New name coming for Cable ONE
A new year will bring a new name for Phoenix-based Cable ONE, which will rebrand itself this summer as Sparklight to illustrate the speed and connectivity for which the company is known while symbolizing its new brand promise: connecting people to what matters.
Company President and CEO Julie Laulis said the change reflects the Cable ONE’s transformation from a traditional cable operator to a full-service provider that seamlessly connects customers to the things they care about, including family, work, entertainment and community.
As part of the rebrand, the company will streamline its residential Internet service plans and pricing, offering even faster speeds, added value and the ability to include unlimited data on any plan. Sparklight also will strengthen its commitment to the communities it serves through educational programs, corporate giving, and donations of time and resources. Read more.
Goal: Lead in intelligent transportation
Six member organizations of the Arizona Technology Council are partnering with other groups to launch SVIT (Smart Vehicles and Intelligent Transportation) with a debut at a Jan. 23 summit where they will explain their plans to make Southern Arizona a regional innovation hub for the industry.
Arizona Commerce Authority, City of Tucson, Pima Association of Governments, Pima Community College, Pima County and Tech Parks Arizona have partnered with other organizations to create SVIT whose vision is for the region to become a leader in developing and employing new technologies that address community needs, attract and grow the industry, and drive the economy.
The daylong SWIFT (Smart Vehicles, Intelligent Freight, and Transportation) summit at the UA Tech Park Event Center will include industry updates, technology demonstrations and panel discussions. Read more.
Aspect Software enters merger deal
Phoenix-based Aspect Software has entered into a merger agreement to be acquired by Vector Capital, a leading private equity firm specializing in transformational investments in established technology businesses.
Vector Capital will invest more than $100 million of equity capital in the business of Aspect, a leading provider of fully integrated customer engagement, workforce optimization and self-service omni-channel solutions. “Vector Capital brings substantial operational and financial resources as well as a proven track record of helping enterprise software companies invest in new products, accelerate innovation and build market leading businesses,” said Chris Koziol, Aspect’s president and CEO.
Aspect’s existing lenders will continue to support the company by providing it with a new credit facility at the closing expected in the first quarter. Read more.
Supply chain boost for Coke franchise giant
The two-year supply chain transformation of the world’s largest franchise bottler of Coca-Cola is complete, thanks to the efforts of Scottsdale-based JDA Software.
Mexico City-based Coca-Cola FEMSA operates 67 manufacturing plants and 344 distribution in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Venezuela and Uruguay. The subsidiary of holding company FEMSA has annual revenues of $10.2 billion.
The company’s operational network is now generated by JDA Supply Chain Strategist and seamlessly integrated with JDA’s downstream execution solutions combining supply chain planning and transportation processes. As a result, Coca-Cola FEMSA has the ability to plan its shipments with hourly tracking, which enables the company to archive clients promises on time and in full. Read more.
Endowed chair to honor McCain
In recognition of the late Sen. John McCain’s efforts to help establish the Translational Genomics Research Institute in Phoenix, efforts are underway to honor the senator through the John S. McCain III Endowed Chair in Brain Cancer Research — TGen’s first endowed faculty position.
The holder of the chair will be an innovative investigator who, much like the senator, will embody a “maverick” spirit to drive unconventional, outside-the-box research. The person selected will be part of a world-class translational brain cancer research program committed to pursuing effective clinical applications that set new standards for patient care.
Donors interested in supporting the chair can visit www.tgen.org/mccainchair for more information.