“As the technology and customer base from Veracity has expanded, so has our need for additional technical and operating support.  With over 30 years experience in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) engineering, program management, and business development experience, Mr. Andrew is well positioned to manage the day to day operations at Veracity,” said Gary Hensley, President of Veracity.

In addition to having started and managed a small business, Glenn’s experience includes 15 years with SAIC where he assembled and led teams from federal government, university and industry on NDE engineering development contracts.  He also led advanced NDE applications, transducer development and training program efforts at the division.  Glenn’s past experience includes work for General Dynamics Electric Boat Division where he spearheaded an independent R&D project to develop ultrasonic imaging technology and specialized sensors for NDE applications on submarines.
 
Glenn, a recipient of the McDonnell Douglas Model of Excellence and Silver Eagle Quality Awards, has authored numerous technical papers and articles for industry publications.  Glenn holds a BS in Ocean Engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology and an MS in Ocean Engineering from the University of Rhode Island.

“We are pleased to have achieved this milestone.  Becoming a certified AS9100 company demonstrates to our customers the commitment we have to repeatable quality delivery,” said Joe Johnson, President of ICI.

ICI has substantial heritage in successfully working on key programs with leading aerospace and defense companies as a small business supplier.  Being AS9100 certified will afford ICI greater access to Tier I and Tier II manufacturing companies in the immediate future.  The corporate quality policy, which is displayed throughout the facility, highlights ICI’s dedication:  “Integrated Composites, Inc. is committed to meeting customer requirements and increasing customer satisfaction through continual improvement of its products, services, and quality management system.”

Few companies are awarded AS9100 Certification without first being ISO certified; however, because of their strong pre-existing quality program, ICI felt confident moving directly to the AS9100 certification process. The accreditation assessment was performed in accordance with the quality system requirements for both AS9100 and ISO9001:2000, with a scope of registration that includes the “manufacture of composite structures for aerospace and military applications.”

ABOUT INTEGRATED COMPOSITES, INC.

ICI is a fully integrated design, development, and manufacturing company specializing in high-performance structures for aerospace, defense, marine, and industrial applications. The company’s 40,000 square foot facility is equipped with state-of-the-art design, tooling, and fabrication assets.  ICI operates within the Composites Group of AGC Aerospace & Defense.

“We are pleased to welcome Jeff to the APSE family,” commented Tracy Wimberly, President of APSE.  “Jeff’s tremendous experience in the aerospace and defense business will benefit our team.  He’s very familiar with both major OEMs and smaller manufacturers and MROs; and he knows both the sales and operating side of this business.”

As Vice President of Business Development, Gehring will be responsible for implementing strategies for growth and developing strategic alliances.  He will be based out of APSE’s office in Salt Lake City.

Gehring comes to APSE from Kitco Defense, where he served as the director of marketing and business development, overseeing strategic growth planning and leading key teams and initiatives with major OEMs.  Prior to Kitco, Gehring was employed at Wencor, a sister company to Kitco.  Gehring has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Brigham Young University and earned his MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

About APSE
APSE is a leading third party logistics company specializing in on-site supply chain integration, inventory bin management, and full service kitting.  The company provides other value added services such as configuration management, distribution, and manufacture of component and sub assembly kits.  APSE procures hard to find parts for both military and commercial aircraft.  APSE operates within the Services Group of AGC Aerospace & Defense.

“Being recognized as a Platinum Preferred Supplier is confirmation of our commitment to our customers – of providing quality products on schedule with outstanding customer service,” commented Tracy Wimberly, President of APSE.

APSE is an aerospace and defense company jointly owned by the Cherokee Nation Businesses and Acorn Growth Companies.  The Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems honor is awarded to those suppliers who meet a stringent set of performance parameters including zero product defects, on time delivery, and a focus on customer satisfaction.

About APSE

APSE procures hard to find parts for both military and commercial aircraft.  In addition, APSE provides on-site supply chain integration, inventory bin management, and kitting services in addition to other value added services such as configuration management, distribution, and manufacture of component and sub assembly kits. APSE operates out of the Services Group of AGC Aerospace & Defense.

AGC Aerospace & Defense is a leader in supplying technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs.  Operating in multiple locations across the globe, capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio range from financing, engineering, and integration services to manufacturing, logistics, and aircraft modifications.

For information: www.apseinc.com or www.agcaerospace.com or contact:

Jennyfer R. Guebert
AGC Aerospace & Defense
2701 Liberty Parkway, Suite 311

Midwest City, OK 73110

405-737-2676
 Ext. 2012

Tulsa, OK – November 17, 2009 – Veracity Technology Solutions (Veracity), an AGC Aerospace & Defense company, has delivered a new non-destructive inspection capability to the U.S. Air Force which reduces aircraft downtime and costs by speeding aft wing inspections.

The company delivered two customized inspection units to Tinker AFB in September that are specifically designed to locate cracks in the KC-135 aircraft.  An added benefit is that the new inspection replaces hazardous x-ray technology and will provide a much safer work environment.

“We are pleased that we had the opportunity to work with the government to improve this inspection process.  Technicians have qualified and validated the Veracity solution and based on the results, this technology will not only save a significant amount of money, but the aircraft will be back in service faster – and with the high operational tempo of our military, that’s critical,” said Gary Hensley, President of Veracity.

The routine aft wing inspections that aircraft are required to undergo are often time consuming and expensive – requiring six workers up to eight hours to conduct the initial evaluation. Using the Veracity solution, two technicians can evaluate the aircraft’s condition in about an hour.  Aircraft will be able to get to maintenance and repair sooner and the technicians can focus on other critical issues.

About Veracity Technology Solutions
Veracity is a leader in developing customized solutions to provide faster, better, and more cost effective non-destructive inspection approaches for its customers.  Veracity operates within the Services Group of AGC Aerospace & Defense.

AGC Aerospace & Defense is a leader in supplying technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs.  Operating in multiple locations across the globe, capabilities within the AGC Aerospace & Defense portfolio range from financing, engineering, and integration services to manufacturing, logistics, and aircraft modifications.

For information see www.veracityts.com or www.agcaerospace.com or contact:

Acorn Growth Companies, a private equity firm focused exclusively on aerospace and defense opportunities, was evaluated not only on their success regarding capital raised and profitability, but also on other criteria such as innovation, growth potential, and economic impact.  The company has been successful in identifying promising new companies and partnerships and in developing an operating brand, AGC Aerospace & Defense.

Partners Jeff Davis, Rick Nagel, and Warren Thomas accepted the award.

“Our success has been built on a combination of factors: support from the community, trust of our customers and investors, and hard work from our employees. We are both humbled and honored to be recognized with the most prestigious award in Oklahoma’s investment community,” said Davis.

“By adhering to an excellent strategy for identifying, sourcing, and executing opportunities, along with implementing a strong operational strategy, we’ve been able to increase shareholder value and contribute to the Oklahoma’s economic development,” said Nagel.

The Venture of the Year award is widely recognized as the pinnacle of achievement within Oklahoma’s equity investment community.

Members of The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF), a non-profit organization that promotes economic growth in Oklahoma, selected Acorn Growth Companies from a number of nominees.

“We had a large number of high-quality applicants this year.  Acorn Growth Companies’ efforts to partner with other investors, especially in the aerospace and defense industry, elevated the company above its peers,” said Mike LaBrie, OVF Chairman and attorney with McAfee & Taft. “This award has gone to other notable recipients in the past including, the Chesapeake Energy Corporation, StairMaster, and IMTEC which was recently acquired by 3M.”

Acorn Growth Companies oversees management and control of AGC Aerospace & Defense. Today, the firm has over $100 million under management and operating companies.

AGC Aerospace & Defense is a leader in supplying technologies, systems and services that support key commercial and military programs.   Operating in multiple locations across the United States and abroad, AGC Aerospace & Defense finances, engineers, manufactures, procures, repairs, modifies and overhauls aircraft components, subassemblies and systems.

Acorn Growth Companies partner Jeff Davis commented, “Being selected as a finalist is an honor, and we are humbled to be considered for such a prestigious award. Since our inception, we’ve developed a strong portfolio of aerospace and defense companies.  It’s rewarding to be recognized for our efforts in building one of the premier aerospace and defense focused private equity firms.”

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF), a non-profit organization that promotes Oklahoma’s economic growth, evaluated nominees based on a number of criteria including capital raised, profitability, and management quality.  Past award recipients include the Chesapeake Energy Corporation, StairMaster, and IMTEC (now part of 3M).  OVF will select the winner and present the award at a banquet following the Bricktown Capital Conference on 26 October.

Acorn Growth Companies has over $100 million under management and operating companies across the United States with operations worldwide – all under its primary banner, AGC Aerospace & Defense.

For information: www.acorngrowthcompanies.com or contact

Jennyfer R. Guebert
AGC Aerospace & Defense
2701 Liberty Parkway, Suite 311

Midwest City, OK 73110

405-737-2676
Ext. 2012