Management

INIT Inc. Earns 2017 Chesapeake Business of the Year Award

June 29, 2017

On May 19, 2017, the Chesapeake Economic Development Authority awarded INIT Innovations in Transportation Inc. the 2017 Chesapeake Business of the Year award during their Annual Chesapeake Business Appreciation Golf Classic held at the Cahoon Golf Course.

Pictured left to right: Steven Wright, director, Chesapeake Dept. of Economic Development, Linda Keith, chief financial officer, INIT Inc. and Chesapeake Mayor Alan P. Krasnoff.

Company growth, community involvement and investment in the city of Chesapeake played a role in the Authority’s decision to award INIT. Company culture was also a favorable factor. In 2017, INIT’s longevity and commitment to the city was demonstrated with the completion of their new headquarters building inside the Oakbrooke Business & Technology Center.

“We’re pleased to recognize INIT Inc. as our 2017 Chesapeake Business of the Year — one of our city’s most notable awards,” said Steven Wright, director, city of Chesapeake, Department of Economic Development. “INIT’s contributions in driving our economy forward with sustainable employment levels and the recent opening of their new North American headquarters in Chesapeake has not gone unnoticed. Our community is proud to have INIT as a corporate citizen and celebrate its accomplishments.”

INIT Inc. opened for business in 1999 with five employees and one transit customer. INIT chose the city of Chesapeake because of its proximity to its parent headquarters in Karlsruhe, Germany. Other convincing causes were the rich workforce resources via local universities and the military, as well as the support of the city’s Economic Development Authority in setting up an international business.

Since 1999, the company has successfully opened two US-based manufacturing firms, Superior Quality Manufacturing (SQM) and Total Quality Assembly (TQA), while continually building their customer and employee bases.

“Over the last 18 years, INIT has made several moves to larger spaces,” explained CEO Roland Staib. “The Department of Economic Development has been a vital asset in the expansion and growth of the company from the start. We are honored to receive such a prestigious award.”