McLean Biz Buzz: SAIC Helps with Jobs for Vets, SonaBank Grows, Honors for 3 McLean Firms

Welcome to McLean Patch's new column that will keep up with news, goings and comings of McLean's business neighbors. McLean is the address of several Fortune 500 companies --- Hilton, Mars, SAIC, Capital One, Freddie Mac, SAIC and beloved hometown businesses like McLean Family Restaurant, Flowers and Plants. Let us hear from you.

Jobs for Veterans.

McLean-based has launched a new program designed to hire 1,500 military veterans by the end of this year, according to a press release issued by the company.  The program recently announced by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is in alignment with the White House program whose mission is to encourage the hiring of veterans and wounded warriors.

“ has a long-standing commitment to supporting military veterans and their families,” the company wrote in its press release.  The press release also noted that twenty-five percent of its workforce is comprised of military veterans; which adds up to more than 10,000 employees who have served in the military. 

 G.I. Jobs Magazine ranks twenty-fourth on its list of top 100 military-friendly employers. 

also noted that it works with other organizations to “assist transitioning warriors and veterans into professional work environments, offering training and assistance on interview and resume preparation, networking workshops, and employment preparation.”

With nearly 41,000 employees, is a Fortune 500 company which serves customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and other selected U.S. Government civil agencies and industries.

McLean-based Sonabank acquires new branches

 , which has its headquarters in McLean, recently acquired deposits and loans from HarVest Bank of Maryland, according to a press release issued by .  The Gaithersburg-based HarVest had four branches.  They were located in North Rockville, Frederick, Germantown and Bethesda.  All four of those have reopened as Sonabank branches as of last week. 

This transaction gives a total of 19 branches.  Deposits from all of its branches, including those just acquired from HarVest, will continue to be insured by the FDIC. 

“We are delighted to welcome HarVest customers to .  Clients will recognize familiar branch personnel from HarVest who will take care of their banking needs,” said CEO Georgia Derrico. 

The website noted that the acquisition gives $145 million in deposits, $95 million in loans, and $6.2 million in other real estate owned by HarVest.

HarVest was one of two Maryland banks that were recently closed by state regulators.  The other was the Bank of the Eastern Shore.  State regulators turned HarVest over to the FDIC, which sold it to Sonabank, according to an FDIC list of banking institutions in danger of failing. 

Three McLean Companies Earn Highly-Acclaimed Virginia Chamber of Commerce Award

Three McLean companies were recently named the fastest growing companies in the state of Virginia.  The Virginia Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the annual FANTASTIC 50 last month at its annual awards banquet.  Winners from McLean include Integrity Management Consulting, XL Inc., and Trusted Mission Solutions, Inc. 

To be eligible for the award, a company must be “privately held with headquarters in Virginia, show sales between $200,000 and $100 million, and demonstrate positive revenue growth and positive net income in its most recent fiscal year over the previous year,” according to a press release issued by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.  The honor is awarded based four-years of sales revenue.

Integrity Management Consulting, headquartered in McLean, was ranked second on the list of 50 companies.  The company provides acquisitions and project management services on everything from large acquisitions to smaller procurements, according to its website.  Integrity Management was also ranked first in service by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

"We're really proud of what our team has been able to achieve by focusing on our mission of supporting our government customers," said Mary Beth Romani, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer for the company.

Romani and her husband, who founded the company together in 2006, have lived in McLean for eleven years.  "We're proud to be a part of this vibrant community, and proud to be giving back to the community because it's been very good to us," she said.  Integrity Management Consulting is sponsoring two McLean Little League teams for the first time this year.

McLean-based XL Inc. was ranked 20 on Virginia’s FANTASTIC 50 list.  It’s staff of more than 200 also provides a “wide variety of services including project management, acquisitions and contract support, grants management, and professional services,” according to its website.

Trusted Mission Solutions Inc., also headquartered in McLean, was ranked 39 on Virginia’s list of fastest growing companies.  It is an IT and professional services firm which provides services in a “broad range of areas including, law-enforcement, foreign affairs, performance reporting, information sharing, personnel security, health care, and information protection,” according to its website.  The company was also ranked one of Virginia’s “Best Places to Work,” in 2012. 

Have news about your business, let me know. Send your news and pictures to Lori Baker, lbaker27@cox.net.

Also we really want a great classy name for our new column, send me your suggestions then we'll ask readers to vote on their favorite.