Green technology company will stay in Arlington following competitive bid process
Company will expand and move from current HQ to new building in Courthouse
Will create additional 70 jobs within three years
Washington, D.C. – February 10, 2016 – (RealEstateRama) — Arlington Economic Development is proud to announce that Opower, a leading energy enterprise software company that helps utilities elevate the customer experience, has chosen to continue to call Arlington home. The expanding company recently completed a competitive bid process and will move its headquarters from its current home in Arlington’s Courthouse neighborhood to a new building nearby that is currently being constructed. As part of the move, Opower is also expected to add approximately 70 new employees to its workforce within three years. The company will invest $10.45 million in its new office to attract and retain top talent.
“We are thrilled to continue to have Opower as a key partner in our business community,” said Libby Garvey, Arlington County Board Chair. “Arlington has watched Opower grow from a startup venture to a thriving leader not only in the region, but in the entire clean technology industry. Arlington’s highly-educated workforce and easy transportation access were things Opower was looking for as the company continues to grow, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them for a long time to come.”
Opower is an enterprise software company that helps utilities elevate the customer experience. Energy providers use Opower’s customer engagement platform to deliver proactive, digital communications that raise customer satisfaction, manage energy demand, and lower service costs. Opower’s software is deployed to more than 95 utilities worldwide and reaches more than 50 million homes and businesses.
“Opower has been with Arlington since the beginning,” said Victor Hoskins, Director of Arlington Economic Development. “The company is a model for the fast-growth technology companies we’re hoping to attract to Arlington, and we simply could not be more pleased that Opower has decided to continue to be a part of Arlington’s business community.”
Opower will move to approximately 63,000 square feet of new construction at 2311 Wilson Boulevard. The new building, which is expected to be constructed over the next two years, will have a total of 150,000 square feet of office space as well as retail and supporting spaces and is expected to gain LEED gold certification.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “It was a high priority to ensure that Opower continues to call Arlington County home to its corporate headquarters. This high-profile energy software company is growing rapidly and making a major impact on global challenges, and we are committed to further strengthening the corporate partnership between Opower and the Commonwealth. The technology industry is booming in Virginia, and wins like this expansion help us continue to build on the momentum in this important sector as we grow, diversify and build a new Virginia economy.”
“We are excited to work with our partners to design what will be one of the most dynamic workplaces in the region,” said Alex Laskey, President and Co-founder of Opower. “It’s critical that Opower has access to a skilled workforce and is able to offer a compelling work environment. We look forward to continuing to call Arlington home as we work with our utility clients help build a clean energy future.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Arlington County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $1 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Arlington County with the project. Arlington County will match the state funding with a performance-based local economic development incentive grant. Arlington will provide an additional annual performance grant through the remaining years of the lease term subject to job and occupancy requirements. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
Arlington Economic Development
Arlington Economic Development (AED), part of Arlington County Government, is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of an economically competitive and sustainable community, and the creation of exciting, diverse and amenity-rich places. AED provides visionary leadership and superior services to Arlington’s business and arts community, its tourism industry and its real estate development. For more information, visit arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com.
Arlington Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the “10 miles square” parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation’s Capital. Slightly smaller than 26 square miles, it is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, and one of only a handful with the prized Aaa/AAA/AAA bond rating. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods and quality schools, and has received numerous awards for Smart Growth and transit-oriented development. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world — including the Pentagon — Arlington stands out as one of America’s preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
