Research in Motion Selects Irving, Texas for Its U.S. Headquarters

    DALLAS, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greater Dallas Chamber is pleased
 to announce that BlackBerry(R) maker, Research In Motion Limited (RIM)
 ( RIMM) has selected Irving, Texas as its U.S. headquarters. RIM is
 expected to employ over 1,000 people in the region over the next several
 years, including roles in research and development, technical support,
 business operations and administration.
 
     RIM is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative
 wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Since
 launching the industry leading BlackBerry solution in 1999, RIM's customer
 base has grown to over 11 million subscribers and is supported on over 325
 carrier networks in over 125 countries around the world.
 
     The company's expansion was announced today by Senator Florence
 Shapiro, Secretary of State Phil Wilson, Irving Mayor Herbert Gears, Jim
 Balsillie, Co-CEO of Research In Motion and Greater Dallas Chamber Chairman
 Ron Gafford at RIM's new offices.
 
     "RIM is a world-class organization widely recognized for its innovation
 and business excellence. We are thrilled that the company has selected our
 region as the location of its U.S. headquarters," said Ron Gafford,
 chairman of the Greater Dallas Chamber and president and CEO of Austin
 Industries, Inc. "Our region is a magnet for international companies and
 this announcement illustrates, once again, our region's merits as a prime
 location for corporate America."
 
     "RIM continues to expand its operations to help address the growing
 market opportunity for BlackBerry products and services around the world,"
 said Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO at RIM. "With its talented workforce and strong
 infrastructure, Irving, Texas is an excellent location for RIM and we're
 very excited to be investing in this region."
 
     The site chosen for RIM's U.S. headquarters is within Las Colinas'
 Riverside Commons, 5000 Riverside Drive, Brazos Building East, Irving,
 Texas 75039. RIM will be initially occupying over 100,000 square feet.
 Riverside Commons is a newly renovated six-building office complex, 13-acre
 campus located within the Las Colinas Urban Center at the southeast corner
 of Highway 114 and Riverside Drive. The location is adjacent to Lake
 Carolyn and surround by landscape that includes trees, shrubs, flowers and
 covered stone providing a park-like setting for the campus. Las Colinas is
 a part of Irving, Texas and is minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth International
 Airport and centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth.
 
     "This is a great day for North Texas as we welcome this wonderful
 company, and the jobs it will create, to Irving-Las Colinas," said Sen.
 Shapiro. "Technology is an important industry within this region's diverse
 economy and RIM, with its BlackBerry brand, is one of the leading wireless
 communications companies in the world. I am so proud to welcome RIM to
 North Texas and I am pleased to offer my support and congratulations on
 this new partnership. RIM is sure to become a keystone corporate citizen in
 our community."
 
     "For the past several years, Texas has made a big deal about attracting
 new companies, creating well-paying jobs and promoting emerging
 technologies throughout the Lone Star State," stated Texas Secretary of
 State Phil Wilson. "Research In Motion supports these three goals as they
 bring their U.S. headquarters to Irving. RIM has remained on the cutting
 edge of wireless communications for more than 20 years and will make a
 powerful impact in this community and our state for many years to come."
 
     "The City of Irving is proud to welcome RIM to our outstanding roster
 of Irving corporations. This is a big win for our region," commented Irving
 Mayor Herbert A. Gears.
 
     The Greater Dallas Chamber Economic Development program serves as a
 single point of contact for companies, location consultants and others
 examining the Dallas region. The department works closely with more than 70
 local economic development organizations to facilitate corporate location
 and expansion in the DFW area.
 
     The Greater Dallas Chamber promotes regional prosperity through public
 policy, economic development and member service.
 
     About RIM
 
     Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of
 innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications
 market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and
 services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides
 platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information
 including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based
 applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party
 developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with
 wireless connectivity to data. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products,
 services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations
 around the world and include the BlackBerry(R) wireless platform, software
 development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements.
 Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in
 North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock
 Market ( RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more
 information, visit: www.blackberry.com or www.rim.com.
 
 
 

SOURCE Greater Dallas Chamber