deciBel News
deciBel Hosts Drake State IAAP Members
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—3 March, 2010
deciBel hosted ten International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) members from J.F. Drake State Technical College. They met some of dB’s management team, the administrative team, and toured the facility. This was an opportunity for the students to interact with business professionals and gain insight into the business world. The students also attended a 30 minute mini-seminar on telephone and email etiquette, presented by Stephany Wingard, a Certified Professional Secretary from CSC.
IAAP members enjoy a pizza lunch in the deciDeli.
JSTM SuR Shelter Visits deciBel Research
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—17 February, 2010
The JLENS Surveillance Radar Stimulator shelter arrived at deciBel Research for its primary checkout. Equipped with workstations for 4 people, 24 inch user displays, laser printer, whiteboard, phone connections and safety equipment, this C130 transportable laboratory will house the digital real-time stimulator during JLENS integration and testing.
Featuring three separate areas for users, server equipment and heating/cooling, the self-contained mobile system will be placed at the Maintenance Operations Procedures and Prototype (MOPP) facility at Redstone Arsenal for softare staging and IA accreditation before moving to El Segundo, California to support JSTM system integration. From there the shelter will be moved to the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR) at the Dugway Proving Ground to support JLENS Orbit testing.
JLENS is part of the Cruise Missile Defense Systems Project Office at Redstone Arsenal, AL.
dB Congratulates Rob Bell for Air National Guard promotion
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—29 January, 2010
deciBel System Engineer, Robert Bell, was recently promoted to the rank of Colonel in the Alabama Air National Guard. His promotion ceremony was held January 23 in Montgomery, Alabama.
Having served in the Air National Guard for over 24 years, Col Bell’s career began as Electronics Warfare Specialist (enlisted) for the 187th Tactical Fighter Group, Montgomery, Alabama. Since then, he has received numerous awards and decorations. His contingency deployments include support of Operations: Provide Comfort, Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Noble Eagle, and Enduring Freedom. Col Bell’s new assignment is as the Deputy Commander for the 226th Combat Communications Group, Montgomery, Alabama.
Brigadier General P.D. Brown, Commander of the Alabama Air National Guard, administering the Oath of Office to LtCol Robert Bell.
Mr. Earl Reed congratulates Colonel Robert Bell after the Pinning-On ceremony.
New Vice President of Strategic Development
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—26 January, 2010
deciBel Research, Inc. is excited to announce that Jeff Gronberg has joined the deciBel team as Vice President of Strategic Development. Jeff brings a unique set of capabilities and expertise, allowing deciBel to strengthen its position as a leader within the defense industry. He will assist the current exceptional management team in realizing deciBel strategic goals including expansions to new high tech programs and customers outside of the immediate Huntsville geographical area. Jeff comes to deciBel from ASI, where he led the Aerospace Engineering business unit. His primary focus has been the development and integration of advanced engineering and technology solutions to support the needs of warfighters and other Government agencies.
deciBel Cuts Ribbon on New Corporate Headquarters in CRP
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—16 December, 2009
deciBel opened the doors to their new 40,000 square foot facility in Cummings Research Park. dB employees, families, customers, friends, and guests attended the ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, December 10th. President and founder of deciBel Research, Dr. Bassem Mahafza, credited the dedication and talent of the employees for the success of the company. In his words, the new facility “culminates the deliberate hard work, dedication, and commitment to success by the management and employees of this company. It also signifies the trust and confidence that our customers have, and continue to have, in us as a Company and as employees.”
During his remarks, Mahafza recounted deciBel’s humble beginnings in rented office space that lacked office furniture. In his 20s, Mahafza came to the United States with a goal to live the American dream. He said: “Over the years I have taken many steps towards realizing this dream in all facets of my life - personally and professionally. Today, this event marks a major milestone along this path. For I know, that there is nowhere else in the world I could have accomplished or done more for myself, for my family, for my community, or for my country, as much as I am able to do here in Huntsville, Alabama. That, my friends, is truly living the American dream.”
Mayor Tommy Battle commended Mahafza for his success and his pursuit of American dream. He echoed the sentiment that Huntsville/ Madison County is a great place to live, work, and play.
After the ribbon cutting, guests stayed to tour the facility and enjoy refreshments during the open house. The two story facility features four large meeting rooms. The Large Conference Room can fit over 100 people and features high-tech audio-visual equipment. deciBel strives to promote employee collaboration and the physical layout of the new office building reflects this goal. The building design lends itself to open and inviting working environment by maximizing the number of window offices and meeting areas, referred to as “Collaboratories”, on each floor to allow employees to share and exchange ideas. The cafeteria features wireless networking and laptop plugins to encourage informal discussion. Outside, employees can enjoy a walk around the lake or relax on park benches.
The company is excited about their new facility and the implications of this success. In addition to helping establish a brand name for deciBel, the new facility will help employees meet customers’ needs and expectations. It also helps enhance Huntsville’s high-tech image and reputation as the best location for entrepreneurs.
Can-crazy at deciBel
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—3 December, 2009
Lines were drawn and banners were hung, which could only mean one thing – it was time for deciBel’s annual Can-A-Thon. For the past three years, deciBel employees have participated in the WAFF 48 Heart of the Valley Can-a-thon, which benefits local non-profit Christmas Charities Year Round. Christmas Charities Year Round strives to provide needy Madison County families with everything they need to have a traditional holiday meal.
Each of deciBel’s six Functional Areas competes against each other to see who can collect the most non-perishable items. This way, employees are able to engage in some fun competition while donating food to a great cause. Scoring rules are changed every year to encourage greater participation and the donation of items that the charity deems critical. As canned hams were in demand in 2008, “Ham Wars” broke out across deciBel. Teams were allowed to place hams with any other team of their choice causing the ham-receiving team lose points. The results of the “Ham Wars” were that deciBel employees contributed over 3,700 items for donation.
This year dessert mixes were especially needed and thus resulted in more points for a team. This year the winning team was Project Management and Contracts, who make giving look like a piece of cake. As a whole, deciBel continued the trend of collecting more items than the previous year. Due to the generous nature of deciBel employees, a total of 4770 items were collected and delivered for the 2009 Can-A-Thon.
First Annual Golf Tournament
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—5 September, 2009
deciBel held their first annual golf tournament at The Highlands Course at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Hampton Cove. Customers, co-workers, and friends of deciBel comprised 16 teams. The winning team was Conrad Meyer (deciBel Research), Glen Yates (Army), Allan Pruett (PeopleTec), and Jeff Hoy (MagnaCom). The second place team was Ron Seagrave, Ed Martinez, Tom Plant, and Scott Coy. Third place went to Jeff Irons, Rick Davis, Howell Lee, and Daniel Ghaleb. The winner in the Long Drive contest was John Steadman and the Closest to the Pin contest was Jeff Garrard.
Small Business of the Year Finalist
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—4 September, 2009
deciBel employees enjoyed an exciting evening at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce 24th Annual Small Business Awards Celebration. This year’s event was themed Heroes of Small Business and took place in the Von Braun Center North Hall. The event aims to recognize successful businesses with awards and provide resources to help grow existing businesses in the community. deciBel was nominated in two categories: Small Business of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year (Bassem Mahafza).
deciBel was one of three Finalists for Small Business of the Year – Technology Services. deciBel congratulates Davidson Technologies, winner for Small Business of the Year, Digium, the other finalist. Dr. Mahafza was honored to be nominated among other outstanding area entrepreneurs. Competition was intense, as there were more nominees for awards than in previous years. Companies were judged based on detailed application packages and financials. Dr. Mahafza says, “We were competing for this award against some of the best small businesses in the area. However, we always thought we would be a strong contender, because of the confidence and trust in our employees and their unmatched capabilities that creates best value for our customers. We could not have competed for this event, let alone to be a finalist, without the dedication and hard work of all of our employees.”
Much of the credit for the event should go to the Chamber of Commerce, sponsors, and Chamber Celebration Committee for organizing a wonderful evening and encouraging area businesses, non-profits, young professionals, and entrepreneurs.
Walk to Defeat ALS a Success!
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—3 September, 2009
The Walk to Defeat ALS was a big success! deciBel, through the dBGives committee, supported the Walk to Defeat ALS, which benefits The ALS Association, Alabama Chapter, Inc. This cause was championed by deciBel Project Lead, David McKannan, who suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed. To-date there is no known cause and no cure for ALS.
The ALS Association is the only non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure. The Association’s nationwide network of chapters provides comprehensive patient services and support to the ALS community. The mission of The ALS Association is to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS through global cutting-edge research, and to empower people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. David says, “Since my diagnosis I have decided to be an advocate for ALS patients to help raise awareness of the disease and its devastating effects. To that end I am working with the ALS Association in their endeavors, and with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Recently I was named the MDA ALS Ambassador for the State of Alabama. On Labor Day I will be interviewed for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.
With contributions from deciBel, David’s team, McK Attack, raised over $5000 for this event. Thanking deciBel and individual contributors David says, “It is a great pleasure to work for a company and with the group of people here at deciBel Research that takes such an interest in the community and in individual well-being. I thank all of you for the moral support you have given me and the financial support you have given my fund-raising project with the ALS Association.”
In addition to the ALS Foundation, deciBel contributed to The Autism Resource Foundation and B.U.D.S. (Bringing Up Down Syndrome) not-for-profit organizations this quarter.
Inc. Magazine Unveils Exclusive List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies-the Inc. 5000
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—12 August, 2009
Inc. magazine ranked deciBel no. 2,789 on its third annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy-America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs.
“Savvy trend spotters and those who invest in private companies know that the Inc. 5000 is the best place to find out about young companies that are achieving success through a wide variety of unprecedented business models, as well as older private companies that are still expanding at an impressive rate,” said Inc. 5000 project manager Jim Melloan. “That’s why our list is so eagerly anticipated every year.” The 2009 Inc. 5000 serves as a unique report card on the U.S. economy. Despite the ongoing recession, aggregate revenue among the companies on the list actually increased to $214 billion, up $29 billion from last year, with a median three-year growth rate of 126 percent. The Inc. 5000 are responsible for creating more than 1 million jobs since their founding, making the list perhaps the best example of the impact private, fast-growing companies can have on the economy. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database can be found on Inc.com.
Wet Dog Triathlon
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—23 July, 2009
deciBel employee, Enrico Poggio, teamed with other contractors to compete in the Wet Dog Triathlon held at Point Mallard Park on July 18, 2009. The race is a charity fundraising event that benefits children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Morgan County, Inc, in Decatur, Alabama, serving Morgan, Lawrence, Cullman and Winston counties.
Enrico was joined by two Hercules SETA team members to compete as a mixed relay team. The race consisted of a 400 meter swim in the Tennessee River completed by Enrico, a 15 kilometer bike ride completed by Kat Palmore of Paradigm Technologies, and 5 kilometer run completed by Lem Myers of Cobham. The team came in 7th place out of 17 mixed teams.
Progress made on new facility
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—5 June, 2009
Although the rain slowed things down at first, deciBel is excited about the progress that has been made on their new facility, which should be completed by October or November of this year. This new expansion, in addition to further promoting Huntsville’s high-tech image, will allow deciBel to accommodate the anticipated growth resulting from the MDA and BRAC relocations to Huntsville.
Bassem Mahafza’s book makes best selling list
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—17 March, 2009
President Bassem Mahafza’s book, Radar Signal Analysis and Processing Using MATLAB, makes the CRC Press new and bestselling Signal Processing books list. This book provides comprehensive coverage of radar signals and signal processing techniques and algorithms. Included is a complete set of MATLAB functions and routines that allow the reader to apply signal processing to radar applications. The book contains numerous graphical plots, common radar-related functions, table format outputs, examples and end-of-chapter problems to illustrate the practical application of the theory. Other topics covered include radar target detection and pulse integration (emphasizing the constant false alarm rate), the stretch processor, the moving target indicator, radar Doppler processing, beamforming, and adaptive array processing. This is Dr. Mahafza’s fourth publication in his line of other popular radar textbooks.
Are you REALLY smarter than a fifth grader?
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—17 March, 2009
Vice President of deciBel, Earl Reed, recently went to Heritage Elementary to speak to fifth grade students about career fields that utilize math and science. As a radar engineer who has worked on numerous missile defense radars, he planned to discuss what it was like to be a radar engineer. Earl has given many lectures, courses, and briefings on radars so a short talk to 5th graders wouldn’t be too difficult, would it?
Earl says: So after about 2 minutes into the discussion I get my first question. I think “Great! they are interested!” Then I get the question: “What types of radars do they use to look for monsters?” Well, I don’t think we really use radars to look for monsters. “Oh yes they do, I saw it on tv.” Trying to get the discussion back on course, I received a couple other reasonable questions and then, “What is the biggest missile in the world?”. “Do we have a missile big enough to blow up the moon?” “What would happen to all the pieces if we blew up the moon?”
Thinking some pictures might impress the fifth graders, Earl showed them pictures of the XBR being loaded onto the SBX platform. He explained that it was being moved by one of the largest cranes in the world. This fact was followed by the question, “If that guy [the crane operator] dropped the radar, would he have to pay for it?” After he showed them pictures of THAAD radar and missile the questions turned a bit more personal as the children wanted to know if Earl has ever been hit by a missile (he has not).
All this talk about missile defense radars got one student so enamored he decided he wanted one to go on his father’s boat. When Earl suggested would prefer marine or navigation radar, the student declined and stuck to his original desire for a missile defense radar. After Earl mentioned that these types of radars cost hundreds of millions of dollars, the student surmised that “only rich people like Michael Jordan have them on their boats then.”
After being hit with many other perplexing questions, Earl’s lecture ended with a standing ovation, though he thinks this was probably just an excuse to make lots of noise. All joking aside, Earl recognizes the importance of encouraging children in math and science. These children will be the engineers and scientists who will take over for us in securing our nation.