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