April 7th, 2011 

 

Involta wins top Iowa Technology Association Awards! 

 

Involta received two honors at the technology event: Technology Company of the Year (Small/Medium) and the Company?s CEO, Bruce Lehrman, was named CEO of the Year. Involta builds, owns and operates Tier III data centers in the Midwest.  Involta was ranked #40 on the 2010 Inc. 500 list of Fastest Growing Companies in the country. 

 

The 2011 Prometheus Awards, held April 7, at the Meadows Convention Center in Altoona, IA, recognizes companies, innovations and individuals that positively impact Iowa's technology-based economy. Nearly 600 people were in attendance at the Awards to celebrate the best and brightest technology companies in Iowa. According to TAI President, Leann Jacobson, there were 83 nominations submitted this year?a record for the awards.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 29, 2010 

 

Involta, LLC Announces Plan to Build Enterprise Data Center in Akron, Ohio 

 

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Involta, LLC announces plans to build and operate a 46,000 square foot hardened enterprise data center in Akron, Ohio.  Design of the facility is currently underway and Involta anticipates the facility will be fully operational by fourth quarter of 2011. 

The high-security colocation data center will house mission critical computer systems and related components for businesses, government and educational institutions. The $20 million facility will be a stable, predictable, high-performance data center complete with environmental systems and controls, redundant back-up power, specialized fire suppression, and reinforced concrete building construction.  The 46,000 square foot facility will feature 20,000 square feet of conditioned data center space for housing organizations' most important IT assets. 

The Involta Data Center will provide many advantages for both local and national businesses including "the ability to share the high costs of housing and managing mission critical systems and the option of off-site data storage for disaster preparedness planning," said Bruce Lehrman, CEO, Involta.  "It is often not cost effective for businesses to build and support their own data center", said Lehrman. "By colocating, businesses can have the advantages of a data center while actually cutting costs.  Use of this data center will allow business leaders to focus on their core businesses rather than complex infrastructure and facilities issues." 

"The data center will mean more network connectivity and more technology infrastructure in Akron," said Involta Chairman, Lonnie Bloomquist.  "The Involta Data Center will further enhance the Greater Akron landscape as a more attractive location for technology and telecommunication based companies.  Colocation data centers attract other technology based companies in need of critical infrastructure support and protection as well as network connectivity." 

"Without the assistance of Summit County, the City of Akron and the Greater Akron Chamber, this project would never have made it past the idea stage," said Mr. Lehrman.  "This project is yet another great example of a private/public partnership that was able to bring reinvestment that will revitalize our community," added Rick Rebadow, Executive Vice President of the Greater Akron Chamber.   

"Almost ten years ago, the lumber yard here closed and opportunity left this place. But today opportunity is returning," said Governor Ted Strickland.  "Involta's decision to build their state of the art data center here means dozens of new, good paying technology jobs for the south side of Akron. The kind of jobs that pay a mortgage, support a family and give people the chance to build a foundation for their lives." 

"There is no doubt Ohio has a great, skilled workforce, a strong technology infrastructure and the lowest business taxes in the Midwest. That's all part of the Ohio advantage," Governor Strickland added.  "We congratulate the leaders of Involta for recognizing that advantage and deciding to bring this wonderful facility here." 

The Involta data center will be designed to receive LEED® Certification for efficient use of energy, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other green, environmentally sustainable strategies. "The new Involta facility will be world-class, efficient, green and positioned to deliver highly secure and reliable IT infrastructure to businesses throughout the region," said Tad Davies, EVP of Bick Group of St. Louis, who are providing design-build services for the project. 

About Involta 

Involta provides full service data center facilities and the expertise to manage and protect mission critical computer systems and associated data.   

With highly secure physical data center facilities and expertise in data protection and disaster recovery, Involta is a single source partner to ensure critical information is protected and constantly available. 

Founded in 2007, Involta was ranked #40 on the 2010 Inc 500 list of the fastest growing private companies in the United States and is a recognized and preeminent provider of data center facilities and technology services in the Central United States 

 

 

 

August 20, 2010 

 

Involta, LLC Named to Inc. 500 List of Fastest Growing Companies 

 

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Aug. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Involta, LLC, a leading provider of data center services founded in 2007, has attained a ranking of 40th on the list of nation's fastest-growing private companies by Inc. magazine. 

The Inc. 500 list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy?America's entrepreneurs. Companies such as Microsoft, Intuit, GoDaddy, Oracle, and hundreds of other powerhouses gained early exposure as members of the Inc. 500. 

Since its founding in 2007, Involta has shown solid growth as a premier provider of data center services and critical infrastructure protection. Since 2007, Involta has realized a growth rate of 5,438 percent. 

"Involta's recognition by Inc. 500 is a tremendous honor," said Bruce Lehrman, CEO of Involta, LLC. "We have dedicated our vision and efforts to protection of business data and critical infrastructure and Involta has always kept customer service at the forefront of its day-to-day operations. Our recognition by Inc. 500 represents a great honor and is a reflection of the quality of the customers the company serves. We wouldn't be here without their support." 

"We've experienced significant company growth over the past few years and are on track to continue that trend moving forward," said Lonnie Bloomquist, Chairman of Involta's board of directors. "Our employees' commitment to excellence has allowed Involta to consistently win business from our competitors." 

About Involta 

Involta provides full service data center facilities and the expertise to manage and protect mission critical computer systems and associated data. 

With highly secure physical data center facilities and expertise in data protection and disaster recovery, Involta is a single source partner to ensure your critical information is protected and constantly available. 

Founded in 2007, Involta is one of the fastest growing private companies in North America and has become a preeminent provider of data center facilities and technology services in the Central United States. 

 

September 5, 2008 

 

NEW INVOLTA COLOCATION DATA CENTER IN MARION, IOWA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS 

 

Involta also announces the additions of Steve Gray  and Mike Frantz to its board of directors. 

 

( Cedar Rapids, IA) Involta, LLC announces the completion and opening of its 18,000 square foot hardened enterprise data center at 5055 REC Drive in Marion, IA. Construction of the facility began on October 1, 2007.  The data center became fully operational on September 1. 

 

The first of its kind in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Technology Corridor, the high-security co-location data center securely houses mission critical computer systems and related components for businesses, government and educational institutions. The $8.5 million facility is a stable, predictable, high-performance data center complete with environmental systems and controls, redundant back-up power, specialized fire suppression, and reinforced concrete building construction.  The 18,000 square foot facility features 10,000 square feet of conditioned data center space for housing mission critical computer systems. 

 

"The Involta data center will not only support local businesses, it will attract other high technology businesses to the area," said Bruce Lehrman, CEO, Involta.  "Co-location data centers create a sort of 'gravity' that attracts technology oriented business", said Lehrman. "Increasingly, organizations require facilities such as this one for their critical computer infrastructure.  By co-locating in a common data center, organizations can take advantage of a highly secure and protected environment while actually cutting costs." 

 

Involta also recently completed the consolidation of previously separate business units.  In connection with the consolidation, Involta has added two new members to the company?s board of directors.  Effective September 1, Steve Gray and Mike Frantz joined the Involta board. 

 

Mr. Gray has over 25 years of management and leadership experience in the telecommunications and technology industries. He currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ImOn Communications, LLC a provider of cable television, Internet and telephone service in Cedar Rapids and Marion, Iowa. Mr. Gray is also the Chairman of SecurityCoverage, Inc. a provider of personal security software and service.   Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors for Insight Communications Company Inc. and Hawaiian Telcom Communications, Inc, representing The Carlyle Group as a Senior Advisor.  He is also involved in many entrepreneurial activities.   

 

"The contribution of Involta to the technological infrastructure of Eastern Iowa is really quite significant," said Mr. Gray.  "I look forward to working with the Involta board of directors to help guide the company as it continues to change the technological landscape of our community and the region." 

 

Mr. Frantz is an entrepreneur and a commercial real estate investor with holdings of approximately $100 million in Iowa including properties in Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls and Iowa City.  He also has holdings in South Dakota and Texas.  Mr. Frantz is also a consultant for the New York based private equity firm, SlipStream where he assists in the acquisition of business to business integrated marketing services firms.   Mr. Frantz was the founder, president, CEO and board chairman of DataCo, a data analytics firm which was sold in 2005.  

 

"This segment of the technology industry is very attractive to our investment group," said Mr. Frantz.  "We see growth ahead for the sector and for Involta.  I am very impressed with the management team and am pleased to have the opportunity to contribute as an investor and member of the Involta board." 

 

Lonnie Bloomquist, Chairman of the Involta board of directors said, "The additions of Steve and Mike bring new levels of expertise to the board.  Their expertise business development and as entrepreneurs as well as their extensive experience in the technology sector will offer Involta new vision, problem solving ability and will help provide an overall assurance of good governance." 

 

These additions bring the total number of members serving on the Involta board to seven.  They join Lonnie Bloomquist, Chairman and Chief Technology officer of Involta, Bruce Lehrman, Chief Executive Officer of Involta, Ken Kremer, Chief Operating Officer of Involta, Jeff Quint, Chief Financial Officer of Involta and Randall Rings, Board Secretary and Chief Counsel for Involta. 

 

Involta will hold a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at the new data center in Marion on October 22. 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

June 27, 2008 

 

Mount Mercy College Teams with Involta to Offer Business Continuity Workspace to Businesses Displaced by Flood 

 

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (June 26, 2008) Mount Mercy College has opened its campus to area businesses displaced by the worst natural disaster in the history of Cedar Rapids.  The college made Basile Hall available for the use of businesses that are unable to use their own facilities due to damage caused by the flood.  Involta, LLC of Cedar Rapids has joined the effort by assisting businesses using the facility with business continuity services and technical assistance. 

 

Mount Mercy College was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1928 with a mission to provide an education grounded in service to those in need. Today the college staff, faculty and student volunteers are providing a myriad of support services to businesses in need of space and assistance in continuing normal operations. 

 

"This situation was not unanticipated. Months before the flood, Mount Mercy partnered with Involta to implement plans and processes to help area businesses recover from disasters of any kind," said Mount Mercy?s Vice President of Finance and Business Operations Barbara Parks Pooley. "An ethic of community service is a key component of the education we strive to provide. We feel this service is consistent with that ethic. Mount Mercy's reaction to the catastrophic flooding is a powerful example of the college's mission to serve those in need. Working with Involta and housing these businesses is not a diversion of our mission, but a sad fulfillment of it." 

 

Businesses have been located in classroom in Basile Hall. Mount Mercy summer session classes are continuing in other campus buildings.  In addition to classroom space, businesses have been given access to telephones, network connectivity and technical support services to help make being displaced from normal business locations as painless as possible. 

 

"I can't begin to thank the administration of Mount Mercy College for the support they have given my law firm during this recent disaster," said Tim White, President of White & Johnson, PC of Cedar Rapids and a Mount Mercy Board of Trustees member.  "Not only did the college immediately provide us with wonderful and comfortable space, but it additionally provided communication access so necessary to our business through the auspices of Involta.  Through this joint effort we were up and running in a matter of hours." 

 

"Disaster recovery and business continuity planning are an increasingly important part of any organization's success," said Rob Smith chief marketing officer for Involta. "Mount Mercy is a key contributor to our effort to help businesses plan for and survive any disaster." 

 

 

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For Immediate Release 

June 15, 2008 

 

Business Recovery Workspace Available For Organizations Displaced by Flood 

 

Involta, LLC of Cedar Rapids today announced that a limited amount of emergency business continuity workspace is available for businesses affected by the flood.  Involta, in conjunction with Iowa colleges, offers work stations, network connectivity, computers and phone lines for organizations to use in the event that primary work areas are not functional.     

 

Workspace will be made available first to customers who have previously arranged for space and then on a first come, first served basis. 

 

Businesses leaders interested in acquiring space and technical support at any location mentioned above should contact Michaela Coyle at (319) 364-3061 

 

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Downtown data center keeps running despite flood 

By George C. Ford 

Updated June 15, 2008  

 

The Gazette 

 

CEDAR RAPIDS ? With floodwaters swirling around them in the streets of downtown Cedar Rapids, about 20 employees of the Involta computer data center have kept their facility running in the Armstrong and Granby buildings. 

 

Rob Smith, Involta chief marketing officer, said the data center, which serves about 20 clients, was forced to resort to a number of portable generators after main power failed on Friday. 

 

"With a lot of cooperation from the Cedar Rapids police and National Guard, we were able maintain essential network services and never left our facility," Smith said. "We managed to keep the switch gear in the basement of the Granby Building and the network gear in the basement of the Armstrong building operational.  

 

"We kept the electrical switch gear up and running until the water reached 27 feet. When we realized it was going to go higher, we brought in a generator from Peoria on Thursday morning that's about the size of a semi truck. 

 

"Unfortunately by that time, the water was higher than the switch connection points on the building." 

 

Smith said Involta switched to eight small generators, losing power to the core network for about 20 minutes while it made the appropriate connections. 

 

"We've had people running five-gallon cans of gasoline through the building to keep the generators running," Smith said. "We moved some customers to other partner data centers and we moved ImOn Communication's e-mail server into some space it still leases at AEGON Financial Park. 

 

"Dynamic Broadband was a tremendous help to us. We're really proud of the way our employees pulled together and kept things going." 

 

Smith said Involta is offering computer network connections, work space, computers and phone lines at Hawkeye Community College, Des Moines Area Community College and other locations. For information about acquiring space and technical support, businesses should contact Michaela Coyle at (319) 364-3061. 

 

Smith said Involta hopes to hook up the large backup generator in the alley of the Armstrong/Granby buildings as early as today.  

 

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Television Coverage of Involta on KCRG-TV, Cedar Rapids, IA (YouTube) 

March 5, 2008