May 4, 2006

A-B Tech’s Foundation received a gift from Jim Oliver, owner of AVL Technologies, for $50,000 in appreciation for the opportunities the college provided him for the company.

The donation will be used to create the AVL Endowed Scholarship with the foundation.

When Oliver started his business to produce mobile satellite antenna systems, he wanted to focus on perfecting the product, and not hunt for real estate. He also wanted to work with the faculty of A-B Tech’s engineering department.

In 1998, the college provided space in the Maple Building, so Oliver could start focusing on his product rather than worrying about finding a building a signing a long-term lease. As his business grew, his need for space increased as well. Eventually he rented commercial space and hired five employees. He now has 75 employees and revenue of $20 million this past year.

“Jim Oliver of AVL Technologies is the consummate community partner,” said Anita Metcalf, Foundation Executive Director. “A-B Tech met the needs of this business in its formative years. Now that Mr. Oliver is the owner of a successful and flourishing company, he remembers this service by creating the AVL Endowed Scholarship with the A-B Tech Foundation. We appreciate Mr. Oliver’s generosity.”

AVL Technologies was the first successful small business incubation at A-B Tech. The business designs and manufactures mobile satellite antenna systems typically used for live satellite broadcasts from television news trucks.