Steve Cushman
Making It In Santa Barbara. Who says Americans no longer make things? In this ever-increasing service and information economy there is a myth that we Americans, we Santa Barbarians, no longer have the skill or energy to manufacture products. A myth that we are a nation of consumers and information wonks. I don't believe it. I am starting a series of articles on companies "Making stuff in Santa Barbara." Here's the first one, Indigo. Let me know if your company is making stuff here.
Local companies making things and making a difference....
Core by Indigo, a Division of Flir: Have You Seen the Light, or Heat?
Products such as night vision goggles, circuits, and cameras, now have the latest in technology: infrared/UV light and thermography.
Santa Barbara is the world headquarters for Commercial Vision Systems, a division of FLIR. This company is the largest manufacturer in the world of focal plane arrays. Right here in town. Close to four hundred employees. Started here and staying here.
Flir, a company formed in 1978, provides a vast array of infrared systems in more than 100 countries. What is infrared? Infrared allows the human eye to see what we otherwise can't see. Thermography and infrared light allow us to measure and see certain forms of energy from almost any object.
Originally the company provided infrared imaging in vehicles to conduct energy, but now infrared is also used in thermal imaging cameras for the government and law enforced aircraft, to monitor industrial systems, and even for search and rescue operations.
There are now three main divisions in which infrared and thermography is separated. Their first division is known as the commercial systems, which includes infrared products that enable night vision, and senses temperature differences. The second division of infrared products is exclusively for the military. The third division, and probably the most interesting to the general public, is known as Core by Indigo and includes a variety of infrared cameras, enhanced circuits, applications for one's mobile device, and many other every day technological devices.
With thousands of product options, the third division of Flir, Core by Indigo, has made it clear that having a product with the bonus of infrared light or thermography on it, is a must have. Not only that, but by going online, it's easy to purchase as well. Prices vary depending on product and features.
Quarterly Star Awards. The Board has formed a sub-committee that will be composed of board members, ambassadors and staff that will solicit and select quarterly award winners for our four STAR awards. The committee will meet as needed to select the award winners. Current committee members are Steve Byrd, Steve Cushman, Joanne Funari, Marcia Reed, Mike Holliday.
Members may nominate individuals or businesses for consideration by emailing the nominations to Steve Cushman, President, at steve@sbchamber.org. Nominations should include the category for consideration and the basis for the nomination.
Award winners will be announced in March, June, September and December.
Award winners will be invited to attend a board and business leaders meeting for recognition. They will be recognized in our newsletter, on our web site, on our radio programs, in print ads and at the annual dinner. They will be presented with an engraved, symbolic star. They will be invited to our annual dinner for recognition.
The board will select annual winners in each of the four categories, from the quarterly winners, for recognition at the annual dinner.
1. Business Innovation Star. This award is traditionally presented to an individual who has made a significant innovative contribution to positively impacting our world. Past winners include university chancellors, Nobel laureates, architects, researchers and inventors. This award was originally created to link the work at UCSB to the Chamber.
2. Community Collaboration Star. This award is made to a chamber business making a significant contribution to the quality of life and economic vitality of the Region. Past winners have been: Montecito Bank and Trust, Venoco, Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, Yardi Systems, and 50 others.
3. Businessman Star. This award is made to a chamber businessman, who through his actions is a role model for the local community. Past winners have been: Eloy Ortega, Michael Towbes, John Indrieri and 50 others.
4. Businesswoman Star (Betty Hatch Award). This award is made to a chamber businesswoman, who through he actions is a role model for the local community. Past winners have been: Renee Grubb, Karen Chakel, and Phyllis de Piciotto.
