Janet S. Owens
County Executive

MEDIA CONTACT:
AACO, Jody Couser (410) 222-1288
EDC, Alexis Henderson (410) 222-7410

Chesapeake Innovation Center Opens for Business

Lighthouse Communication Services Becomes First Client Company

ANNAPOLIS (June 18, 2003) – Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens has welcomed Lighthouse Communication Services as the first client company to the nation's first technology incubator focusing on homeland security technology firms. The newly created Chesapeake Innovation Center (CIC) is now fully open and operational at 175 Admiral Cochran Drive in Annapolis, Maryland.

“The CIC will have a significant impact on the Anne Arundel County economy by growing early stage technology companies,” stated Owens. “I am pleased to welcome Lighthouse Communication Services to our new business incubator. Lighthouse is the first of many early stage technology companies that will help position Anne Arundel County as a leader in the homeland security sector.”

Lighthouse Communication Services is a location-based services company that combines wireless voice and data with GPS technology providing services for emergency response teams, roadside assistance and personal security for the mobile user. The technology approach is unique and can facilitate E911 as well as homeland security applications. It permits GPS equipped cell phones to become portable safety and security devices for consumers and government agencies.

“Lighthouse offers an innovative approach to enhancing safety, security and information services for consumers as well as homeland security applications for federal, state and local government agencies,” states Patrick Shay, CEO and President of Lighthouse Communication Services. “And CIC’s flexible facilities, instant access to strategic contacts and on-site consulting will prove invaluable to our business development.”

“The team of experts and advisors we have assembled is world class, and we are pleased to be supported by Anne Arundel County and the CIC during our start-up phase,” states Glenn Beach, EVP of Lighthouse.

Anne Arundel County has designated the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) as the lead agency on the CIC initiative. Through the services provided by the CIC, Lighthouse will receive coaching on business development and advice on how to raise capital to grow its business. The CIC serves as a hub of technology commercialization, with a focus on the homeland security/defense, communications and information technology sectors, to generate new business formation in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The CIC, located in Annapolis, Maryland, is the first technology incubator in the nation specialized in the development of homeland security technology companies. For more information, visit the CIC at www.cic-tech.org or contact John Elstner, CIC Director at 410-224-2030.