Business Council of Alabama member Torch Technologies Inc. in Huntsville observes its 15th anniversary today but the company already celebrated the milestone with an early observance on Sept. 22 at the newly renovated headquarters and with a ribbon cutting to commemorate the official grand opening of the Freedom Center, a 12,200 square feet conference and meeting facility.
“As we celebrate our 15th anniversary and we take stock of the accomplishments of the company, we should be proud,” Torch President John Watson said. “I am incredibly proud of the impact our employee-owners have had on our customers, our communities, and the Warfighter. Even as we celebrate the success of our past, we continue to work diligently to address the challenges of the future.”
BCA President and CEO William J. Canary congratulated Watson and the entire Torch Technologies family for a job well done over the last decade and a half.
“Torch Technologies is a great example of the entrepreneurial spirit and can-do accomplishment by co-founders Bill Roark and Don Holder,” Canary said. “Torch began with a handful of employees and now provides excellent jobs for about 750 men and women and their families that are not only enabling Torch to maintain its high standards but also contributing to their communities in more ways than one.”
During the anniversary event, Torch presented 15 non-profit organizations with grants of $15,000 each: ALS Association of Alabama, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Club, the Community Foundation Cap & Gown Fund, Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County, Downtown Rescue Mission, Early Works Museums, HEALS, Huntsville Hospital Foundation, Kids to Love, Semper Fi Task Force, Still Serving Veterans and, The ARC.
Torch Helps, which is funded and governed by Torch employees, also awarded grants of $15,000 each to Community Free Clinic, Corpus Christi Hope House, New Hope Children’s Clinic, and 305 8th Street. In addition, Freedom Real Estate & Capital, Torch’s sister company, awarded a grant of $15,000 to the Community Foundation “256” Fund.
Torch Technologies was established on Oct. 2, 2002, in Huntsville with seven employees in its first year. Now it employs more than 750 employees in 15 locations in 10n states, one territory, and one foreign country. Torch is a 100 percent employee-owned small business dedicated to quality technical services, competitive costs, and ethical business practices.
It’s been recognized for its business performance, workplace environment, and ethics: In 2017, Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine named Torch one of the country’s Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services for the second consecutive year.
Torch was also named a winner of the 2017 Best Places to Work in Huntsville award, marking Torch’s fourth time to receive this honor. Washington Technology listed Torch in its annual “Top 100” Government Contractors ranking for the third consecutive year in 2017, and Bloomberg Government listed Torch in its annual “Top 200” ranking in 2017.
Torch was ranked in the Inc. 5000 list for the 11th consecutive year in 2017, and in 2016 Torch was named one of America’s Best Small Companies by Forbes. In 2016, Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine named Torch a Best Medium Workplace.