Member News

Dalworthington Gardens, TX — Pantego Books is happy to announce our participation in the 10th Anniversary of Independent Bookstore Day!
Bookstore Information/events
Pantego Books will be celebrating Independent Bookstore Day with free face painting for kids from 2-4pm and raffle entries 11a-6p! Drawing will take place after the event and winners will be contacted. Prizes will include:
• Pantego Books T-shirt and $25 Pantego Books Gift Card
• Date Night at Pantego Books
• One year of audiobooks from Libro.fm (12 credits)
We will also be handing out goodie bags with purchases of $25 or more and an ARC with purchases of $50 or more - offers can be combined, while supplies last.
Bookstore owner quote
“We are so excited to be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Independent Bookstore Day! Whether it’s your first time in or your 20th, we hope you are able to stop by and be a part of the festivities. Looking forward to seeing you there!” – Morgan and Lee Moore, Owners
Independent Bookstore Day (IBD) was established in 2013 to promote, celebrate, and highlight the value of the Independent bookstore community. The day has been observed on the last Saturday of April every year since 2013. This year there are over 1030 stores participating across the country. See the map here: https://www.indiebound.org/independent-bookstore-day/map
Independent Bookstore Day is organized by the American Booksellers Association, a national not-for-profit trade organization, that works with booksellers and industry partners to ensure the success and profitability of independently owned book retailers, and to assist in expanding the community of the book.

ABOUT PANTEGO BOOKS
Pantego Books opened on October 8, 2022. It is a locally owned independent bookstore committed to offering a quality selection of new books, bookish gifts, and educational items for customers of all ages and backgrounds. We are passionate about books, literacy, and the general pursuit of knowledge and seek to share our love of reading to help create and sustain a community of lifelong learners. We strive to provide an inclusive environment to encourage the healthy exchange of ideas.

Always Remember to Call 811 Before Any Excavation Project

ARLINGTON, Texas – April 4, 2023 – Did you know that the most common cause of outside natural gas leaks is digging or construction that disturbs natural gas pipelines? Pipelines carry natural gas around the clock to more than 76 million homes and businesses in the United States, yet we seldom notice these energy superhighways because they are underground. Every year in April, National Safe Digging Month is an opportunity to remind homeowners, contractors, and any professional excavator to keep communities safe by calling 811 before any digging project.
“Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in disruptions to critical services, serious injuries, and costly repairs to underground utility lines,” said Al Hernandez, Atmos Energy Manager of Public Affairs. “It is simple and easy to make a free request online or over the phone by calling 811 before digging to help communities maintain essential utility services, promote safety, and reduce the likelihood of accidentally digging into buried utility lines. The ‘Call 811’ service is free, safe, and it is required by law.”
Everyone who contacts 811 a few days before digging is connected to a local notification center that will take the caller's information and communicate it to local utility companies. Professional locators will then visit the dig site to mark the approximate location of underground utility lines with spray paint, flags, or both. Homeowners are further encouraged to take a few precautionary measures when planning any digging project this spring:
● Plan ahead. If work is scheduled for an upcoming weekend, make a free 811 request on Monday or Tuesday – providing ample time for the approximate location of lines to be marked.
● Confirm that all lines have been marked.
● Consider moving the location of your project if it is near utility line markings.
● If a contractor has been hired, confirm that the contractor has contacted 811. Don't allow work to begin if the lines are not marked.
● Please visit 811beforeyoudig.com for complete information.
As part of National Safe Digging Month, Atmos Energy asks everyone to become a safety ambassador by taking the Atmos Energy Call 811 Pledge at https://www.atmosenergy.com/safety/sign-call-811-pledge. In addition, the Atmos Energy Damage Prevention Ambassador Program empowers employees year-round to help eliminate pipeline damages by making stops at excavation sites to educate the public and promote safe digging practices. In 29 percent of all stops, Damage Prevention Ambassadors found that
excavators did not have a valid 811 ticket, the ticket had expired, or their excavation plan included the use of mechanized equipment within the utility tolerance zone without first exposing the utilities. If pipeline danger exists, the Ambassador is empowered to stop the work, and the excavator is asked to cease digging and call 811 so utilities can mark their lines as required under state law.
With an increasing number of public infrastructure projects and expanding economic development, pipeline damage resulting from excavation remains the most common cause of outside natural gas leaks. Atmos Energy has been and will continue to be a champion for damage prevention, and this is yet one more way that Atmos Energy puts its safety vision into practice.

About Atmos Energy
Atmos Energy Corporation, an S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the country’s largest natural gas-only distributor. We safely deliver reliable, affordable, efficient and abundant natural gas to more than 3 million distribution customers in over 1,400 communities across eight states located primarily in the South. As part of our vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, we are modernizing our business and infrastructure while continuing to invest in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability and our communities. Atmos Energy manages proprietary pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas.
Find us online at http://www.atmosenergy.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Maria G Aragon Financial Services

The company will see a net savings for their employee through payroll tax planning. The employee will receive extra benefits as well as an increase in their net take home pay.

The City of Arlington Parks and Recreation Department recently earned two awards from the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS), including the prestigious Texas Gold Medal Award – Class I. The honors were announced at the annual TRAPS Institute & Expo in Frisco, Texas, on March 2, 2023.

Each year, TRAPS recognizes and honors individuals and organizations that have rendered significant contributions to the field of parks and recreation. The Gold Model is awarded in five classes based on population, with Class I consisting of cities with a population of more than 250,000.

The biggest achievement that a department can earn on the state level, the Texas Gold Medal Award honors park agencies for excellence in the field of recreation and park management for the past three (3) years. The Texas Gold Medal Awards are modeled after those of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

Arlington last won the TRAPS Gold Medal Award in 2015 and the NRPA Gold Medal in 2018.

"This award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing top-quality facilities and services that cater to our diverse community," said Arlington Parks and Recreation Director James Orloski. “Achieving this honor is simply not possible without the hard work and dedication of our employees, and this is a testament to their achievements. I’d also like to thank our city's leadership, community stakeholders and our community for their support of our parks system. It is an honor for our department to be recognized as a parks and recreation industry leader in our state, and we could not deliver exceptional recreational opportunities and great parks that enrich our residents' lives without their support.”

Arlington also earned the 2023 TRAPS Maintenance Achievement Award. This award recognizes creativity or innovation in the development of unique equipment to solve a particular problem; the development or discovery of a material or chemical to solve a problem; or the development and implementation of a system or process to maintain a park, building, pool or piece of equipment more efficiently or effectively.

The department was recognized with this award for its development and implementation of the “Bakari Williams Protocol.” The City of Arlington made significant investments in the installation of health and safety equipment at its public pools and splash pads in 2022, as well as new policies, practices and protocols, which are designed to improve visitors’ safety and experience while at Arlington aquatics facilities.

About Arlington Parks and Recreation

The mission of the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department is to provide quality facilities and services that are responsive to a diverse community and sustained with a focus on partnerships, innovation and environmental leadership. Arlington is a vibrant city that enjoys a high quality of life through great parks and exceptional recreational opportunities. These services provide a foundation for the physical, social, economic, and environmental viability and well-being of the community. For more info, please visit naturallyfun.org.

In an effort to aid and support local businesses, Arlington’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is inviting business stakeholders to participate in a special business survey Feb. 27 through March 20, 2023.

The City of Arlington's EDC is interested in understanding the needs and success of Arlington businesses, particularly as they relate to retention, stability, and growth.

This important online survey was developed by the EDC in order to learn more about our local business base. Responses provided by owners and decision makers will help shape economic development strategies and objectives so that they can best serve Arlington businesses.

The questionnaire will take approximately 10 minutes and respondents will have the option of viewing and completing the survey in English, Spanish, or Vietnamese.

This is an important opportunity for the EDC to hear directly from our business stakeholders.

“One of our goals for this year is to identify challenges and opportunities facing Arlington businesses,” says Broderick Green, Arlington EDC’s Executive Director. “This outreach survey is a primary method in which the EDC can get engaged by gaining firsthand data and important stakeholder input.”

The Arlington Economic Development Corporation's strategic plan calls for an expansion of the city’s business retention and expansion programs and this is the first step in helping them do just that. The survey is available at www.arlingtontx.gov/edc, or you can scan the QR code below for quick access.

The EDC looks forward to working together with our business community to build a stronger, even more vibrant "American Dream City."

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: All individual survey responses will remain confidential. Survey information will only be used for EDC research strategies, and we will safeguard the integrity and confidentiality of Arlington’s corporate data.

Beginning with his great grandfather Elias Bryan, Jimmy Harris comes from a legendary lineage of barbecue masters serving customers throughout DFW. Elias then expanded by bringing in his son, Red Bryan, to be able to serve more barbecue fans. Jimmy’s father, David Bryan Harris, established the Bryan family barbecue tradition in Arlington in 1965 in a location that is now occupied by AT&T Stadium.
In 1988, David Harris opened David’s Barbecue in the heart of Pantego on West Park Row Drive. Then, in 1992, Jimmy Harris bought the restaurant once his father was elected Constable Precinct 2. Pitmaster Jimmy Harris now works alongside his son-in-law, Austin Payne, to serve local customers, as well as those who make the trip to savor the slow-smoked meats, tender ribs, juicy turkey, brisket and ham. This delicious barbecue can be served alongside fried okra (so good you can keep grabbing handfuls,) smoky barbecue beans, crisp and tangy coleslaw and complimentary vanilla soft-serve ice cream to top it off.

The Harris family invites you to this milestone event by offering all their delicious sandwiches for
just $1.13 each from 11:00 AM- 8:00 PM or until the meat runs out!

DATE/TIME
Tuesday, February 21, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

LOCATION
David’s Barbecue
2224 W Park Row Dr, Pantego, TX 76013 Phone (817) 261-9998

THE DELICIOUS DEAL
● From 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., David’s Barbecue will be selling all its savory sandwiches for
just $1.13 all day, dine in only, one per person.
● The first 113 guests will also be treated to Simply Divune’s southern-style bread pudding.
● Fresh roses from Urban Country Flower Co. will be given to the first 113 women to visit
David’s Barbecue.
● Guests can also enjoy 11.3% off all purchases at neighboring stores including Hank & Ellie,
Nu2U Resale, Juice’d, Fancy That Again and Perfect Imperfect Co. with a receipt from
David’s Barbecue.
● Other giveaways including branded merchandise and gift cards will be given to guests who
register at the anniversary event.

FIND OUT MORE
David’s Barbecue www.davidsbarbecuetx.com
Instagram @davidsbarbecue
Facebook @DavidsBarbecueTX

ABOUT PANTEGO
Pantego is a hidden gem within the DFW Metroplex with 2,600 residents. The town is situated primarily near the intersections of S. Bowen Road and W. Park Row Drive as well as S. Bowen Road and W. Pioneer Parkway (303), just north of Dalworthington Gardens and surrounded by Arlington. With a strong locally owned boutique shopping and dining scene as well as shopping center “anchors” within the community, Pantego is known for its small-town charm and big city opportunities. To learn more about Pantego, visit http://www.ShopPantego.com

Curnutt & Hafer, LLP, a downtown Arlington law firm recently commissioned a mural painted by Arlington-raised artist, Chris Gonzalez. The richly painted mural is located on the East and North sides of their Abram Street headquarters. Known commercially as C. Joseph Art, Gonzalez’s work was done in collaboration with the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation’s Business Improvement District (BID) grant.

The “Merciful Wisdom” mural has been in the works for almost a year now. Firm partners, Kelly Curnutt and Doug Hafer, knew they wanted to create a lasting gift to Downtown Arlington while elevating the aesthetics of their office exterior, but were waiting for the right artist and an inspired concept. Chris Gonzalez was the perfect choice for this public art initiative. His art can be found in communities, for businesses, for brands and as privately commissioned works as well.

Once the artist and partners discussed potential ideas, it became clear the mural should not only be a nod to each partner’s respective life’s work, but should also align with the firm’s motto “Seek. Serve. Do.” Lady Justice holds the scales to represent the impartiality of the court's decisions. Additionally, there is Latin wording woven around the head of Lady Justice in the 17 ft. by 37 ft. mural gracing the external wall of the Curnutt & Hafer office.

“After speaking with partners Curnutt & Hafer, I knew it would have to involve their passions. When they mentioned ‘mercy and fair’ in the context of law, the first thing that popped into my mind was an owl and the wisdom which the owl symbolizes. The partners also wanted to have words that they live by and follow incorporated into the mural. The Law of Living, The Law of Believing and The Law of Praying are inscribed in Latin. Finally, I embedded the Curnutt & Hafer logo at the center of it all,” said artist Chris Gonzalez.

This is the second commissioned mural in Arlington by Gonzalez. In 2021, he was selected to create a 12,000 square foot woodland mural titled “Wilderness,” with a collection of trees on the parking garage of The Truman at the Arlington Commons in North Arlington. This is one of the largest murals painted by a single artist in the Metroplex.

Communities and downtown districts gain value through public art – cultural, social and economic value. Public art is a distinguishing part of the community’s history and the evolution of its culture. It reflects and embodies what the businesses and organizations stand for. Public art humanizes city blocks and makes public spaces more vibrant. It helps create a sense of space while being a tool for revitalization and provides an intersection between past, present and future.

Downtown Arlington’s BID Improvement Grant program empowers local commercial property owners to make façade improvements that will enhance the experience for those who live, work and visit the downtown area. This matching grant encourages local business owners to undertake building façade enhancements, awnings, paintings, landscape elements, signage, accessibility improvements, public art & murals and decorative lighting for commercial properties within the Downtown Arlington Business Improvement District boundaries.

About Curnutt & Hafer
Established in 2000, Curnutt & Hafer provides high-quality legal representation focused on bottom line results. Founding partners Kelly Curnutt and Doug Hafer focus the firm’s practice on dispute resolution from pre-litigation negotiation through and including trials, arbitrations and mediations. Both founding partners have been recognized multiple years in Texas Monthly’s “Texas Super Lawyers” list and Fort Worth Magazine’s “Top Attorneys” list. The firm is AV-rated by Martindale Hubble, the highest ethical and legal ability ranking available, and has been recognized as a “Go-To” firm by Devon Energy in Corporate Counsel Magazine’s listing from in-house law departments at the Top 500 Companies, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce “Small Business of the Year”, Fort Worth Inc. Magazine’s “Best Company to Work For” and Arlington Today’s “All Star Award” for Attorney-Litigation. The Curnutt & Hafer experienced team of award-winning attorneys has the know-how and experience to solve your legal problems. Practice areas include business formation and litigation, personal injury, estate planning and inheritance disputes, family law, and oil and gas matters. To learn more, visit CurnuttHafer.com or call 817-548-1000.

The University of Texas at Arlington has entered into an articulation agreement with Weatherford College to create a direct pathway for students to earn their master’s degrees in nursing.

Under the new partnership, graduates from Weatherford College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program who meet UTA’s academic standards will be eligible for early-decision admission during their final undergraduate semester to UTA’s MSN or BSN to Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing programs.

Leaders from both institutions marked the occasion during a Jan. 13 signing ceremony.

“Our partnership with Weatherford College is an important step in filling the nursing shortage that impacts Texas and our nation,” UTA President Jennifer Cowley said. “We are committed to partnerships that help us in advancing nursing education and are confident that students entering into our nursing program will go on to provide exceptional care in their communities.”

A hallmark of UTA’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation nursing programs is its longtime embrace of distance learning, which gives students the opportunity to pursue their educational goals without leaving home. Available options include the college’s top-rated online accelerated BSN program and variety of online MSN degree plans, including family nurse practitioner, nursing education and nursing administration, among others.

“Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates now have the ability to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing without ever leaving Parker or Wise counties,” said Weatherford College President Tod Allen Farmer. “This agreement will provide our students seamless access from Weatherford College to UTA to further their educational goals. We’re very pleased to open this pathway to UTA and the University of Texas System.”

ARLINGTON – Medical City Arlington has been named one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2023, according to new research released by Healthgrades, a leading resource for patients. This achievement puts Medical City Arlington in the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance across the most common conditions and procedures.

This is the second consecutive year Medical City Arlington has made the prestigious America’s Best Hospitals list.

“This national recognition exemplifies the unwavering dedication of our physicians, nurses and colleagues to expert, compassionate care across the many services we offer,” Medical City Arlington CEO Sharn Barbarin says. “This commitment to excellence always from all of our nearly 2,500 hospital colleagues is why Medical City Arlington is the destination of choice in Arlington, Grand Prairie, Mansfield and surrounding areas.”

Medical City Arlington is a Level II Trauma Center and a Comprehensive Stroke Center. Committed to advancing medicine to create healthier tomorrows, Medical City Arlington is known for providing a variety of advanced specialty services, including women’s services, labor and delivery, a Level III neonatal ICU, and spine and cancer care. Medical City Arlington was voted “Best Hospital to Have a Baby” in Tarrant County by readers of DFWChild Magazine and ranked by Newsweek among America’s Best Maternity Hospitals for two years in a row.

Healthgrades evaluated patient mortality and complication rates for 31 of the most common conditions and procedures at nearly 4,500 hospitals across the country to identify the top-performing hospitals. This year’s analysis revealed significant variation between America’s Best 250 Hospitals and hospitals that did not receive the distinction. In fact, if all hospitals performed similarly to America’s 250 Best, over 160,000 lives could have been saved.*

“We’re proud to recognize Medical City Arlington as one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2023,” says Brad Bowman, MD, chief medical officer at Healthgrades. “As one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals, Medical City Arlington consistently delivers better-than-expected outcomes for the patients in their community and is setting a high national standard for clinical excellence.”

Medical City Denton, Medical City Fort Worth, Medical City McKinney and Medical City Plano were also named to the prestigious Healthgrades America’s 250 Best Hospitals list.

*Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for years 2019 through 2021 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only.

If you have the ability to stay calm under pressure, this may be the job for you!

Full Time Employment
City Benefits
Star􀆟ng Pay $23.00 hourly
Pay increase to $25.00 a􀅌er one year
Star􀆟ng pay for applicants with current
TCOLE Telecommunicator License - $25.00
Opportuni􀆟es for Advancement
Be a Hero in Your Community

To apply: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/city_hall/departments/
human_resources/career_opportuni􀆟es

Jack Webb, CRPC® , an Edward Jones financial advisor in Arlington, and Tracy Plackemeier, have accepted invitations to become limited partners in The Jones Financial Companies, L.L.L.P., the holding company for the St. Louis-based financial services firm.

"I am honored to be invited to become a limited partner in the firm," said Webb. "I value working at a firm with such a strong sense of purpose -- to make a positive difference for our clients, colleagues and community."

"I couldn't agree more," Plackemeier said. "I've always enjoyed my job and the Edward Jones culture that promotes personal relationships, teamwork and doing what's right for our clients. So, being an owner in this firm is really exciting."

Jack joined Edward Jones in 2014 and has served investors in Arlington for the past 7 years.

Tracy joined Edward Jones in 1998.

Edward Jones currently employs 50,000 associates throughout the United States and through its affiliate in Canada. This is the firm's 18th limited partnership offering in its 100-year history.

The Jones Financial Companies, L.L.L.P. was created in 1987 to enable the firm to expand into new business areas while allowing it to remain a partnership. The Jones Financial Companies, L.L.L.P. owns Edward D. Jones & Companies, L.L.L.P., which operates under the trade name Edward Jones, as well as other affiliates including the Edward Jones Trust Company, Olive Street Investment Advisors, LLC, Edward Jones SBL, LLC, and an international financial services subsidiary in Canada, Edward Jones (an Ontario limited partnership).

Edward Jones is a leading financial services firm in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The firm's nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 8 million clients with a total of $1.5 trillion in client assets under care, as of 3Q 2022. Edward Jones' purpose is to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of its clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society. Through the dedication of the firm's 50,000 associates and our branch presence in 68 percent of U.S. counties, the firm is committed to helping more people achieve financially what is most important to them. The Edward Jones website is at edwardjones.com, and its recruiting website is careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

The City of Arlington invites community members and media to a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Active Adult Center. The ceremony will start at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023.

The voter-approved facility will be located on the southwest corner of the current Pierce Burch Water Treatment site. Ceremony guests are encouraged to park along Woodland Park Boulevard near the intersection of Woodland Park Boulevard and Lakewood Drive.

The event will include remarks from Mayor Jim Ross, City Council District 4 Representative Andrew Piel, City Manager Trey Yelverton and Parks and Recreation Director James Orloski.

The Active Adult Center is expected to open in winter 2024 and will offer a range of programs and amenities for our active adult population, ages 50 and up. Community input is currently being collected on the naming of the facility through Wednesday, Jan. 11. Click here to learn more about submitting a suggested name for the facility.

Arlington, Texas—General Motors has launched an initiative to celebrate the strength of its manufacturing employees. Featuring the tagline, “Earn a Living. Make a Life”, this initiative includes a series of advertisements starring employees from the communities around the U.S. where the company operates manufacturing facilities. An interesting aspect of each featured employee’s life outside of work is presented alongside imagery of the employees inside the plants where they work.

“At GM, we know our global success would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our manufacturing workforce,” said John Urbanic, plant executive director at GM Arlington Assembly. “With Earn a Living. Make a Life, we’ve made a point to showcase actual GM manufacturing employees. This serves as both a way of celebrating the talents of our local colleagues and demonstrates the variety of full lives a career with GM can help create.”

GM employs more than 51,000 individuals in its U.S. manufacturing operations. The overall campaign features 153 employees from 38 GM facilities across the United States. In Arlington, GM is currently featuring five employees from its assembly plant in the following local and Texas media:

• Three digital billboards
• Full- and half-page ads in the Fort Worth Star Telegram
• 125 retail fuel station pump screens
• Online ads
• Television spots (part of a national campaign)

“So far, this initiative has drawn some excitement from our employees,” said Urbanic. “Employees, whether they are featured or not, appreciate the recognition of ‘one of their own’ and it drives awareness in the community that GM is and wants to be a good community partner.”

Earn a Living. Make a Life. will continue to introduce members of the GM manufacturing workforce throughout 2023. To learn more about current featured employees and what’s possible with a career at GM, visit https://www.gm.com/earn-a-living-make-a-life

###

About GM Arlington Assembly

Arlington Assembly produces the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL and the Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade V. It exports vehicles to over 30 countries. The plant currently employs over 5,600 has employed tens of thousands since opening in 1954. It currently operates six days a week over three shifts with over 5,700 employees.

About General Motors
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at gm.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Leader in Surface-Enhancement Industry Celebrates 40 Years in Arlington
Amid General Magnaplate’s 70th anniversary, the organization marks
calling Arlington, Texas, home since 1982.

Arlington, TX (December 16, 2022) - General Magnaplate (Magnaplate) is a world leader in surface-enhancement coatings for metals and other substrates, improving the performance of metals from factory floors to outer space. This year, they celebrate their 40th year at their plant in Arlington, which was established in 1982.

This celebration arrives along with the corporation’s 70th anniversary. To honor the milestones, Magnaplate has rebranded, including a new corporate name, logo, and website. The Magnaplate team recently celebrated its anniversary in downtown Arlington at the Sheraton Arlington Hotel. Still reflecting on their past accomplishments, the team looked forward to what Arlington has in store for them over the next 40 years.

When asked about the impact Arlington has on Magnaplate’s daily operations, Chief Operating Officer Ashley Russo says, “It is with great pride and enthusiasm that our team continues to build upon the legacy started by Doc Covino. Continuous improvement and a commitment to quality have always been paramount to Magnaplate’s success. Our new name, branding, and website allow us to pay homage to the roots we’ve built in Arlington while looking ahead to our future.”

Magnaplate had humble beginnings in a small garage in New Jersey. Shortly after Magnaplate’s founding, the research team sought to improve the performance of metals in outer space and created proprietary synergistic coatings that were more functional and longer lasting than traditional coatings. Magnaplate’s Canadize® coating went to the moon in the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Since then, their engineered surface treatments have been integral to numerous industries, helping protect components against the most severe conditions.

The same quality and innovation that the space industry has relied on have made Magnaplate a trusted name in surface protection across a wide range of challenging industries and applications, protecting ferrous and non-ferrous surfaces against friction, wear, corrosion, chemicals, extreme temperatures, and other threats.

More information on General Magnaplate can be found here.

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About General Magnaplate
General Magnaplate is both a pioneer and a world leader in the science of surface enhancement. Its surface-enhancement coatings have been engineered to provide metal parts and other substrates with corrosion and chemical resistance, super-hardness, and dry lubrication in harsh environments. What started in a small garage in New Jersey still exists as a family-owned business in Arlington, TX, employing 80 and emphasizing the importance of investing in bettering its staff. Now in its 70th year, General Magnaplate prides itself on premier customer service and long-lasting, cost-efficient, and reliable products.

The U.S. Army has chosen Bell to build a new aircraft that will replace the venerable UH-60 Black Hawk, which has been flying soldiers in combat since the 1970s.

Bell received a $232 million contract on Monday—the first installment of what could be a $7.1 billion deal for development and an initial batch of aircraft.

“It’s a chance to move to the next step in this vital program,” Doug Bush, the Army acquisition chief, said during a Monday evening call with reporters.

It’s a huge win that could be worth more than $70 billion for the Textron-owned company in the coming decades depending on how many aircraft are ordered by the Army and foreign militaries.

“For Textron, it is a generational win that rejuvenates Bell's military franchise,” Cowen analyst Roman Schweizer wrote in an Oct. 12 note to investors.

Bell, which pitched the V-280, a tiltrotor aircraft similar to the V-22 Osprey, beat a Sikorsky-Boeing team that had proposed a coaxial helicopter, which uses two stack rotors that spin in opposite directions providing more stability than traditional helicopters.

The tiltrotor can takeoff and land vertically like a helicopter, but rotate its propellers forward allowing it to fly at fixed-wing aircraft speeds.

“The V-280’s unmatched combination of proven tiltrotor technology coupled with innovative digital engineering and an open architecture offers the Army outstanding operational versatility for its vertical lift fleet,” Bell said in an emailed statement.

The contract awarded Monday is for a “virtual prototype,” not an actual aircraft, Army officials said. An initial prototype could come in 2025, but the Army would need to award additional contracts before that happens, officials said.

Army officials touted the speed in which the award was made, saying it has been accelerated by some four years. Over the past nine years, both bidders built and flew demonstrators of their proposals.

“We have taken new authorities from Congress, we have melded them with a very thoughtful, very deliberate approach in terms of trying out things before we proceed and doing things in terms of the program structure to allow us to move at greater speed than originally planned to get this capability in the hands of soldiers,” Bush said.

Officials declined to give specific reasons why they chose Bell over Sikorsky-Boeing other than the Bell proposal was the “best value.”

The losing companies have three days to request a debriefing from the Army about their decision. After that briefing they have the option to protest the Army decision. If they do protest, the Government Accountability Office would conduct a review and make a ruling.

“We remain confident DEFIANT X is the transformational aircraft the U.S. Army requires to accomplish its complex missions today and well into the future,” Sikorsky and Boeing said in a joint statement. “We will evaluate our next steps after reviewing feedback from the Army.”

Bell first unveiled the V-280 in 2013. Unlike its predecessor the V-22, the engines at the end of its wing are fixed, a move that is supposed to lower maintenance costs.

The Army calls the replacement deal the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, or FLRAA.

“We expect initial FLRAA buy to be 750-1K, and mixed fleet of FLRAA + UH-60 for decades,” Schweizer wrote in an Oct. 12 note to investors.

Article written by defenseone.com