Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
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Choctaw, Mississippi - Applied Geo Technologies, Inc. (AGT), the premier tribally-owned digital mapping service, has announced plans to expand its burgeoning technology center in Choctaw, Mississippi. A significant portion of the growth will come from the relocation of AGT’s Illinois production facility. The move, which has been anticipated since AGT’s inception in late 2001, is an important benchmark in the company’s growth plan.

"This consolidation of manpower and technology is aimed at moving AGT’s service capabilities to the next level", commented Allen Hines, President of AGT. "We have worked hard to build a world-class production infrastructure on our Mississippi reservation. Following our recent federal certifications from the Small Business Administration, the expansion of our Mississippi center is an important step in AGT’s business plan."

AGT has maintained a facility in Collinsville, Illinois since January 2002. The Illinois’ production team has played a primary role in the company’s successful management of larger data projects. In less than nine months, AGT completed the geoORTHO dataset, a seamless, nationwide mosaic of aerial photos. This involved full processing of over 200,000 individual images, totaling over 15 terabytes. Following completion, the geoORTHO database size was decreased to a manageable 5.9 terabytes, and enabled users to define specific coverage areas. Other projects include supporting a major timber inventory project involving custom aerial photography and data integration for over 276,000 acres of forestlands, aerial and satellite acquisition and ortho production for Tribal Governments and commercial companies.

The transition of technology and manpower to Mississippi is the latest in a series of recent progressive events for AGT. Earlier this month, AGT announced the launch of it’s online store selling geoORTHO and other geospatial datasets. In April, AGT established a partnering relationship with Lockheed Martin to jointly pursue opportunities in the federal technical services market. During that same month, AGT achieved its third certification from the U.S. Small Business Administration. AGT’s HUBZone, 8(a), and Small Disadvantaged Business certifications enable the company to aggressively pursue federal contract work.

AGT is a tribally chartered corporation wholly owned by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI) d/b/a Chahta Enterprises. It was formed with the express purpose of bringing high technology opportunities to the MBCI, and it is the only tribal business that is authorized, by tribal resolution, to pursue federal contract work. AGT has been approved by U.S. Small Business Administration as an 8(a), HUBZone, and Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) certified company. AGT provides digital mapping, aerial and satellite imagery production, geodetic and photogrammetric engineering, digitizing, and conversion services to federal, state and local governments and commercial businesses. Please visit AGT online, or send e-mail to bburroughs@choctawgeo.com to learn more about Applied Geo Technologies.

Chahta is one of the largest tribally owned manufacturing firms in the United States. Chahta employs 1,500 people at its plants in Mississippi and Sonora, Mexico. The businesses generate more than $80 million in annual sales. It manufactures automotive and non-automotive wiring harnesses and operates an industrial laundry facility. Chahta produces 130 different part numbers and more than 11 million wiring harnesses each year. Major clients include Ford Motor Company, Delphi Packard and Matrix Systems. Chahta is QS9000, ISO9000, ISO9002, ISO1401 and Ford Q1 certified.

The MBCI is a federally recognized American Indian tribe of 9,100 members living on reservation lands in east central Mississippi. Phillip Martin is currently serving his eighth consecutive four-year term as Chief, the Tribe’s Chief Executive Officer. Today, the MBCI is the third largest employer in the State of Mississippi and business locations throughout the U.S. and Mexico with businesses that range from manufacturing to high technology.

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