deciBel News
Jeff Gronberg, New President of deciBel Research
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—25 August, 2011
Dr. Bassem Mahafza, founder and CEO of deciBel Research, announced his decision to step down on August 8th, naming Executive Vice President Jeff Gronberg as his successor.
“As CEO and President, I have thoroughly enjoyed running the day to day operations and have enjoyed growing deciBel to its current state; and it is my desire to see deciBel reach its full potential,” Mahafza said in a company-wide e-mail, “I have a lot of faith in Jeff’s ability, leadership, and management style to lead deciBel over the next phase. I expect that you will give Jeff the same courtesy and mutual respect that I have experienced from all of you over the past ten years.”
Jeff Gronberg officially took over deciBel operations on August 20th and brings with him an impressive resume full of technical expertise along with eight years of proven experience at the director and vice president level with such companies as ASI and Teledyne Brown.
Said Gronberg in a quote to the Huntsville Times, “I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to serve deciBel Research in this new capacity, and [I am] grateful for the confidence expressed by Bassem Mahafza and the deciBel board of directors.”
deciBel Honors David McKannan
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—4 August, 2011
In an on-location announcement June 21, 2011, with the McKannan family looking on, Dr. Bassem Mahafza, CEO and President of deciBel Research, dedicated and renamed its large conference room as the “David McKannan Conference Room.” David McKannan, a loved and respected deciBel employee, has been battling a form of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). In Dr. Mahafza’s remarks, he spoke of Mr. McKannan’s grace, intellect, and tenacity. Mr. McKannan accepted this honor in person. Maureen McKannan, David’s wife, spoke for David and thanked the dB family for their love and support.
HAMA members face challenges in current defense climate
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—22 June, 2011
The Huntsville Times features Vice President Jeff Gronberg on the changing climate of the missile defense industry.
http://www.al.com/42/index.ssf/2011/06/hama_faces_challenges_in_curre.html
deciBel Hosts Students From Drake State
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—1 March, 2011
deciBel was very pleased to host the student chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals from Drake State on Monday, February 28th. Students were hosted by deciBel in the chapter’s effort to introduce students to the administrative field in a real world environment. Margie Burchfield, Senior Executive Assistant at deciBel Research, and VP of the Huntsville Chapter of IAAP, said “I enjoy mentoring and encouraging students to continue their education and pursue administrative career options.” Students were able to tour deciBel’s facility at Research Park, hear about the profession first-hand from Ms. Burchfield, and get job hunting advice from deciBel’s Human Resources Director, Jamie Jones.
Small Business of the Year Contributes BIG
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—2 December, 2010
For the past four years, deciBel Research, Inc.’s charitable arm, The dBGives Committee, has supported WAFF 48’s Holiday Can-a-thon, which distributes food items to local families in need. db Gives has encouraged company-wide participation by organizing a Can-a-thon competition between deciBel Research’s six Functional Areas. This way, the company is able to have fun while donating food to a great cause. The Functional Areas compete against each other to bring in the greatest number of needed items each year. Last year, the company collected 4,770 food items. This year, understanding the growing need in the area, we were able to increase our donation to 9,686 food items! deciBel Research employees pride themselves in always going above and beyond, and supporting the community is no different. Thank you to Ashley Creekmore, the Can-a-thon organizer, the dBGives Committee, and dB employees for extra effort in supporting this worthy cause!
deciBel Opens a New Office in Ohio
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—2 November, 2010
deciBel Research, Inc., is pleased to announce the opening of its new office in Beavercreek, Ohio. Robert Shofner, Vice President of Dayton Operations, will be managing the new office. deciBel is already supporting several efforts in the Dayton area and looks forward to working more closely with its customers in Ohio in support of their mission.
deciBel wins Small Business of the Year!
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—3 September, 2010
deciBel took home the coveted Small Business of the Year award for the Technology Services division at the Huntsville/ Madison Chamber of Commerce celebration. This was the Chamber’s 25th Annual Small Business Awards celebration, which was created to recognize and encourage area businesses, non-profit organizations, young professionals, and executive leaders.
The competition grows each year, as this year there were more nominees than in previous years. deciBel has been nominated every year for Small Business of the Year since 2006. In 2009, deciBel was a finalist in the Technology Services category and President Bassem Mahafza was nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year. Companies are judged based on detailed application packages, including financial information, which keep company identity anonymous.
President Bassem Mahafza credited the award to deciBel’s staff. He says, “Every one of deciBel’s staff is to be thanked for their hard work, dedication, commitment to excellence, and great representation of deciBel Research. This award is a living evidence of their first class performance. I am truly blessed and honored to be associated with every one of them.”
Second Annual Golf Tournament
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—2 September, 2010
deciBel held their second 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 17 teams. The winning team for the second year in a row was Conrad Meyer (deciBel Research), Glen Yates (Army), Allan Pruett (PeopleTec), and Jeff Hoy (MagnaCom). The winners in the Long Drive contest were Irene Fleischman and Jon McKannan. Winners in the Closest to the Pin contest were Tim Yeager and Jon McKannan.
dB Ranked #2425 on INC 5000
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—1 September, 2010
Inc. magazine ranked deciBel #2,425 on the 2010 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. Music website Pandora, convenience store chain 7-Eleven, Brooklyn Brewery, and Radio Flyer, maker of the iconic children’s red wagon, are among the prominent brands featured on this year’s list.
This is the fourth year in a row deciBel has been featured on the list. In 2007, deciBel ranked #213 on the Inc 500 list. In 2008, deciBel was #2,758 and in 2009, #2,789.
dB recognized for support of the Guard and Reserve
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—25 August, 2010
deciBel was recognized by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve force. deciBel received the Patriotic Employer award, which was presented by former deciBel employee, Colonel Robert Bell of the Alabama Air National Guard.
Employees help build home for family in need
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—6 July, 2010
decibel employees and their families spent Saturday morning working on a Habitat for Humanity home project in Madison County. Habitat for Humanity builds homes for families in need and relies on home recipients to participate in the building process by putting in at least 300 “sweat equity” hours. Battling heat and humidity, dB volunteers laid flooring and worked on landscaping at the home. Other community volunteers will come in and help complete the home and make it suitable for living. dB employees were happy to partner with Habitat, the home family, and other community volunteers to help create a safe, efficient living space for a deserving family. 
David McKannan 5K Run for Research- Saturday, May 15, 2010
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—17 May, 2010
Approximately 200 people participated in the David McKannan 5K Run For Research on Saturday, May 15 in downtown Huntsville. The second annual run was held in honor of David McKannan, who is fighting ALS. McKannan is an employee of deciBel Research and a former track star at Grissom High School & Auburn University. Race Results
Click to see WHNT’s pictures of the race!
Join deciBel on May 15 to run or walk to support ALS Research
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—28 April, 2010
deciBel is honored to be the host sponsor for the David McKannan Run for Research, which benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s ALS Division. This event is a 5K run or walk on the old Big Spring Jam 5K course in downtown Huntsville at the corner of Monroe and Church Street. The race will be held May 15 and registration begins at 6:30am with the race beginning at 8:00 am. The David McKannan Run for Research’s mission is to provide awareness across the Tennessee Valley about ALS (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease) and help families fight back by raising funds that will go directly towards ALS research.
For more details or to register go to: https://www.joinmda.org/researchrun/davidmckannanrun
dB Volunteers Serve Hot Breakfast to Homeless
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama—22 April, 2010
The dBGives committee’s first event of the year, preparing and serving a hot breakfast for the homeless clients of First Stop, was a big success. Enough good hot food was provided that everyone was served seconds. dB volunteers also handed out fruit and boxed cereal that could be kept and eaten through the weekend.
First Stop is a local non-profit dedicated to providing comprehensive support to enable transition from street homelessness to re-entry to self-sufficient productive lives. First Stop does more than just provide food and clothing to homeless, and they do more than get their clients settled into affordable housing. Each homeless person is assigned a case manager who will often represent that person and handle essentials that they may not know how to do for themselves. This often involves dealing with government agencies to get identification or to apply for benefits that person might be eligible for. First Stop will work to place their clients in housing and then they follow up to monitor progress.
In addition to preparing and serving breakfast, deciBel employees collected toiletries to be included in the health/hygiene kits that First Stop provides to its clients.
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 software 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.