DAO Group Relocates to Virginia Beach and Invests $2.3 Million Expansion includes 25 new employees
April 18, 2017
DAO Group is a full-service computer systems company that provides software and hardware services including hardware maintenance, customized program development, sales, installation, training and technical support. The company, founded in 1999, will move its corporate headquarters to Virginia Beach with a $2.3 capital million investment. Additionally, the company will relocate 12 employees to Virginia Beach and add 25 new jobs within 48 months with average annual salaries of $48,000. DAO Group purchased 945 Seahawk Circle in Virginia Beach for $1.35 million. The 2.96-acre site includes a 17,196-square-foot, two-story office and warehouse facility. An additional $1 million in capital investment will include the purchase of new mobile computers and printers for a rental program that the company is launching for its business customers and for real estate building improvements. The facility allows for future expansion of its service lines that includes route accounting for more than 200 manufacturers and distributors in the snack food, bakery and beverage industries, including Utz, Wise, Herr's, Coca-Cola, Schwebel's and Nickel's. The company is also an authorized reseller of Dell, Honeywell and Zebra products and a partner with Epson and Microsoft. The Virginia Beach Development Authority has awarded an APZ-1 Economic Development Investment Program grant in the amount of $100,000 based on the company's capital investment since the location is within the YesOceana footprint. "We know DAO Group actively looked at other locations outside of the region for this relocation and expansion," said Virginia Beach Economic Development Director Warren D. Harris. "We're pleased they selected Virginia Beach, and we welcome this innovative technology company to the YesOceana business corridor." "The employees and owners of DAO Group are excited for our upcoming move to Virginia Beach," said Andrew Stevens, managing partner. "Support from local government and Virginia Beach Development Authority has been welcoming and we look forward to being neighbors and partners with them as our company expands in this great community."YesOceana was established in response to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's recommendation to close NAS Oceana in 2005. The innovative program moves nonconforming businesses out of APZ-1 and recruits businesses that meet zoning and conformity specifications into the area. It is the only program of its kind in the country, and YesOceana now serves as a model for other localities facing problems with encroachment around air installations. The mission of the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is to attract and retain national and international businesses to stimulate capital investment and create jobs. Virginia Beach is the most populous city in Virginia with a population of 450,000, and it is the 37th largest in the United States. It is recognized as one of the Best Run Cities in America by 24/7 Wall St. The Department of Economic Development received re-accreditation through the International Economic Development Council in 2016 and is one of only 50 economic development organizations in the world to have this recognition. Virginia Beach is listed among the Top Five Overall Mid-sized American Cities of the Future, Top 10 for Economic Potential and Top Five for Infrastructure by fDi magazine. CNNMoney.com ranked Virginia Beach as the Easiest Place to Start a Business and the 2nd Most Business-Friendly City in the country. For more information, visit www.yesvirginiabeach.com.
