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August 26, 2010

J2 Technologies opens in Cullman

Company leader notes quality of life in area

David Palmer CNHI

CULLMAN — Dignitaries from Cullman County welcomed the arrival of an innovative technology company, which provides software and simulation solutions for advanced technologies at Red Arsenal in Huntsville, at an event Thursday morning.

J2 Technologies opened its doors at 9 a.m. Thursday for a round of speeches and a ribbon cutting that drew economic development leaders, city officials, state legislators, Congressman Robert Aderholt and others from the business community.

“We’re excited to be here,” said J2 president Tim Johnson. “Why? We just can’t explain, but we went to Smith Lake and forgot to leave.”

But Johnson added that he was impressed by core values of Cullman and decided the area was ideal for raising a family and conducting business.

Johnson’s co-founder in J2 Technologies, Linda Harwell, will remain at the Huntsville office. She said the company formed in 2007 and has been deeply involved in working with the Army.

“J2 believes the Cullman area is particularly attractive to high tech personnel because of its quality of education, atmosphere, lower cost of living, and low crime rate, while being in close proximity to Redstone,” Johnson said.

Johnson said he is confident, in moving a portion of his company to Cullman, that the area will supply the necessary resources to benefit J2’s growth and prove to be an asset to Redstone and the national defense program. He also noted Congressman Aderholt’s role in his decision by sponsoring the Federal Business Connections Seminar last December at Wallace State Community College, which he said exposed a lot of companies to Cullman, and Redstone and other federal entities to Cullman.

“Tim has become a great friend,” Aderholt said. “He’s very excited to open here. This is also a win-win for economic development. This will be the start of growth for the future.”

Cullman Mayor Max Townson said a lot of factor are working in Cullman’s favor, including an airport that can meet the needs of a variety of businesses.

“I think we’re in a perfect location to look at technology companies locating here,” Townson said.

Peggy Smith, director of Cullman Economic Development Agency, said the area is suited to a wide range of businesses because of location and the strengths of the community.

“This is a great company for Cullman, and a great family as well,” Smith said.

David Palmer is the editor at The Cullman Times and can be reached for comment at dpalmer@cullmantimes.com; or by phone at 256-734-2131, ext. 213.

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