Michelin, BRM AERO Sign Distributor Agreement

(Photo supplied by Michelin)

Michelin and BRM AERO, a producer of general aviation luxury light sport aircraft, announced an exclusive 100 percent OEM partnership for global retail sales.   

BRM AERO, based in the Czech Republic, is one of the fastest growing companies in the leisure aircraft field. It also operates a popular flight academy in the U.S. to train pilots on their aircraft.  

“This new agreement continues to expand Michelin’s commitment to a strong partnership with the general aviation industry globally,” said M. Scott Murray, VP of aircraft tire sales, Greenville, S.C.-based Michelin North America, Inc. “By partnering with BRM AERO, Michelin’s premier quality aviation tires will make an already great aircraft even better.”

“Our partnership with Michelin, a world leader in tire technology, represents a new chapter for BRM AERO,” said Martin Bristela, CEO of BRM AERO. “Due to our long-standing satisfaction with Michelin tires that meet our high-quality standards and customer satisfaction, we are proud to announce that BRM AERO is now an official Michelin partner."

Bristela added, "We look forward to future cooperation and a stronger partnership than ever before, standing alongside a company that shares the same values of innovation and quality.”

Michelin Aircraft Tires provide bias tires, radial tires and tubes for aviation customers around the world, in a range of applications including commercial and regional airlines, general aviation and military aviation. 

With 50 years of experience in aircraft tire production, Michelin is a leader in the aviation industry. Michelin works alongside 90 percent of the top 20 airline companies, with almost 50 percent of commercial aircraft landing on Michelin tires in 87 countries.

AFL Acquires Forza Telecom, Enhancing Its Position in Wireless Markets for Major Sports Venues

Spartanburg, S.C.-based  AFL, an international manufacturer of fiber optic cable and accessories and provider of engineering and installation services, said it has acquired Forza Telecom, operating as DGP (DAS Group Professionals), a turnkey service and solutions provider based in Walnut Creek, CA.

Officials said the acquisition further expands AFL’s solutions portfolio with specialized indoor and outdoor Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) capabilities.  

Financial terms weren’t disclosed.

Founded in 2010, Forza Telecom has distinguished itself as a provider of state-of-the-art DAS installations to some of the largest sports venues in North America.

Over the years, Forza Telecom has maintained a solid track record in delivering quality-focused customized solutions with extensive experience in targeted geographies.

Officials said the acquisition will strengthen AFL's U.S. Services' existing position in wireless networking for U.S. sports venues in the West and Southwest while also expanding Forza Telecom's presence in the Southeast region.

In addition, AFL enhances Forza Telecom's capabilities in complex RF design, large-scale installation, ongoing monitoring and maintenance services, the officials said.

The entity will become part of the AFL U.S. Services’ Division under the leadership of Seneca Mullins. 

Founded in 1984, AFL is an international manufacturer providing end-to-end solutions to the energy, service provider, enterprise, hyperscale and industrial markets.

The company’s products are in use in over 130 countries and include fiber optic cable and hardware, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectivity, test and inspection equipment, fusion splicers and training.

AFL also offers a wide variety of services supporting data center, enterprise, wireless and outside plant applications.

AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan.

Sergio Domingues Returns to SC’s Europe Office As Managing Director

South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III said Sergio Domingues is the new managing director of the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s Europe office.

Domingues was with S.C. Commerce from 2012-2018, as part of the Munich, Germany-based team which works to attract European foreign direct investment to South Carolina.

For the last six years, Domingues worked as managing director of the State of Georgia’s Europe office, where he was charged with overseeing business recruitment and retention efforts for mainland Europe while supporting the state’s trade and export assistance efforts.

From 2019-2021, Domingues was president of the Council of American States in Europe (CASE) and led the overhaul and relaunch of this association that promotes the United States as a destination for foreign companies.

Domingues’ other experience includes time spent in various positions within the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America and the Latin America Trade Coalition.

In Germany, Domingues held positions with Germany Trade & Invest, Germany’s federal parliament (Bundestag), and the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Media, Energy and Technology.

Domingues received his master’s in public policy from the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, Germany. He also graduated from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and attended Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.

He is fluent in English and Portuguese and proficient in German and Spanish.

Vice President Kamala Harris to Address AME Church Women's Retreat in South Carolina

The Seventh Episcopal District Women's Missionary Society (WMS) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will host Vice President Kamala D. Harris at its Annual Retreat on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, at the Hilton Myrtle Beach.

Over 1,000 WMS leaders from across South Carolina will convene to renew their commitment to faith and justice through worship, training sessions, and a keynote address from Vice President Harris.

Said Dr. Phyllis N. Green, Episcopal Supervisor, Seventh Episcopal District: "The Women's Missionary Society of the Seventh District is dedicated to amplifying our voices for the transformation of communities in South Carolina through education and empowerment. We look forward to Vice President Harris joining our retreat to invigorate us for the journey ahead."

The Women's Missionary Society Annual Retreat will begin Friday, Jan. 5, with an opening worship service and conclude on Sunday, Jan. 7, with a closing worship service featuring Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr.

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