Finding Opportunity During 2020's Challenges

December 21, 2020 | By Cara O'Donnell

Written in collaboration with Sindy Yeh, Business Investment Group

As we approach the end of the year (cue the collective sigh of relief), we ordinarily look back and reflect on some of the top deals for Arlington Economic Development that happened throughout the year. While we can all agree that this year was anything but ordinary and that so many businesses are still struggling with uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, there were several Arlington companies that made significant moves, expansions or even saw an opportunity to branch into entirely new categories during this year of change. We wanted to highlight just a few:

• Raytheon Technologies: A longtime fixture of Rosslyn’s skyline, Raytheon Technologies signed a long-term lease renewal for its 116,000 SF office at 1100 Wilson Blvd. The location serves as Raytheon’s headquarters for its intelligence and space division.
• PBS: As it celebrated its 50th season in 2020, the beloved Public Broadcasting System (PBS), headquartered in Arlington since 2006, moved into new headquarters this summer just a few blocks from its former Crystal City space. The new location is a top-of-the-line 131,000 SF office located at 1225 S. Clark St.
• Enabled Intelligence: This AI and classified data labeling company was founded by longtime Arlingtonian Peter Kant just as pandemic-related shutdowns began in March 2020. Despite those challenges, Enabled Intelligence has continued to grow in 2020, focusing on hiring veterans and those with disabilities for positions in data analysis and labeling.
• KeySquare Labs: After relocating its headquarters from Tysons to Arlington during 2020, KeySquare Labs serves commercial and consumer clients with trusted, cutting-edge technology solutions through customized application of proprietary technologies and research/development.
• Amazon: A newsmaker since the HQ2 announcement two years ago, Amazon reached two major Arlington milestones in 2020. Construction began early in the year on the company’s first new 2 million square foot headquarters building in Pentagon City. Additionally, Amazon welcomed its 1000th employee in Arlington in June, just a year after the opening of its first office space in the community and cut the ribbon on its first fully-leased office building in November.
• HUNGRY: While continuing to disrupt the office and events catering industry, HUNGRY welcomed 2020 by relocating its Arlington HQ from its original Rosslyn home to a larger space in the Ballston neighborhood and soon found itself reinventing its office catering model by offering “HUNGRYatHome,” online cooking demos and partnerships with local sports organizations throughout the pandemic. The company also has a strong commitment to help fight hunger, as evidenced by the 1.5 million meals it delivers each month to seniors affected by the pandemic shutdowns.

This list offers just a sampling of the innovation and resilience shown by Arlington companies throughout 2020. Visit some of our additional blog posts to explore the stories of additional Arlington innovation.