DAO Group relocates to Virginia Beach

DAO Group, a computer systems company that provides software and hardware services, will move its corporate headquarters to Virginia Beach with a $2.3 capital million investment.

According to the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development, the company plans to relocate 12 employees from its current headquarters in Chesapeake to Virginia Beach and to add 25 new jobs within 48 months. The annual salaries are expected to average $48,000.

DAO Group purchased 945 Seahawk Circle in Virginia Beach for $1.35 million. The 3-acre site includes a 17,196-square-foot, two-story office and warehouse facility.  An additional $1 million capital investment will include the purchase of new mobile computers and printers for a rental program that the company is launching for business customers and for real estate building improvements.

The facility allows for future expansion of its service lines that includes route accounting for more than 200 manufacturers and distributors in the snack food, bakery and beverage industries, including Utz, Wise, Herr's, Coca-Cola, Schwebel's and Nickel's.

The company also is an authorized reseller of Dell, Honeywell and Zebra products and a partner with Epson and Microsoft.

The Virginia Beach Development Authority has awarded the project a $100,000 APZ-1 Economic Development Investment Program grant based on the company's capital investment since the location is within the YesOceana footprint.

YesOceana was established in response to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's recommendation to close Oceana Naval Air Station in 2005, although it remains open.

The program moves nonconforming businesses out of APZ-1 and recruits businesses that meet zoning and conformity specifications into the area. It is the only program of its kind in the country. According to the city, YesOceana now serves as a model for other localities facing problems with encroachment around air installations.

“We know DAO Group actively looked at other locations outside of the region for this relocation and expansion,” Virginia Beach Economic Development Director Warren D. Harris said in a statement. “We're pleased they selected Virginia Beach, and we welcome this innovative technology company to the YesOceana business corridor.”