FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2014
Media Contact:
Ellen Paris, Kiner Communications
760-413-0471, [email protected]
Three High-Tech Companies Begin Operating at Coachella Valley iHub
Companies will leverage expertise and resources of CVEP
PALM SPRINGS, CA -- Three new companies – Desert GeoExchange, Heightened-Security,
and Post Modern – have joined the Coachella Valley iHub, the Coachella Valley Economic
Partnership’s incubator for new and expanding clean energy and sustainable technology
businesses.
“These three companies intend to serve markets in the geothermal area of renewable
energy, the highly visible area of digital marketing, and the rapidly growing field of security,”
says iHub Managing Director Joe Wallace. “Each of these businesses has the potential to
leverage the expertise and the resources of CVEP and the iHub to rapidly grow their businesses,
as well as create challenging jobs and generate wealth in the Coachella Valley.”
CViHub, which opened in 2011, has grown to 16 companies, making it one of
California’s most successful iHubs. In May, CVEP opened the first Accelerator Campus in the
state for iHub “graduates.” Some companies move to the Accelerator Campus when they’re
ready to begin manufacturing or further product or system development.
Desert GeoExchange, the iHub’s first geothermal client, personifies the incubator’s state
charter. The renewable energy company is evaluating its entrance into geothermal heating and
cooling systems. “Our parent company, Geothermal Resource Group Inc., is a regular attendee of
the CVEP Renewable Energy Roundtable, and we have been impressed with the efforts of the
CViHub to promote renewable energy in the Coachella Valley,” says Will Osborn, vice president
of the parent company, Geothermal Resource Group. “Desert GeoExchange LLC will be
working with the iHub to bring energy- and cost-saving sustainable geothermal cooling and
heating technology to residential and light industrial residents of the Southwest region.”
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Heightened-Security manufactures perimeter security for residential and commercial
clients, including transportation facilities, luxury communities, private estates, municipal
facilities, and education campuses. “Heightened-Security is proud to be one of the ‘innovative’
companies chosen to work with the iHub in Palm Springs. “One of the benefits of receiving iHub
certification is that we can increase our visibility with the business community and the new
companies coming into the Coachella Valley,” says Founder/President Tom Murphy. “The
beauty of partnering with the iHub is that, while not promoting the product to the general public,
it will keep us in front of the Coachella Valley decision-makers and give us entre to the rest of
the world. Additionally, the iHub has given Heightened-Security the opportunity to take
advantage of the extensive employment resources, making it possible for us to grow even faster.”
Post Modern moved to the iHub from its former headquarters in Los Angeles. “There’s
so much potential here – from the amazing support offered by the CViHub, and access to an
enthusiastic and qualified talent pool, to interns from local colleges, and all of the creative events
in the valley,” says Deena Suffin, president/co-founder of Post Modern. The company’s
hardware and software enable consumer marketers to integrate social media into their
promotional events, trade show exhibits, and retail. In addition to being located at the iHub, Post
Modern is manufacturing its patent-pending systems at the nearby Accelerator Campus.
As the Coachella Valley iHub grows, so does its national reputation. Recently, three iHub
technology start-ups were selected as presenters at the prestigious WBT Innovation Marketplace,
a deal-focused showcase of innovative companies and market-ready technologies.
About CVEP
The nonprofit Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP) promotes a diversified, yearround economy through its Workforce/Jobs Collaborative, based on business attraction,
expansion, and retention, and developing a workforce aligned with the needs of business. CVEP
and its various programs – Workforce Excellence, CViHub, Coachella Valley Small Business
Development Center, and ArtsOasis – focus on planning and nurturing the growth of three
emerging industry clusters: Healthcare and Life Science, Clean Technology and Energy, and
Creative Arts, Media, and Design. Visit www.cvep.com or call 760-340-1575.
About the Coachella Valley iHub
The Coachella Valley Innovation Hub (CViHub) is a California-designated business support
entity hosted by the cities of Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, and Cathedral City, managed by
the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP). Visit www.cvihub.com.
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