DALLAS (December 17, 2007)… Dallas, Texas – The Greater Dallas Chamber is pleased to announce that BlackBerry® maker, Research In Motion Limited (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM) has selected Irving, Texas as its U.S. headquarters. RIM is expected to employ over 1,000 people in the region over the next several years, including roles in research and development, technical support, business operations and administration.
RIM is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Since launching the industry leading BlackBerry solution in 1999, RIM’s customer base has grown to over 11 million subscribers and is supported on over 325 carrier networks in over 125 countries around the world.
The company’s expansion was announced today by Senator Florence Shapiro, Secretary of State Phil Wilson, Irving Mayor Herbert Gears, Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO of Research In Motion and Greater Dallas Chamber Chairman Ron Gafford at RIM’s new offices.
“RIM is a world-class organization widely recognized for its innovation and business excellence. We are thrilled that the company has selected our region as the location of its U.S. headquarters,” said Ron Gafford, chairman of the Greater Dallas Chamber and president and CEO of Austin Industries, Inc. “Our region is a magnet for international companies and this announcement illustrates, once again, our region’s merits as a prime location for corporate America.”
“RIM continues to expand its operations to help address the growing market opportunity for BlackBerry products and services around the world,” said Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO at RIM,” said Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO at RIM. “With its talented workforce and strong infrastructure, Irving, Texas is an excellent location for RIM and we’re very excited to be investing in this region.”
The site chosen for RIM’s U.S. headquarters is within Las Colinas’ Riverside Commons, 5000 Riverside Drive, Brazos Building East, Irving, Texas 75039. RIM will be initially occupying over 100,000 square feet. Riverside Commons is a newly renovated six-building office complex, 13-acre campus located within the Las Colinas Urban Center at the southeast corner of Highway 114 and Riverside Drive. The location is adjacent to Lake Carolyn and surround by landscape that includes trees, shrubs, flowers and covered stone providing a park-like setting for the campus. Las Colinas is a part of Irving, Texas and is minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth.
"This is a great day for North Texas as we welcome this wonderful company, and the jobs it will create, to Irving-Las Colinas," said Sen. Shapiro. "Technology is an important industry within this region's diverse economy and RIM, with its BlackBerry brand, is one of the leading wireless communications companies in the world. I am so proud to welcome RIM to North Texas and I am pleased to offer my support and congratulations on this new partnership. RIM is sure to become a keystone corporate citizen in our community."
“For the past several years, Texas has made a big deal about attracting new companies, creating well-paying jobs and promoting emerging technologies throughout the Lone Star State,” stated Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson. “Research In Motion supports these three goals as they bring their U.S. headquarters to Irving. RIM has remained on the cutting edge of wireless communications for more than 20 years and will make a powerful impact in this community and our state for many years to come.”
“The City of Irving is proud to welcome RIM to our outstanding roster of Irving corporations. This is a big win for our region,” commented Irving Mayor Herbert A. Gears.
The Greater Dallas Chamber Economic Development program serves as a single point of contact for companies, location consultants and others examining the Dallas region. The department works closely with more than 70 local economic development organizations to facilitate corporate location and expansion in the DFW area.
The Greater Dallas Chamber promotes regional prosperity through public policy, economic development and member service.
About RIM
Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM’s portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit: http://www.blackberry.com/ or http://www.rim.com/.