkable. Fairfax County is fortunate to see growth from within as well as from other locations, including other countries,” said Gerald L. Gordon, president and CEO of the FCEDA, which provides development and growth strategies to local businesses.
Other businesses that are creating jobs in Fairfax County:
Salient Federal Solutions in Fairfax, which provides information technology and engineering services to government and commercial customers, adding 530 jobs;
Strategic Operational Solutions in Tysons Corner, an information technology and management consulting firm adding 70 jobs; and
Commtouch of Tysons Corner, an Israel-based firm supplying email security, Web filtering and antivirus capabilities, adding 10 jobs.
About the FDEDA: The award-winning Fairfax County Economic Development Authority promotes Fairfax County as one of the world’s best business centers. The FCEDA offers site location and business development assistance, and connections with county and state government agencies to help companies locate and expand in Fairfax County. In addition to its headquarters in Tysons Corner, Fairfax County’s largest business district, the FCEDA maintains marketing offices in seven important global business centers: Bangalore, Boston, London, Los Angeles, Munich, Seoul and Tel Aviv.